Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-11-19
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From our regular correspondent.
WASHINGTON, Nov. II, 1881.


Since the elections and the Presi-
dents visit to New York a fresh
batch of gossip and Cabinet rumors
have started. One of these is a re-
vival of the report that DIR. Arthur
seriously contemplates bringing a
wife to preside over the White House.
This is denied by those-who profess
to know, yet everybody admits that
it would be a very nice thing for
such a handsome widower to do.
Those writer's who speak Of Plesi-
dent Arthur as bachelor are mis-
taken. His wife, who was lady
we'll known in Washington, died but
a short time previous to his election
to the Vice Presidency. She was an
intimate friend Of Mrs. General
Sherman and was SO much attached
to her that the President recently
expressed to Gen. Sherman an inten-
tion to call and pay his respects. 1t
was suggested, however, that court
ettiquet made it proper for Mrs.
Sherman to call at the Presidents
house instead, which she did day
or two ago accompanied by her little
daughter. President Arthur was
very deeply attached to his wife it is
said and has lately taken the same
pew in st. Johns Episcopal Church
which she formerly occupied. The
correspondent Of a Boston paper re-
Gently stated that Mr.. Arthur is the
third bachelor President within
twenty-five years. This is wrong
again. James Buchanan is the only
bachelor occupying the Office during
that time.
The latest political gossip briefly
stated is to the effect that Secretary
Lincoln will not remain in the Cab
met, having no particular desire for
the place, especially as there is con-
siderable feeling between him and
Gen. Sherman. 1t is also alleged
that Frelinghuysen will not now be
Secretary of State, having lost heav-
ily in the bursted Newark bank, and,
feeling unable to keep up a $4,000
establishment here on $500. Post
master General James, it is said, has
arranged to take care Of Vanderbilt's
bank on the 1st of next January.
Notwithstanding all statements to
the contrary, Mr.. Filley is on a hot
trail after Mr.. James portfolio.
Some very interesting reading is
promised when Secretary Blaine
leaves the Cabinet and, with Bill
Chandler, gets a chance to relieve
his mind concerning Mac Veagh.
Ex-senator Howe's name is not as
prominently mentioned as is Emory
Storr's as MacVeagh's successor.
1t is stated upon pretty good author
ity that George G. Gorham will sue
coed Mr.. Upton as Assistant Secre-
tary of the Treasury. George stands
no chance to ever again. be Secretary
of the Senate, Notwithstanding his
fundamentally in bringing Ma
homes vote over to the Republicans
for that purpose.
In view of Mahone's successful
generalship in Virginia, he will be a
greater lion than ever in political
circles here. He is now talked of for
a Cabinet position and as possible
candidate for the Vice Presidency.
Virginia is too small for him here
after, and he proposes carrying the
war into other Southern States. One
drawback to this programme is the
fact that none of tue other States
have big debt to repudiate, or ''re-
adjust" Malone has taken suite
of rooms in the new Portland Flat
on Fourteenth street-a fine institu.
tion and the first of the kind in
Washington. Each suite is entirely
distinct and separate from the Others
and embraces every convenience
The seven rooms, including parlor.
in Mahone's suite, are being hand
somely furnished and will be occu.
pied in few days. The rent is
$500 year. Meals, which Of course
are extra, are furnished by the cele.
brated caterer, Gray, who is the ca.
terer for the whole house. The
General, at the last session of Con-