St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-03-18

GuSid States, luo AIlduLlC anu 0ulI
states, the District of Columbia and
states as far west and south inland as
Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Every
fort, or recruiting station, in all this
district is under his direct command.
Everything must come to him for final
endorsement or disapproval, and while
his powers are not absolute, since he
has superiors at Washington. they are
we'll nigh so. and il his decisions are
ever reversed the fact is not known.
The day L saw HIM on Governors
Island Gen. Howard was less busy than
usual, yet while l was with him fully a
score of men, petty officers and prIvates
came to him either for advice or to seek
some favor. In some cases leave of
absence was wanted, in others the men
desired advice as to the investment
of their pay in such way that
they would not squander it off
hand. and in yet other cases the
men were before the general for the pur-
pose of receiving some advice that he
thought to be good for them. In every
case the general was genial but none the
less firm. kindly and dignified. There
was nothing of the martinez about him
so far as could see. In each case, too,
he seemed TO make a distinct impress
sion, and good one, on the man with
whom he was dealing.
Il do not find it necessary to be harsh
with the men," said the general. You
see in these days all sorts of men drift
into the service, and tact is needed. In
time of war it is different. AS matters
stand now it is well to temper justice
with common sense and kindness. /
find such policy TO be the best at any
rate"
The duties Of general in command
OF an army department in these days,
though multifariouS. are not interesting
to the ordinary person. Passing upon
the reports of subordinates, approving
OF findings of unimportant courts mar
tlal, reviewing parades on special occa-
slons, keeping more or less sharp eye
upon quartermasters, debating masses
OF correspondence to his superior at
Washington, or to Subordinates in forts
and stations in the East, South and
west, these routine and clerical duties
are not calculated to stir the blood. Yet
Gen. Howard says he likes his work.
The social side of Gen. Towards life
in these times is less monotonous than
is his official. He is distinct quantity
IN New York society, and is much
sought after by those leaders who make
1t point to have some sort of a lion to
roar gently at their social functions.
zen. Howard lives quietly on Governors
Island and entertains but little himself,
but he Is to be met almost everywhere
during the winter months when society in
Newf DIRK lin constant whrl. Now you
may see him al the opera with his wife
and daughter, or again you will meet
him at all afternoon tea exchanging
courtesieS with danes who take an adj
mlring interest in the old warrior. His
faculty for enjoying himself is remark
able. 1t is sometimes puzzle to his
friends how the veteran can seem to
enjoy with about equal vim a small so.
cial affair or a dry lecture upon more
dry subject before the New York His
torical society, for that Is running the
gauntlet with vengeance. But he
does it.
Gen. Howard is also a club man of
renown. He is prominent in the Union
League club and others less prominent.
lie is also a member of the Authors
club and of several literary organiza-
tions. In general way he cultivates
the society of literary men rather than
that of army men, and what is more, he
is popular with them. He at times seems
more proud of his work as writer than
OF his achievements in the West with
Sherman, and he said to me on one oe-
casion that he had the satisfaction of
knowing be was not altogether depend
ent upon his pay. for he made as much
by writing as he received as salary. He
has in his library carefully cherished a
collection of war maps that is almost in
valuable. These are not copies, but
originals drawn by such men as Sher-
man, Slocum. the brilliant and Inflated
Mcpherson, Grant, Sheridan and others.
In some cases these are copies that
were laid before councils of gem
erals and there debated. Here and