National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-09-24
PRESIDENT ARrHua,s PARTNER.
An Interview WIN NINA Tribute 10 Mr.,
Arthur.a worth.

General Arthur is senior member of
the law firm OF Arthur Knevals & Ransom, whose
offices are Mt No. 1866 Broadway. The Offices have
been closed for the last two days account Of the
death ofPresident Garfield. The second member
Of the firm, Mr.. Sherman W. Knevals, was found
last evening at his house. In reply TO question
concerning his knowledge Of President Arthur he
said: 90 have known General Arthur intimately
for many ycars-sinec 1865, / think-and for the
past nine years we have been associated in busi
ness. consider General Arthur on exceedingly
pure.minded and clear. headed man. and there
are few men so thoroughly honest as he is--in-
nately honest. In public and private life he is
quick aud sensitive in all matters affecting his
honor His course all through has been marked
by steady adherence to what he considers right.
His personal integrity is unmpeachable."
What is your opinion Of his executive abilityT
81 regard IL ns marvellous, not only in purely
business mattersin which he himself is interested,
but with everything he has odo. In the manage
ment OF the State Central Committee during the
Garfield campaign he showed his worth. He was
the actual head aud the inspiration Of the whole
work. You know there were large numbers Of
clerks, the correspondence was immense, and the
circulation Of documents enormous, but the
machinery went smoothly aud the speakers were
kept active by reason Of the admirable order
maintained by General Arthur lie has, too, n
tenacious, comprehensive memory, and is able to
grasp readily not merely general plan, but all
Its intricate details. The mnulest questions
which came up during the campaign were laid
hold by him, and his statements were always
slngularly clear"
Has General Arthur ever spoken to you Of his
aims In public life?
IL know that he is peculiarly fitted for public
life, but do not remember that he has ever
spoken specially Of his aims. His nomination as
Vice. .Presidentwas surprise to me; he had never
hinted at anything of the sort think he is am
bilious OF serving his country well in whatever
position he may be called to occupy. One thing,
there need be no doubt as TO General Arthurs
policy. The welfare ofthe Nation will be safe in
his hands as President He will not do q hasty
thing or foolish thing The financial policy of the
Nation Is settled by Congress; no Presidential
least not President Arhur-would think of dis
turbng IT, In his letter Of acceptance l think
there was the true rng-he Is sound on the neces.
sty OF fostering by wise legislation the financial
interests OF the country As to the prosecution Of
the star-routc frauds that is In the hands of the
Attorney General, and the new President will be
just as desirous Of Furnishing dishonesty as any
man."
"What Of General Arthur's patriotism9"
That's all right. There isn't moro loyal
American living to-day. Any man who charges
him with lack of patriotism talks sheer nonsense.
His course all through the war, the good service
he did the State In fitting out regiments In face OF
supreme difficulties, is strong argument In favor
of his patriotism Ex-Governor E. ID. Morgan
could give personal testimony as TO General Ar
thurs career In 1864 and 1865"
"What Of General Arthur's personal intimacies p
SO far as know, they are Of the highest char.
acter"-
"Politicians?'
Certainly not. His warmest friends are men
entirely outside OF politics. l may mention Mr..
Robert G. Dunn and Mr.. Charles L. Tiffany oh,
as to his loyalty to friends, that Is well known.
He is very loyal in his friendships, and he has
many. You see, he is accessible, Of genial dlspo.
sltion, and never reserved In his behavior. He
was Union College man, and ranked high. He
in ford OF reading, and cultiyates quietly his lit
crary tastes, which arc strongly marked. In my
opinion General Arthur represents the best senti-
ment of New York. He is broad and catholic In
his views, not given TO clques, but one who will
take common-sense view of his duties and re.
sponsibllties. He has independence of character,
free from personal animosities is easily placated
has good habits and Is extremely careful In form
ing his judgments"
"What has been General Arthurs conduct since
the shooting Of the late Presdentg
"That of a man who felt deeply the grave posi-
| ton In which he was placed. 1t has been TO him
time Of sorrow, and he has always cherished the
| belief that Mr.. Garfield would not die The intel.
| llgence Of the Presidents death came upon him
like shock, and II was only by vigorous effort OF
his strong will that he was equal to the awful oc.
| pasionu