Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-03-09
The Cabinet.

for secretary OF the treasury, william WIN
dom for secretary of war, Robert Lincoln
for secretary Of the navy, W. H. Hunt; for
secretary of the interior, S. j. Kirkwood for
postmaster-general, Thomas L. James for
attorney general, Wayne Macveagh. The
above names, nominated by the president
and confirmed by the senate, end the long
agony over the subject of the personnel of
the cabinet but open up new one as to its
merits. Some of the names are well known,
others are blushing for the first time in the
light of national fame. In the appointment
of Mr.. Blaine as secretary of state, the pres
ident adhered to the custom inaugurated by
Lincoln in choosing Seward for that posi-
ton. Mr.. Blaine has twice been before the
national conventions of his party as a lead
ing candidate for the presidency. If he has
conspicuous qualifications for the chief mag
istracy he certainly should be able to fill sat
isfactorily the cabinet position to which it
was a natural and graceful act for the presi-
dent to nominate him. Mr. Window is
senator from Minnesota, debt repudi-
ating state. He has been on the heretical
side of the financial question, voting for the
passage of the imitation bill over Grants
veto and for the silver bill over Hayes veto.
From Sherman to Window for the secreta-
ryship of the treasury seems limitless de-
scent. Mr.. Window has gained popular
favor by his opposition to monopolies and
H. ~, 81
recently formed anti-monopoly league. The
New York Tribune vouches for him as the
first choice of Mr.. Sherman for the treasury
portfolio. Between Mr.. WINDOWS record,
his nomination by the president, and his al
legged endorsement by the ex-secretary, there
seems to be triangular incongruity. Mr..
Lincoln is the eldest and only surviving son
of the martyred president. lie is about
forty years Of age, a lawyer in a good and
growing practice in Chicago. The appoint
ment seems to be a sentimental one, but if
he inherits the wits of his father he will
speedily outgrow the disadvantage of mex
perience in public affairs. For no other
member of the new cabinet will the people
so devoutly wish brilliant and successful
career. He was staunch advocate of Cen
eral Grants nomination at Chicago. Mr..
Hunt halls from Louisiana. He has valor-
ously fought the battles of the southern re.
publicans, displaying an uprightness and
courage that won for him the admiration of
his political opponents. He has for several
years been one of the judges of the court
of claims. Mr.. Kirkwood has repeatedly
been governor of Iowa. He was senator
from Iowa in 1866, reelected in 1876, and
resigns to take the portfolio Of the Interior
department. Mr.. James is conspicuous
among all the selections for his eminent and
approved fitness for the position for which
he is chosen. lie has risen from the ranks
and has won all his promotions by honest
Grant made him postmaster of New York,
which position he filled till called up higher
As a postmaster he has gained a reputation
beyond the limits of his own country. lie
has made the postoftice in New York thor
| oughly systematic business institution, al
lowing no party demands to put inefficient
men into Office, or to displace men who have
shown themselves capable. Wayne Mac
Veagh is well known citizen of Pennsy-
vania, but has not held federal Office lie
married daughter of Simon Cameron, but
he has always differed materially from the
Camerons as to leading measures and meth
DDS lie is looked on as leader of the in
dependent republicans of his state, and is a
man OF fine culture and ability. AS whole
the cabinet must be taken on faith, rather
than on proven fitness and ability 1t suf-
fers UNNECESSARILY at the outset by compar-
ison with Mr.. Hayes choice of advisors, but
that aside, it is unquestionably much above
the average of cabinet organizations. Cen
eral Garfield will command the ship. This
fact will signify in administrative councils
and conduct what General Grants com.
mand OF the armies of the nation implied
in the prosecution Of the war of the rebel
lion. The secretaries are all men in the
prime of life, able, aggressive and loyal
representing faithfully republican senti
ment Confding in President Garfield
good Judgment the people will look to SET
efficient officials develop among the mem
bers of the new cabinet.