The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1883-05-25
PEN PICTURES
OF President Arthur and His Cabinet.

President Arthur is one OF the familiar
figures on Pennsylvania avenue now that
the weather has settled, and summer seems
determined to come to us all at once
When he drives down the avenue it is
behind fine pair of FLOODED horses,
which are good roadsters; but he occas-
ionally varies his outdoor exercise
with a iaunt on horseback into the
country. The president, notwith-
standing the reports that he is in failing
health and has no appetite, is looking
splendidly, and says himself that he has
not been in as good physical conditio n for
q long time. lie keeps a genuine bach.
elor's hall" at the, White House, and there
are very few dinners given there when some
intimate friend does not stretch his legs
under the mahogany and discuss one of
the finest courses that can be produced bv
culinary art. The president 8 devoted 10
the weed" and one of the attendants SAID
tome the other day when | called, .Presi-
dent Arthur is great smoker, and one of
the best judges of the finest brands of
cigars that ever met. He smokes all over
the house after visitors hours; no room is
too good for his cigar, can tell you.''
Private Secretary Philips is another occu.
pant of the White House who enjoys a
good cigar, and the same taste seems to
run down through the entire list of EN-.
plJyes. Speaking on the subject of smok-
only department building in Washing.
ton where it is absolutely prohibited;
and not only that, but visitor
is not even allowed to carry lighted cigar
in his hand while walking through. Mr.
| Folger does not smoke, and one OF his first
| official acts was to enforce the rule against
| it. The habit had become u great nuisance
| in many of the offices where ladies' were
employed, and | have seen men pouring
fourth clouds Of smoke from strong pipes
into an atmosphere which at best was i'm.
pure and Unhealthy. 1t was the abuse and
not the use of the weed that caused Mr..
Folger TO issue his order. The PRESIDENT
cabinet is made up Of men who are totally
unlike in characteristics, and vet
one who has called and talked ireque lily
with them cannot fail to observe
that each has some peculiar fitness for the
position which he occupies. Secretary Fol
ger is q slow, cautious head of the treasury
There is none of the dash of the streets
about him, and he is not to be dazzled
with the financial SCREENINGS Of those who
would use the power vested in his hands
for their own interests. He listens to all
who have business with him with remark.
able patience, and his long experience on
the bench not only makes him careful lis
tener but he knows how to keep his own
counsel until his hest judgment points out
the best decision to be rendered on the par
ticular case which may be up for his con.
sideration. Secretary Frelinghuysen is an
other man OF about the same cha racteris-
tics. He is tall, straight as an arrow, and
his opinions on important subjects are given
very guaidedly. Secretary Chandler has, TO
my mind, the keenest intellect in the cab.
met. The rapidity and ease with which he
disposes OF the intricate business Of the navy
apartment is a source of constant wonder
10 the under officials. He Is man of i'm.
mense executive ability, and he can see as
far into a grindstone as any man. Secre-
tary Chandler gives his personal attention
to many of the details which some of his
predecessors lett to their subordinates, and
1t is this grasp of the real condition of his
department which enables him to be mas.
ter of the situation. II is common saving
here that no matter what the question is in
relation to the navy, visitor can always
obtain an answer from Secretary Chandler
His ideas are pushed by an immense
amount of nervous force and his language
is brief and pungent for the simple reason
that he knows the value of good old Anglo
Saxon words. The president has the
greatest confidence in Mr.. Chandler's fore
sight and judgment on matters of general
interest to the nation, and doubt whether
the opinion OF any memper of the cabinet
is more often sought after and has greater
weight than his. Secretary Lll-
coin is quiet gentleman, and he
came into the cabinet with knowledge of
the war department, which was little
dreamed of outside of the circle of his init.
mate friends. | don't suppose that one
man in hundred knows that Mr.. Lincoln
served as soldier in the late war, but it is
a fact nevertheless, and he was under fire
on different occasions. He was commits.
stoned by his father, President Lincoln, as
captain, and ranked as assistant adutant-
general on General Grants staff. fle was
present at Appomattox courthouse when
Lee surrendered. and afterward retired to
private life. Much has been written and
said oil Attorney-G General Brewster, but
there Is no denying the fact that he is
lawyer of pronounced abilities, and a
court Gus gentleman to those with whom
he comes In contact. Even the office bows
and the messengers in the department of
justice tell stories of his overpowering
politeness for ordinary services rendered
In the routine of Their duties. Post
master General Gresham, the latest add.
ton to the list of cabinet officers, has
produced most favorable impression since
he came into power. He has a quick, dc.
clsive way OF disposing Of the immense
business which comes to his desk that is
totally different from that of his lamented
predecessor, the late Postmaster. General
Howe. Secretary Teller, who presides at
the interior department, Is o clerical look.
ing gentleman, who wears his dark brown
hair brushed straight back from his fore.
head. There are but few men that have
such thorough knowledge of the land and
Indian question as he, and his decision on
these two particular subjects denote o
affairs, He is fine lawyer, and his per-
sonal friendships are deep and sincere.--
[WaBhtpgton Cor, Boston Traveler