The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-06-03
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OATES AND GRANT

From the montgomery JOurildi
Ex-Governor William Calvin Oates is
being congratulated on all sides upon his
appointment as a brigadier general of vol
unteers, which fact the Journal printed
on Saturday, and his only hand must be
sore from responding to the cordial, pres
sure of so many friends and well-wishers,
whose kindness makes him hold impromptu
receptions on the streets.
Governor Oates was surprised to learn
of his appointment; he was not expecting
It. When he was in Washington he told
the president to call for him If his services
were needed, but he made no application
for appointment. The president and he
were in the house of representatives to-
gether for many years and became warm
personal friends; though Governor Oates
once voted to deprive Mr.. Mckinley of his
seat in the house on contest, and Mr.. NC
Kinley was actually turned out Governor
Oates is aware of the presidents personal
regard at this juncture, and he has reason
to know that General Wheeler and Con-
gresham Clayton urged mis- appointment
to the volunteer service, as did Judge
Thompson, of Iowa, a distinguished re-
publican member of the house and close
friend of the president.
Governor Oates does not know what his
immediate movements will be. After his
confirmation by the senate and official no.
tifcation from the war department he
will proceed to Washington and report
for orders. AS to appointments on his
staff as general, Governor Oates knows
nothing. 1t is probable, however, that he
will be allowed to name his aidesdecamp.
More than that is improbable, if not inn
possible.
An interesting incident in the life of
Governor Oates is recalled by members
of the Journals staff who witnessed 1t in
the hall of the house of representatives in
1884. General Grant Unexpectedly APP
peared at the capitol and entered the lobby
of the house. Samuel ]. Randall, then
democratic leader on the floor, rose and
made motion that the house take recess
of fifteen minutes to receive General Grant.
The motion was seconded by pig Iron"
Kelly, the actual republican leader, ].
Warren Keifer, of Ohio, being the nominal
Header on that side of the house.
The motion was adopted unanimously by
rising vote, and Mr.. Randall and Mr..
Kelley conducted General Grant to the
open space in front of the speakers stand.
Speaker Carlisle advancing to meet the
illustrious party. General Grant was pain
fully lame from the effects of rec -
fall on the ice, and he hobbled down TIE
aisle on the democratic side between the
two statesmen all the members remained
General Grant took his stand between
Mr.. Randall and Mr.. Kelley and the MEM
bers filed past to shake his hand. Amongst
the first to come up was Congressman
Oates, whose left hand General Grant
.grasped very cordially in a puzzled way
looking two or three times at the congress-
mans empty right sleeve. Approaching
the situation, Congressman Oates said:
II didn't get that with you, general;
got it trying to keep you out of Richmond"
THAT is all right" laughingly responded
General Grant. II am very glad to meet
you, Colonel Oates" following that up
with other friendly remarks while Colonel
Oates colleagues waited and pondered
In July, 1855, General Grant died and
Governor Oates was appointed one of the
generals pallbearers on the part of the
house of representatives