The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-31
MINISTER TO STOCKHOLM.
The Position Honored by the Appoint
ment of Senator Rufus Magee.
A Nomination Meeting with General Appro-
bation-The Senate Extends Hearty Good
VILLA Sketch of Mr.. Magee.

The announcement Of Senator Rufus Magee's
nomination by the President for minister to
Sweden and Norway was received with general
surprise in indianapolis, and doubtless it was
not more unexpected to anyone than to Mr..
Magee himself. The first information that he
received of the appointment was from the editor
of the Journal, who happened to meet him on
the street and unexpectedly communicated the
news in extending congratulations.
Thank you," replied Mr.. Magee but I don't
know why should be congratulated"
upon your appointment" was answered.
What appointment" inquired Mr.. Magee.
'.As minister to Sweden and Norway and a
telegram giving the news of the appointment
was shown.
Mr.. Magee looked like a greatly surprised
man, and the news seemed to have the effect of
sudden shock to his nerves He expressed
himself as being very much pleased with the in
formation, although he was disposed somewhat
to doubt the truthfulness of the report, because
he had made no application for the position. and
it was far beyond his expectations. When
asked if he would accept the appointment, he
did not say tn at he desired time to consult with
his friends or to consider whether he could
make the sacrifice, but he very promptly an
swered that if he had really been nominated for
the position he would certainly acceptit
REJOICING OVER THE APPOINTMENT.
The news of the appointment was known in
the Senate before order was called after din
ner, and when Senator Magee appeared on
the floor he was given an ovation
by his fellow members, irrespective of party
resolution WAS introduced by Senator Smith,
of Jennings. congratulating the President on
his good Judgment in selecting Senator Magee
for the position of minister to Norway and
Sweden. Two other senators were at the time
preparing resolutions of the same character.
Senator Foulke, in seconding the motion to adopt
the resolution, remarked that, without distinc-
ton Of party, he thought the Senate could unite
in congratulating the administration upon the
fortunate selection which had been made in the
appointment of Senator Magee. Senator Youche,
in behalf of the Republican members, expressed
qualification over the appointment. Although,
as a member of the Senate, Mr.. Magee had fol-
lowed the principles of his party, he had always
treated the minority with the utmost considera-
ton, land he was held in high esteem by all. The
resolution was unanimously adopted, amid gen.
eral applause.
Senator Magee was called upon for a speech,
and in response he said that this exhibition of
kindly feeling was the one tribute of his whole
life. He did not believe that it was an occasion
for words. He could not talk. His heart was
too full for utterance. He would rather have
this attestation of friendship than any appoint
ment within the gift of President Cleveland
He had not asked the appointment He believed
that it was beyond his worth He expressed a
warm regard for all the members of the Senate
and assured them of his heartfelt gratitude
towards them for the kindly feeling toward him
which had been manifested. Tears came into
his eyes as he spoke.
The Senate took recess of ten minutes in his
honor, and he was Immediately surrounded by a
crowd of friends, who shook hands with him and
expressed their congratulations. 1t was, as a
member Of the Senate remarked, kind of love
feast, and it was evident that everybody was
heartily glad that the gentleman from Cass. who
is generally liked and esteemed, had been given
well deserved recognition by the President