New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-10-26
GOVERNOR MORGAN REFUSES OFFICE.
rny TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE


EFFORTS TO PERSUADE HIM TO BECOME SECRETARY
OF THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. WHY THE TX
GOVERNOR DECLINED THE PosIT,ON-A TALK
WITH THURLow WEED
Ex-Governor Morgan declined the Treasury port
folio peremptorily at IL o'clock yesterday morn
ing He sent telepaphic dispatch to President
Arthur at that hour after long conversation On the
subject with the Presidents private secretary who,
with Thurlow Weed, attempted TO pre-
vail upon him to accept the Secretary
ship. The meeting took place at
Governor Morgan's house in Fifth-ave. Afterward
Governor Morgan went down to his place of busi-
ness and remained there all the afternoon. He bad
many callers but declined TO talk on the subject of
his appointment saying only that he had written to
the President in the morning; and all information
must come from Washington. The impression got
abroad early, however, that he had declined the
profered Office and, though entire confirmation did
not come until late in the evening it caused much
comment in business circles.
The reasons given by him for hIs action were the
delicate state of his health and his advanced years
Thurlow Weed, who had strongly urged the appoint
ment of Governor Morgan and who had as strongly
urged Governor Morgan TO accept it, said last night
to TRIBUNE reporter that the declination was
very great disappointment to his and the Presi-
dents friends.
added, land do not know what nc do now.
Governor Morgan's reason is sngly his aversion to
assuming the labors of the position because of his
age and ill-heath. He never consented to accept
the place, but a number of his friends including
myself thought that if nominated and promptly
confirmed he would reconsider his former deter
mination. did not lose hope until this morning
when he sent his declinatiOn. Governor Morgan
put General Arthur his staff years ago. and
they have heen very intimate ever since. l felt
sure that their association in Washington
would have given the Administration a good start
and have added strength to il. Ex-Governor Nor
gan Is admired by everybody and his appointment
gave satisfaction to all He was an ant-Conkng
man. The nomination was made in entire good
faith by the President, although he had no intima-
ton from Governor Morgan that he would accept.
i know this to be fact He hoped. as we hoped
that after the nomination the Governor could he
prevailed upon TO accept. Both of his business part
pers were anxious that he shonld and his business
connections were obstacle for they could all have
been settled within twelve hours
"Nrs Morgan however was anxions that he
should not take work which she feared his health
not equal TO, and her influence was very potent
for she is strong woman. toysrnor Morgan him
self recommended and urged the appointment OF
General HilhUuse, but the latters Obligations to
the Trust Company organized recently OF which he
is OF will be- president, made it impossible for him
the President appointed Governor Morgan knowing
that he would not accept, in order TO make an op-
portunity for Mr.. ConkliDg. Such thought never
occurred 20 him. As have said, he hoped and be-
heyed the Governor would accept, and he has been
&rieyously disappointed"
The refusal of Governor Morgan caused general
disappointment in financial circles IL was hoped
.aat nc had been prevailed upon TO take the Office
only Tor short period At the same tifhe il was
ne had probably acted wisely His intimate friends
so ~no had done all they could to persuade him to
xIceept the position, were respondent. They said
mat Mr. Morgan himself had not wayersd from his
hlst oeerIninaton to refuse the Office Letters had
Sd sent 70 the President however In which con-
was expressed that in case of his being con-
nfmed. Governor Morgan would accept the Office