Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-13
ESPECIAL TEIEeaAM 70 THE D1srAroH.,

ESPECIAL TELEpRAM TO THE DlBPATCH.t
WASHINGTON, October 12.-For the first
time since Monday the White House as
sumed condition of quietness to-day,
though number of knights Templar who
still linger in the city called and were re-
ceived this morning in the library, and at
the reception this afternoon there was q
large crowd. This was little more, however.
than may happen at any time. A consider
able number of officials called on business,
among whom were Secretaries Window,
Rusk and Tracy and Senators Spooner,
Manderson and Ransom. The last named,
though a Democrat, feels called upon to
give the President some advice in regard to
the appointment Of Republicans in the old
North State.
Senator Manderson called to give his
views in regard to a Pension Commissioner,
and it is understood favored Campbell, of
Kansas, who las appeared for some days to
be laid on the shelf. The President inti-
mated to him that the reports in regard to
the appointment of ex-Congressman Steele,
of Indiana, were wholly without founda-
tion, but he did not say that Campbell or
any other known candidate would be ap-
pointed. The
PRESIDENT is MUCH CONCERNED
in regard to the affliction of Private Secre-
tary Halford and devotes as much time as
he can to devices to cheer the sick man.
The attack of Mr.. Halford is on the intes-
final organs, and is much more serious than
was at first thought. His constant occupa-
ton of his Office chair is supposed to have
provoked and aggravated what had been
previously trifiing affection. The doc
fnr Co. ba ~ ha ,hl 10 bto
official duties for some time and it is possi-
BILE he may be compelled to abandon the
part of private secretary altogether. His
disability has put severe additional tax
upon the strength of the President this
week, and the latter looks much more pa,-
lid and worn than usual.
Mrs. Harrison also feels keenly the strain
of the week; her nerves are much shaken
and she is forced to remain as quiet as pos
sible. She was much criticised by those
who attended the reception Thursday even
ing for holding an immense bouquet that she
might not be forced to shake hands with the
visitors, but while the bouquet might have
proved burden to hold, it was certainly
less fatiguing than to shake the hands Of
thousands of visitors, each with his own
peculiar shake, and in refusing to engage in
this ancient salutation Mrs. Harrison mere
ly adhered to determination she made at
the time of the Inauguration, and which is
commended by all who are accustomed to
the foolishness of public receptions.
Even to his most intimate friends the
President has
NOT GIVEN A HINT
as.to when Pension Commissioner will be
appointed. or as to who will be selected. It
appears to be doubtful If he himself knows
The 80 days leave granted Commissioner
Tanner will expire within a few days, and
then the Office will be vacant in legal
sense, as it has been vacant in fact since his
resignation. The machinery of the Office is,
of course. SO perfect that it will run itself
for time without friction, but there is
strong desire, both in and out Of it, that a
chief shall be appointed without delay, as
such vacancies are always disorganizing in
their effect. It was thought the President
would reach the Philadelphia Offices this
week, but the visiting knights precluded
further attention than had been given
in that quarter.