The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1881-09-30
GOSSIP AT WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2l.-The living
and the dead occupy about equally the
thoughts Of men who take an interest
in affairs. The sorrow for the dead is
all-pervading, but like an over-shadow-
ing cloud it soon passes. After words
of sorrow fifty spoken, what next finds
expression is "What will President
Arthur do?
The question, as comparison of
views shows, comprehends almost any
thing Of political character, the first
thing being about the Cabinet. AL
ready, as must ever be the case when
questions involving the consequences
of the first step are pending, differ
ence in the views of the now Presi-
dents closer friends 'cxists-a friendly
disagreement, of course. One set favor
a new Cabinet rs speedily as will be
decent. cit must come to that sooner
or later, and nothing will be gained by
temporizing about it, said leader
among positive Republicans of the
StalWart persuasion. elf Arthur
wishes to keep one or more members
of the present Cabinet, he can do so;
but he will have a new Cabinet never
theless. Garfield made q new Cabinet.
No member Of the Hayes Cabinet was
invited to stay. The difference be-
tween Arthur's and Garfield's positions
is purely sentimental. Arthur's Adj
ministration, according to precedent
and in fact, is an Independent eXis-
tence it must be so from the begin
ming to the close. Circumstances i'm
pose certain things of temporary
character. Affairs of Government are
cold and practical, and sentimentalism
has nothing to do with their manage
ment. While 1 am for this, 1 advise
neither prescription nor any extreme.
l. would have Arthur follow Garfield's
example, 80 far as he can !; and would
begin by selecting a Cabinet Of my
friends. In making the selections he
should, and probably will, consult
with friends. From a positive man
like Arthur look for positive things,
and that's the only policy that wins in
the end. I expect Arthur will turn
out to he one Of the best Presidents,
and am not a particle concerned. AS
for the turn in the fortunes of men,
why, they must put up with that, as
others have done.'
Advice and opinions are plenty ;~but
1 have to note that out of at least
twenty persons of the higher level in
affairs not more than two or three said
they thought Arthur should retain the
present Cabinet. The only reason adj
vanced for doing 80 was that it would
be respectful to the memory Of Gar
field, and would be perpetuating his
Administration. OF course such rea-
sons do not stand an instant when they
come to be discussed. Affairs of Gov
eminent are not prosecuted on senti-
mental motives.
"The present generation of active
| men," said a politician of many CAM
paigns, remember John Tyler. The
time that has elapsed is too brief to
render another experience of the kind
possible now. Besides, progress or
civilization is against it, to say nothing
of the awful warning of Tyler's fate.
Forty years are not enough to efface
that terrible example. Another gener-
alton, at least, must elapse before
another Tyler comes to the surface.
Andrew Johnson? That was an
anomalous period, when even better
men might have done worse. No
danger of a repetition of him.