Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-07-25

L
thank you for your assistance in my be-
half during the campaign and at the
convention. l appreciate what you have
done, and | intend to reciprocate when
occasion offers. -
"When occasion offers?" thought
Friederichs. "What better occasion
would there ever be than the present."
But he only said II am glad to have
been of service -
The president continued, eff l had
place left worthy of your superior abil-
ities-but l haven't, so it is not worth
While to discuss that
''But, Mr. President, l did not ex-
pect''- He was going to say that lie
did not expect one of the best offices,
when the president interrupted him:
"Of course not You did not give me
your support with the expectation of
reward. Your motives were wholly un-
selfish and patriotic That is why so
warmly appreciate your friendship and
support. -
Did the president purposely misun-
derstand him on was this but an honest
exhibition of obtuseness? A feeling of
indignation and resentment came over
Friederichs, but he repressed it. The
president did not understand his condi-
tion politically or financially. Of course
not, or he would cheerfully offer him
some post under the administration.
Then he thought he would tell the pres
ident that all his friends expected him
to receive some distinct mark of favor;
that he would be humiliated in the eyes
of the people Of his state if he failed to
receive it; that his efforts in the presi-
dents behalf would be a jest for his
enemies. He was ON the point of saying
all this, but his pride overcame hm. If
the president was SO insensible of his
services, he would not run the risk Of
further rebuff by asking favors His
face was flushed and hot. The president
mistook the flush of resentment for the
blush of modesty.
A man of your attainments, Fried
erichs" the president continued after
pause, "should be in public life-not in
an executive or time serving place.
You should be in congress. am sorry
you did not run this last time, but two
years soon slip away. There is 10 rea
son why you should not represent your
district in the lower house two years
from now. If you decide to make the
race, let me know, and will help you.
never go back on my friends, and
count you one of them.
Friederichs put up his hand in prot
estation, but the president continued,
''The lower house is the place for man
like you to make name"
Mr.. President, I cannot afford it.
The cost of campaign is as much as
the salary for term. I am not rich
man"
True but see how many men have
entered congress poor who are now rich
and many of them there now. Of course
they get out of the house into the SEN
ate as soon as possible. It's true the sal
ary is not much, but there are opportu-
mites, Observation-Disclosures opportuni-
ties-for bright man like you in con-
gress "
The flush on Friederichs' cheeks deep
ened He felt parched and choked.
''It is out of the question, Mr.. Presi
dent" he replied as soon as he dared
trust himself to speak. 81 thought it
possible that you might He could
go no further. He would not have said
more had he been able. He was angry
with himself for beginning the sentence.
What? Ask this man for q place? Beg
an office? He would rather face his po-
itical adherents and have them know
the truth. Yes, he would die in a gut
ter before he would further humiliate
himself. The president, however, divin-
ed what he was going to say.
"Offer you something? Quite right,
Friederichs, quite right, but I really
think you would do yourself an injus
tice to accept an appointment. think
we can arrange it-a consular appoint
ment Before we decide, however, I
want you to see Senator Black and al
range the matter with him."
"Why should see Senator Black?"
inquired Friederichs, with an effort to
conceal the amazement he felt.
"Wssat I am going to say must be
confsdsntial," replied the president
''Senator Black has always been op-
posed to me. He has caused me much
trouble of late. sent for him. He was
here a few moments ago. He has agreed
to withdraw his opposition if I give
him absolute control of the patronage
in his state / felt that I could afford
to do that. AS you and Black both come
from the same state, he would probably
consider it breach of faith-at least a
breach of etiquette-if I appointed you
without having the suggestion come
from him or without in any way con-
sulting him. -
Friederichs could scarcely credit what
he had heard He, the faithful support
er of the president, and Senator Black,
the presidents erstwhile enemy, for a
place under the administration! Sen
ator Black, who had come to him at
Chicago and begged him to desert the
cause Of the man who was now presi-
dent! Great God! The room swan be-
fore his eyes, and the form of the presi-
dent seemed but a speck in the chaotic
mass, while voices rang in his ears, "As
cold as an iceberg i'll the polar sea, as
unsympathetic as a frost bitten squash,
as ungrateful'-
When his vision cleared, he felt de-
sire to take the president by the throat
and choke him. He controlled himself
and said in voice that was really calm
and cold:
ST cannot see Senator Black about
this
"You and Black must not be ene-
miles," said the president i'll concilia-
tory tone. "You must settle your diff
ferences and be friends -
'"The senator and are friends-good
friends"
''Then why do you refuse to go to
him?"
Should he tell the president what had
passed between Senator Black and
himself of the offer Of foreign mis-
sion, of Blacks words, 'cold, unsym
pathetic, ungrateful?'' Should he make
the issue Senator Black Or himself and
rely on the presidents sense of honor?
Then came the thought, Would the pres
ident repudiate his contract with Sena
tor Black even though he knew all:
And, again, would not his course be un-
justifable? Senator Black was his
friend Of that he was SuTe No he