The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-03-12
JUSTICE AT LAST,
Gen. q. S. Grant Placed on the
Retired List.

One of the most thrilling dramatic scenes
ever enacted in the Senate took place IN the
diving moments of the Fortv-eighth Congress,
when Gen. Grant was placed Oh the Retired
List of the Army, with the rank and pay of
General.
The Republicans in the House of Represent
styes were anxious for the passage of the
bin that they conceded contested election
case in which they felt very strongly they had
right and Justice on their side. The House
then passed the bill, and messenger hurried
sway 10 the Senate with the intelligence. In
mediately on receipt of the same Senator John
j. ingalls, arose and asked for the reading of
the bill. The Secretary read as follows:
BE il enacted &c. That the President of the United
States DC, and lie hereby is authorized, 10y and with
the advce and consent of the Senate, to appoint on
the Retired List Of the Army of the United States,
from among those who have been Generals conn
manding the Army Of the United States or Gener-
als-nC hief of said Army, one person with the rank
and full pay Of such General or HcGerii-ln-t hei,
rs Tie case may he; aud the total number now al
lowed by awto compose said Retired Is, shall be,
on such appointment, increased accordingly.
The reading OF the bill was greeted with en-
thusiastic applause by the great multitude
which denSely packed the fcor and galleries OF
the Senate Chamber.
When the applause had subsidized. Senator
ingalls, slaughtered his tall, spare. erect figure
to its full hight. and, addressing the Presiding
Officer said the Nation knew whom tha: " one
person meant. He therefore asked nnani-
NOUS consent that the reference of the bill 10
committee be waived and that il be considered
by the Senate at once.
Several Senators suggested that ii was Sem
ate bill. and the Presiding officer MIR. Gar
land, OF Arkansas stated that as The House
had passed il without amendment, IN his opin-
ion ito further action was necessary. This an
nCuncemcBt was received with the strongest
demonstrations OF approval, in which eli pres
received from the House of Representatives
announcing that the Speaker Of the House had
signed the bill, and ii was then signed by the
President pro tampoye, Mr.. George +. EGmunds,
OF Vermont. This was the occasion Of fresh
applause.
Almost Immediately there was the announce
ment: "A message from the President OF the
United States, and the Chief Clerk read Is
follows:
To the Honorable CEoasE F. EDNCxDs.
President pro c"pars % he 5cadic Of The United
SIp: The accompanying communication, al
Though an executive message may be read III open
session CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
WAsR,NGTo., March 3, 1855.
The President pro TEN. ordered the reading
OF the communication, and the Chief Clerk
read:
To the Senate Of the United States:
nominate Ulysses :. Grant, formerly command
ing the armies OF the United States. to be General
the Retired List of the Army, with the fun pay
of such rank. CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Excel TIVE MANSION. " AsfINGToN March ., 1885.
When the great applause which burst forth
or this announcement and continued Tor sew
eral minutes was somewhat toned down, the
President pro tesnpore, steTniy faithful and con-
scientious to his duties as Presiding Officer,
was family heard rappiBg with his gayei and
stating that manifestations of applause
were "entirely irregular" lie then put
the question as to the consideration of the
natl in NJ rood
to- The question YVES then pat, " Will the Sen
ate advise and consent 10 this appointments
Every Senator present voted il the attrma-
tive. The President pro tcapore thereupon an
nounced that the "ayes" had il unanimously,
when SUCH applause broke forth from foor and
galleries as had never before shaken the Senate
Chamber. None were louder in their hand
clapping or looked happier Than the Senators
who had been Confederate BrigadieTs," Of
whom there were several present.
A greater honor could not have been done
any man, and no nation could have chosen a
more opport,ine moment than The one selected
Tor placing Gen. Grant Oh the retired list. IL
was done in the presence CT the assembled great
OF DER Judiciary, Military and Legislature. 1t
was done III the presence OF the assembled rep
rcseutativea of all the nations OF the earth. 20
whom his decdS of vaior, bravery and mag
nauimity Were known. And ii was fitting that
il should be so done
Gen. Grants commission was then imme-
Giateiy prepared by Secretary Lincoln, but held
by him without further action until Friday,
when President Cleveland sent an inquiry as
30 why it wss not presented fer signature.
Secretary Lincoln responded that it was Gus
tomary that commissions should be counter
signed by the Secretary Of War, and while lie
would be very pcouG TO have his own name
upon the document, be felt that Judge Emdi-
colt would desire TO signalize his entry into
Office by making the signature his first official
act. President Cleveland assentcd to this view,
but signed the commission himself and sent it
back to the War Department to receive Judge
Endic0tt's Signature, which was placed upon il
as soon as that gentleman entered upon his
duties.