New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-09-21
VIEWS OF LEADING MEN.

TALKS WITH PERSONS IN OFFICIAL PoSITTON-rrF
rosrMAsrERs sORRow-PoLICE COMMISSIONER
MAsoN's BELIEF IL GENERAL ARTHUR WHAT
THE BANKERS AND MERCHANTS SAY
Postmaster Pearson spoke very feeliuCly of the
death of the President lie was a man, he said,
whom everyone loved While on political grounds
] IT was perhaps well that General Garhcd's illness
had been 50 protTacted, lie. for one regretted that
tho noble man had suffered so much and so long
Mr. Pearson added that of course it would be i'm
possible to suspend the business of the
Post Office, but while the employees OF
tho department remained ut their POSTS
performing their duty to the public they did
, 81 with heavy hearts and deep sympathy Tor the
family of ihc dead Chief Magistrate
The room of the Post master has hean heavily
drapcd in mourning The massive electric cnuncia-
tor which stands behind SIR. Pearson's desk is
covered with black and an engraving OF President
Garfield, draped in black, surnounts it, The
copmgS OF the doors and windows are also drapnd in
black. Streamers of black and white have been
hung from the pillars the main floor of the Post
Once.
Controller Campbell said Sad as is the death of
the President and it is very sad event. | do not
Sc how the change of Administration can affect the
business interests of the country, provided that he
who is at the head of Government affairs admins
tiers them in the interests of the country. have
/ known General Arthur many years, and for long
time have lived next door to him. He is a lawyer
by profession, has been in public life and is ac-
quainted with men, and have no doubt that he has
the capacity and knowledge to administer the affairs
of the Government well. If the President had
died Immediately after the shooting there
might have been some diSquiet; but the
people were prepared for the worst General
Arthur is capable Of approaching the vast interests
;dcvolving upon him, and will have no other consd-
Grafton, believe, than how to administer the Gov
eminent well and make good name for himself I
do not know of any more pathetic event in history
than the elevation of President Garfield to mis- great
Office only TO be cut down at the beginning of n
good administration, surrounded by happy family
he was, and then 10 die after the long saernps
OF nearly three months think it n very painful
event. But after all, we have changes in the Pres
dental chair every four eight years and they do
not necessarily affect the business interests of the
country"
Police Commissioner Joel W. Mason said in con-
verSauon with TRIBUNE reporter: al have known
General Arthur intimately for twenty years, and
my opinion is hat he will make as good President
as any we have had, without a single exception.
This may seem to you like very strong opinion.
but that is what General Arthur's friends expect
and hope. lie has every qualification for his Office
He is talented honorable and generous. | was his
client some years ago. and had ample proof of his
ability. have boon associated closely with him IN
poltlcs ana can say truthfnlly that never knew
him to countenancc anything which would NOT bear
the light of day. l never knew him TO do anvtbip,
mean in politics in business No better proof of
his honesty could be desired than the esteem with
which he is regarded by the merchants of this CITY
who became acquainted with him when he WAS Col
lector Of the Port
General Arthur is thoroughly kind-hearted
man. No one in the country has suffered more since
President Garfield was shot. think that President
Arthur Will carry out the general policy of Presi
dent Garhelds Administration. / know he was i'm
harmony with Mr.. Garteld's and Mr. Windows
financial views 1t is likely that nc will retain Mr.
Window as Secretary of the Treasury. There may
be several changes in the Cabinet, but know too
little of President Arthurs plans give an opinion
4 on this point Probably all tn members of tle
Cabinet will resign and some of them may not do
sire to retain their places"
Z DO you think Mr. Conkling will be asked n no
come Secretary of State ~
II do not know that he will If IL could Ia
proved 10 both Mr.. Conkling and President Artb,r
that the needs of the country demanded s,ch =
course, think Mr.. Conkling might become Secre-
I tary of State"
Do You think President Arthur Will mako any,
change in the Custom House ~
II think it would not be like General Arthur q,
remove Collector Robertson without lust eansn !
tnk IL Mr. Robertson does his duty rs he is we'll
able TO DO IL, he is likely 10 remain where ma IA