Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-07-27
COZ. FOSTER ON TIE STAND.


Gov. Chas. Foster has been called upon
the witness stand to testify as to certain
matters and things in regard to the cam
paign of 1880. The Governor makes a
queer witness, something's he knows and
something's he don't. He don't know any
thing about the Jay Gould bargain. He
does know that 100000 was sent to Indi-
ana. He says in an off hand way that
$4,000, or $4,000 was sent to Ohio, though
it was not asked for, and it was a s'sur-
prise" He omits to mention that the
surprise" was so large that the money
was refused. Foster says he did not ap-
prove of President Garfeld's course to-
ward Senator Conkling and the New York
appointments. Gov. Fosters language is
as follows:
was one of those who did not approve of the
Presidents course in this matter: thought that
the rupture could have been avoided and that the
President was wrong in throwing down the
gauntlet as he did. 1 was satisfied he was max
ing great mistake. Maybe he wasn't though;
we can't tell"
The more interesting part of Fosters
abatement is in regard to Dorsey's appoint
ment as secretary of the national commit
tee. In July 1880, Foster, accompanied
by Gen. Barnett of Cleveland, visited New
York for the purpose of perfecting an Or
gan1Zation of the committee. Garfield
gave him etter embodying his views re-
garding the organization of the commit
tee. Foster found the committee impreg-
mated with Ill feeling. There were no Gal
field men on the committee, aud the Blaine
men and Grant men were suspicious and
jealous of each other, and the outlook for
harmony was very doubtful quantity.
The Grant men would not hear to Chand-
Ter or Hale or any Blaine man for chair
men and Blaine men would agree that
Plat or Logan OF any stalwart should
have the position. To gain time and let
the bad blood cool off a committee on
organization was selected, and the COM
mittee adjourned to wait and see what
would turn up. At this point in the mar
rative Foster says:
The prospects of arriving at an amicable IN
derstandng were gloomy, and was never more
discouraged in my life than when went to bed
that night Gen Jewell, you recoIlect, was
made temporary chairman of the committee at
b.
Jectlons from any quarter to continuing him in
that position; but there was great danger of a
stubborn disagreement over the selection of a |
Secretary, which meant a continuation of the
fractional ill-feeling. Late that night, it must
have been O'Clock, Gen. Barnett came to nv
room. He said: Foster, did it ever occur to
you that Steve Dorsey would make a splendid
secretary? Dorsey's name had not occurred
to me before, but, when Gen. Barnett mention
ed 1t, said: He is just the man. / then added
that feared he would not be acceptable to
ce rtain element, several members of the COM
mlttee having denounced him, and said very
harsh things about him touching his character
and general reputation.
l was afraid if his name was proposed these
members might get up in meeting and talk out
The next morning, however, l talked with the |
gentlemen who disliked Dorsey, and they agreed |
that under the circumstances Dorsey's selection |
might be the best that could be made. The |
Blaine men had previously agreed upon Gen. |
Sharpe, of New York, for secretary, as a man
who would be acceptable to Stalwarts; but it was
discovered that he was not acceptable to them |
for what reason never learned. That was the |
way Dorsey came to be made secretary. He |
may have supposed that because I proposed his |
name and asked him to accept the place he was
Gen. Garheld's choice; bnt Garfield never once
mentioned his name to me in connection with
the office. That his selection was satisfactory
to the General, however, have no doubt. They
were old friends, and Gen. Garfield knew his
ability and genius for work.
This statement was called out of Foster
with view to getting from him contra
diction of the budget recently published
by the New York Sun. The Governor,
however, is unable to contradict that state |
ment in any material, vital part. At the |
meeting of the national committee, he |
says, sit was understood at that meeting |
that represented General Garfield, which |
was true" So whatever of counsel, prop
osition or action then and there transpiriug
On the part of Foster, was accepted by
Garfield as his o Rn work, all of which he
agreed to and approved of. Foster init
mates that there was some sort of cloud
IN Dorsey's reputation. For all that, Fos-