The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1885-09-26

afterwards espouSed the principles of the
great democratic party, and since that time
my associates and myself have been regard
ed by the governing power under the teach
ings Of the Blaines, the Shermans, and the
Logans as the allies Of the traitors Of the
South, and unworthy to take any part either
in high or low degree in the public councils
or public service. Completely osracised,
they have not even accredited us with decent
motives Let us not make the great mis-
take of thus treating the great masses Of the
republican party, who are doubtless as pat.
riotcaly inclined as ourselves. | am told
there is different atmosphere in Washing
ton now land | could feel it and the voice
Of SANDER and vituperation among the
thousands Of republican Office holders yet
retained and likely to be under this admins
trariOn is hushed A democrat is taken by
1t IS passport to favor, not reproach to now
be "A democrat Agreeing with Cleveland
administration, so far as developed, in every
respect except one Uhe silver question:, is it
any wonder that took a just pride in max
Ing this visit, taking him by the hand ard
wishing him the most abundant success in
this great enterprise of reform and good
government 1t is patriotic pride. was
also kindly welcomed and treated with
great courtesy and consideration by Cleve.
lands new appointees to whom had letters
of introduction. interviewed Daniel La
mont Private Secretary; Stevenson, Asst
Postmaster General; Sparks, Commissioner
Of Land Office; Oberly, of the Indian school;
Day, second auditor; Eden, NJ C., and 9TH
ers. | could not have received more atten-
ton had ! worn crown But | suppose
you want more detailed account Of my in
terview with the president. 1t was n little
after ten O'Clock Monday morning that
called at the White House and found waiting
in the ante room miscellaneous collection of
well dressed ladies and gentlemen, together
with number of plain business mon, public
officials and few cranks. A very polite
messenger took my card and address to the
president. did not wait very long before
I was called with two other gentlemen by
the messenger and conducted to the library
or reception room, a long spacious room fur
nished with easy chairs and sofas. There
was perhaps dozen waiting an interview
ahead Of me- mostly seated. took a seat
and waited my turn. The president stood
toward one end of the room, partly at the
side and partly in front Of table or secre-
tlry. The conversation was carried on in
too low tone for me to hear distinctly what
he said to the others from my position. But
| could gather enough to learn that most of
the interviewers were either soliciting for an
Office or on some public business connected
with the government. Each interview took
from two to ten minutes. The president did
but little talking himself The others did
the talking principally. He listened. Yet
could see that he WAS an easy converse
tionalist, and could assent or dissent with
positive decision. When my turn came
frankly told him that | was soliciting no Of.
flee for myself or my friends. He seemed
agreeably surprised. The conversation will
not bear repeating. There was no formality
or stiffness about it. The remarks we're the
common place expressions Of men Of the
world in making acquaintance. He inquired
OF mo Of public men in Buffalo and Western
New York, who are mutual acquaintance.
or course it was kind of vain conceit in
me % tell him that we were admitted to the
bar about the same time by the same SUI
prems court judges in the city of Buffalo
He gave me as long or longer an audience than
any who preceded me. OF course | felt
gratifed and fsttered. I am no man wor-
shipper but must say | found the president
a plain, agreeable gentlemen in appearance.
The next interviewer was the famous crank
John Pope Hodnott, lately of Chicago, now
of Washington. He had great book with
the Constitution Of the United States and
wanted the civil service law declared uncon-
by the president. The president
made short work Of him.
81 heard considerable Of criticism of the
president in the East among democrats be.
cause he was so slow in making removals
md appointing democrats to office. But in
hat regard fully agree with him. kno,r
hat the president is determined and ear.
nest advocate Of civil service reform about