Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-07-28
HOW IT STRUCK FoLGER.
Presidential Decision Which Reminded
the Secretary of q story.


From, the Neso York Tribune.
A story is told Of Judge Folger which Is
said to have happened at one of the Cabi-
net meetings at the White House. Presi-
dent Arthur, it appears, wanted q certain
thing done. l forget what it was. 1t is
not material, anyway. He had laid out
his plans, considered the subject careful
ly, taken the advice of competent persons,
was sure what he was about to do was
right, and simply wanted to submit the
whole matter to his Cabinet, so as to be
able to say, if possible, that he had had
thor support. When the Cabinet sat
down in the little room adjoining the liz
brary he presented the subject to them
and gave them his views He spoke
frankly and forcibly throughout, He
made it appear that he had made
up his mind about the matter
and Was gong 20 act accord
ingly, whether his Cabinet agreed with
him or not. AS he was abOnt to reach
the close Of his remarks he went through
the form OF asking the advice Of his Cabi-
net, and wound up by saying:
"Gentlemeu, what is your opinion on
the subject?'
Nobody answered. Frelinghuysen look
ed at Brewster, Lincoln frowned inQur-
ingly at Teller; Chandler wiped his eve
glasses and Gresham strOked his beard.
Finally FOlger, VINO had been quietly rub
bing his chin in a corner Of the room, re-
turned to the table.
THAT reminds me OF a story" he said.
Everybody looked up AZ him. That re-
minds me OF a story" repeated Judge Fol
ger. "There was a man in my town once
whom knew well, VINO had collection
Of pictures OF which he was very proud.
He was man of culture and means. lie
had Travelled extensively In Europe. He
considered himself n cOppOiSsCUf Of pie
lures, and his collection, which il had
taken him years OF toll and labor 20 bring
together, was the special object Of his
care and attention. He delighted in show
ing IL 10 his acqualntanees-in tact, on
every possible OccHsion be invited their
criticism Of II. One day friend called
whose opinion about the collection be was
particularly ANXIOUS 10 know. He had
heard that his friend was considered an
art critic of the fret order. After dinner,
then, he led him into the gallery. They
passed from picture 20 picture, the host
explaining the merit OF each, the time
and circumstances under which IL was
bought and so on. lie considered this
and that picture very fine; In fact, the
whole collection. But he invited his
friend 10 express openly aud without re.
serve his opinion. DO you know" be
said, turning suddenly 10 his visitor, that
man Brown was here the other day. and
would YOU believe it. he had the impu.
dence, when ] asked him what he thought
Of my pictures. 70 tell me they were mere
daubs, not worth the canvas they were
painted on, and tOuse simtiareXpressiOn
OF appreciation. ! felt like kicking him
down those stairs and out Of the house,
and hopping his eXeited brow, the host
once more asked his visitor, Now, what
do you think Of my collection"
Here Judge tOlger stopped. The men,
bers Of the Cabinet gat quiet aud looked
rather embarrassed for few moments.
The President colored eighty, but said
nothing Finally Frelngnuysen smiled
IN "a careful aud diplomatic manner:
Brewster raised bis frllled sleeve 70 brush
the bat behiud which he was concealing
a hOrrd grin; Chaudler's eyes twinklod
with megriment through his glasses
Grcsham'e mouth twitched; Lincoln re-
lANUd Mis- Stern and inrbidding features.