The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-06
THE RETIREMENT BILL.
How the Old Veteran Received the News of
the Action of Congress.

How the Old Veteran Received the News of
the Action of Congress.
New York Special.
The Victoria Hotel, at which Cleveland stopped
while here, was covered with flags and bunting,
and seemed to consider itself henceforth as the
administration headquarters. 1t was a curious
thing. however, that on the newspaper bulletins
the thing which attracted the most attention
was the announcement posted shortly after noon
that Congress had passed the Grant retirement
bill From curb to curb, Sixty-sixth street.
near Fifth avenue, was filed with carriages this
afternoon. Wherever the carriages stopped, the
occupants made their way to No. 3, the residence
of General Ulysses S. Grant, and left their cards
with the butler. This was all they could do for
the faithful negro had special orders not to adj
nit any one, be he great or small, to the house
where the greatest General the country ever
knew lay dying. For dying he is.
A correspondent, after much difficulty sue
ceeded in obtaining an interview with Colonel
Fred Grant.
''What does the General think Of the tardy
action of Congress in placing him on the retired
aistF' was asked.
''He is very much pleased" said the Colonel
There has been nothing in weeks that has
CLEARED him up so much. He feels that his
services have been at last recognized and Justice
has been done him"
docs the General intend staying in the city,"
"How can he get out of the cityW said the
Colonel sorrowfully. she is a very sick man."
What does he think OF Cleveland'S Inaugural
zion to day, in Washington"
The Colonel left the room without answering,
and went into the Generals sick chamber
After few minutes he returned.
The General declines to say anything about
the Inauguration at Washington. And how can
you ask him." he added, reproachfully, while
tear giittered in his eye. How you ask
dying man about politics."
General Grant awoke at his usual time of arts
ing but, not feeling rested, went to sleep again
and did not get up until nearly noon. After
being dressed and taking refreshing bath he
ate a little jelly, which he seemed to relish.
His mind was bright and active, his spirits were
cheerful, and he entered upon his literary work
with zeal that resembled his old time energy
lie had been working but short time when
there was loud ring at the door. The visitor
handed the girl an envelope, and requested her
to give it at once to the General. She did so.
1t was telegraph message; and he opened it
slowly thinking it was only another one of the
many expressions of sympathy with which he
has been flooded lately. AS his eye ran over the
brief message his hand trembled slightly and
change of color spread over his usually impassive
face. He called his wife, and when she came,
handed her the announcement that had just
come from Washington, that the retirement bill
had been passed and signed by the President.
The gallant General, who has looked upon so
many startling sights unmoved, was visibly
affected by this tardy recognition of his services
by his countrymen
After the first shock from the good news wore
of the General relapsed into his usual stoical
condition, and remained for long time in deem
gaeditation. lie then folded up his materials
sad ceased work for the day His condition
seemed steadily to improve, and he ate rather
heartily of minced meat terrapin ana liquid
food for his evening meal, and seemed to enjoy
bis food more than he has for several weeks. In
the afternoon, about 8, the exPresident ordered
his carriage and took drive for about two hours
in the park, and returned greatly refreshed At
night the General was unusually cheerful His
throat was painted with cocaine, and he'went
10 bed in better shape than he has been in for
weeks
DIR Douglas said General Grant has had a
Fedletter day for him. He has eaten heartily,
been out riding, and seems considerably i'm