The Republican journal., 1881-10-13
Good Night.

PRESIDENT ARTHURS SPEECH TO THE REPORT ERS.
The intelligence of President Arthurs intended
visit to New York last week was hardly received
at the metropolis, before reporters were sent ont
to board the train, see who was with him, and to
note every movement of the President and those
around him. for the purpose of giving to every
circumstance political significance The New
\ ork newspapers, 1t seems, have followed this
business for months. Ever since the tragedy OF
the second Of July, reporters have camped upon
General ArtEur's door step, sauntered upon his
sidewalk, rested upon the curbstonc and peered
into the face Of every caller.
Thursday night four dlsconsolate reporters sat
on the Presidents doorstep, after the last caller
had disappeared. The harvest during the evening
had been unsatisfactory, and their delight was
all the greater when Aleck, the colored servant.
unexpectedly threw open the door, saying, Gen
tlemen the President would like to see you. viii
you walk up stars ;"
Here was something worth white The Presi
dent undoubtedly about to give them the
composition of his new cabinet define his foreign
policy let them into the secret OF political changes
i'll New ork, and lay before them MS whole plan
of administration for the next four years.
Aleck showed them up to General Arthurs
library, served wine at the Generals order and re-
tired. The General invited them to sit down, and
carefully shut the doors. Then he made this lit
tie speech; at least, 1t is imputed to him, though
none OF the gentlemen present saw tit 10 pIlDl 1t :
Now gentlemen, what am going to say to you
/ no uOL Wtlt puDIlSHeu | walt 10 nave q conn
dental talk with you about various matters, and
| want pledge of each and every one of YOU that
you will not print a line Of what say, nor any
thing about this interview,
One after another gave his individual promise
and General Arthur proceeded to present his views
quite fully He said:
Gentlemen, ! can go to Washington and remain
in my house without having every aperture around
1t guarded by newspaper men. | came back to
New York on private business and | cannot move
ahn th..I ll hNta al Il h,st
but what reporters watch every foot step. They
see everybody that calls aud publish their names
to the world. If a man who has ever been in any
sense OF the word politician comes, it is lmme
diately interpreted to mean that that man has been
called III, either to take place in my cabinet or
to advise NE as to its composition.
Now, let me assure, you, gentlemen. that poll
ties have not been talked In this house to night [
came on private business because it is necessary
for me to return to Washington and remain there
and could not have my private affairs settled up
here without attending to them personally.
came on for that purpose,
General Sharpe has called here during the eve
ming. Is there anything strange i'll that Has not
he right to come here if he wants to as much now
as before was elected OF even nominated as Vice
President He has been one Of my most intimate
trienGs Tor years, and when he and | have both
been IN town he has seen me on more than halt
the evenings tor half a dozen wears Now, is
there anything improper in his calling at this
time Ii You think SO let me tell you that poll
tics were not alluded to by us tonight. He simply
called as friend to inquire after my health, and
we conversed about personal and family matters
| entirely, and he withdrew early because | was
weary Others have called this evening tor the
same purpose and no other.
Now you saw a lady and gentleman drive up
here, come in and stay awhile and go away again
You did not dnd out who they were. You tried
the coachman and you tried Aleck, and still you
did not ascertain their identity Now am going
to tell you just who they were, but want you to
keep it private That was my niece and her hus
band. He has been away to Europe for some
| months, and | have not seen him. He arrived
yesterday, and | sent telegram asking him to
call He is going to come up here again to NOR
row We did not talk politics He did not ask
me for a place IN my cabinet lie did not want a
place in the New York custom house and he did
not suggest whom should appoint to any of the
high offices of the land did not suppose there
was anything improper in having them call If |
had | would have consulted you about it before
Have another glass of wine, gentlemen | must
bid you good night. / am tired and am going to
bed. You can go back and tell them the man
ayers of your papers thatI assure them upon my
honor that there is going to be no news from this
house to-nig ght There are to be no more callers,
l am going to shut up the house, and Aleck and |
will both retire and there won't be any need Of
your coming again until tomorrow Good night,