Year: 1874

WASHINGTON, April o. 1874.


For several weeks past the health OF Senator
Boutwell, has occasoned great soicitude on the
part OF his friends. He appears emaciated
and very much broken, unable to give
to the ordinary business OF the Senate
that studious attention which has always charac-
terlzed his interest In shaping the affairs OF q
legislative body with which he was acting. Al
though able to get about, he nevertheless
shows unmistakable signs OF anxiety. which,
coupled with the effect OF the death Of his
colleague and the aspersion cast upon him
IN regard to his conduct in the recent contest on
the financial question, show that he has lost that
physical stamina SO characteristic in his
former discharge or duty This mas un-
douDtedly leo to the report now circulated
by MS friends that he can only find relief
in resgnlng his seat in the Senate and engaging
In LIE which would insure not only relaxation
from mental effort, but enjoyment OF sturdy exer-
cise requiring strong muscular effort. That
MT. Boutwell, has thought OF resigning there Is not
the slightest foundation; but, in addition to his
aggravated disease, recent revelations in the
conduct OF the Treasury Department have borne
heavily upon him, increasing great nervous
prostraton, as his name has been unnecessarily
connected with the untoward developments made
Dy tne Investigations OF the Committee on Ways
and Means.





President has under consideration an immediate
cnange IN the management OF the Treasury Depart
he noss that RECKLESS aH
incur the condemnation of the republican
party and ne has listened patiently to the painful
but truthful recital OF the evidence on record
against those in whom he has up to this time
posed the greatest confidence. To-day he
had protracted interview with gentle
men In position to tell him the truth,
more disagreeable than when he was told that his
brother-ln-law was singled out as vict,m OF party
manN0lencp ga naa ar
complaints while man is under fire. 1t would
not mott oe H. honorable nor would II be politc:"
tlemen whose reputation as long republican is
unstalneu, This Is not question OF personal
party, Of which you are the foremost representa-
tive, proposes to stand by stand by its first record
and maintain to the last


or whether personal preference. is to be weighed
against the opinion of the party" The President
frankly acknowledged that he was sorely per-
picked. 1t was enough that the financial question
should divide the party.


There were some things he would quickly and
gladly say on this subject; but was not the; party
IN the Senate severed ON an issue which threatened
a worse dlsrupturea and he had no assurances
the party platform. Why, then, should he
be arralgned because the party did not keep up to
enemies, during the rebellion. knew his ultimate
intentions and he never doubted OF his final sue
cess cess; but in politics in time OF peace.
had put him IN a position more ineXtrcable than
when at the head OF the army. In battle he
had mode Of retreat, while now to
retreat would be to decide against the party.
In word while he sincerely regretted the
occasion Tor public censure, he did not think
1t just that he should be charged with the re-
spOnsiDity or being the savior of the republi-
can party. His discipline as an army officer
led him TO- select men who were OF
the most service when most needed, and 1t
never had been laid to his charge that he
had retained in important positions any one who
had failed in his expectations. This was the con-
ISOLATION the Iaulthnders and weak brethren OBJ
tained for their criticism OF the management OF
the Treasury Department