Neither Seward nor Chase nor Stanton was at the
Cabinet-meeting to-day. For some time Chase has been disinclined to be present
and evidently for a purpose. When sometimes with him, he takes occasion to
allude to the Administration as departmental, — as not having council, not
acting in concert. There is much truth in it, and his example and conduct
contribute to it. Seward is more responsible than any one, however, although he
is generally present. Stanton does not care usually to come, for the President
is much of his time at the War Department, and what is said or done is communicated
by the President, who is fond of telling as well as of hearing what is new.
Three or four times daily the President goes to the War Department and into the
telegraph office to look over communications.
Congress is laboring on the tax bill. The Members fear to do
their duty because taxation is unpopular. An old infirmity. Chase has not
pressed for it heretofore for the same reason.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 —
December 31, 1866, p. 16
No comments:
Post a Comment