The times., 1897-04-03
GRANT REFUSES THE HONOR
Notifies the President He Cannot
BE Alger'S Assistant.
HIS EYE STILL ON A MISSION
Freezing c. Foster a Candidate for
superintendent of the Bureau OF
Engraving and Printing-Gen.
Wood dEuri Not Looking for Any
thin. Applicant for Vienna.

Col Fred Grant, of New York, has de-
clined I'lJSIdent McKinley's offer of the
position o AS: istant Secretary OF War,
which was rendered him on Thursday.
His teleer2m to President Mckinley yes
terday declining the proffcred position
of Assistant Secretary OF War, was as fol-
lows:
Although you were pleased to urge
me to think over the matter, it is impossi-
ble for me TO consider the position of AS
sistant Secretary of War, which you were
good enough TO offer me /, therefore,
decline w.tn thanks the appointment, at
the same time regretung that l am not
te serve gour administration, for which
j worked earnestly"
Col. Grants ambition is to again rep
resent The Government in diplomatic
capacity He had his heart set on the
Austrian mission, and when he learned of
the Presidents intention TO al point Char
lemagne Tower he Immediately cast his
eve upon the Russian court. In fact when
dent McKin. eylas5 Thursday, heinn- ediately
surmised that it was the Presidents in
tention to appoint him as breckenridge
successor.
Mr.. Grant was much surprised when the
President rendered him the position of
Assistant Secretary Of War. He read the
handwriting CA the wall, and Immediately
saw that u e rendered position was offered
20. - lf-- g,fT = IN sfT1. N
mission ard for the purpose OF letting him
down as easily as possible.
At first, Therefore, he positively de-
clined to consider the place, and ii was
only at II e earnest solicitation OF 10th the
President and Secretary AlgeT that he even
consented to take the matter under con
sderatiOn His manner showed that he
was disgruntled at the less of a diplomatic
position.
He left the city in haste, and gave no
intimaton as 20 what his fina! decision
would be SO disappointed was he that
he positively declined to state what
plaoe had been offered him. A the resi-
dence OF Mrs. L. S. Grant, on Massa-
chusetts avenue, it was given out with
out hesitancy that Col. Grants preference
was to go abroad.
Col. Grant VIII remain IN New 1OEh
as a member OF the police commission OF
that city His term of office will not
expire for almost a year. and he believes
that In that time an opportunity may
arise that viii crafty his cherished aul-
bition TO obtain u foreign mission.
Mr. Mckinley VIII be in no hurry, how
ever, to appoint Clifton K. Breckenridge's 5
successor at the court of he car. 1t is
said that the warm personal friendship
existing between Breckenridge and Presi-
dent Mckinley may stand breckenridge in
good stead. Notwithstanding the fact that
Mr. Mckinley and the Arkansas diplomat
are bitter political enemies they entertain
feelings Of the highest personal regarl for
each other.
Robert l. Wright, who is a candidate
for conectorship Of the port Of New York,
was presented to the President by Secre-
tary Bliss yesterday. Nj Wright was also
accompanied 10y Henry c Robinson, we'll
known business man Of New York City
Mr. Wright is indorsed by the representa-
tive bankers, brokers and business men of
the metropolis. BE also enjoys the strong
political support Of Col. John j. MCCoOk.
Col Eidwen however. who is seeking
the same position, is being backed by
Senator Thomas c. Platt. and many think
that the easy boss" viii decide who shall
be entitled TO the place
Freezing c. Foster, Of Illinois, who was
q candidate for the position Of Public
Printer is an applicant for superintendent
of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Mr.. Fosters application was p resented
to the President yesterday. 1t is said
that he will receive the support of both
Senators Mason and Cullom and the entire
Republican delegation Of the State, and
Will undoubtedly be selected to succeed
Orlando \. Johnson.
Gen. Stewart L. Woodford, who was
prominently spoken of for a place in the
Cabinet and afterward mentioned in con-
nection with the Spanish mission, was a
caller. Questioned in regard TO the latter
position. Gen Woodford said: 81 am a
candidate for nothing and viii get it,
Gen. Wuodford contemplates taking trip
abroad bout MAY 1, but a. yetis undecided
whether he will 20 to London or Japan
Senator Spouner saw the President in
behalf Of Julius Goldschmid, who wants TO
be appointed consul to Vienna. Goldschmid
held the same position under Harrison's
Adrninistra He is warmly indorSed by
Representative Babcock, and it is said
will secure the place.
Dr. Boetler, OF Kansas City, who wants
to be appointed second auditor Of the
Treasury. saw the President in reference
to his appointment. Col. Buck, the Re-
publican Warwick, who is slated for the
position Of Minister to Japan, made an
appointment with Mr.. Mckinley for to-
morrow, at which time he will discuss the
distribution Of federal patronage in his
State. EX-Representative CheatInan, Of
North Carolina. who wants to be appointed
Register OF the Treasury, called to urge
his appointment.
Others who saw Mr. Mckinley Were.
Senators Elkins, SpoOner, Proctor, and
Represent ative Graft. Bishop Hurst also
called to pay lis respects Murft Hal
stead, who is slated for some diplomatic
positior, dropped in on Mr.. Mckinley for
q few moments during the morning. Gov.
Thomas, Of Utah, who was accompanied
by Senator shoup, Of idaho, called TO pay
bis respects.