As I went into the
President's office this morning and was passing him to enter the library, he
took occasion to express his satisfaction with my circulars and his thorough
conviction of their rectitude. He was exceedingly pleased with the manner of
their reception by the public. Said Preston King, when last there, had advised
that we should pursue a straightforward course and leave consequences to
themselves.
Leaving the
President, I went on to the library. Stanton and Dennison were there, and, I
think, Ashton and W. E. Chandler. Harlan soon came in. Dennison almost
immediately addressed me on the subject of my circular respecting assessments.
He said it was likely to have an effect on other Departments. He had received
this morning a petition from the clerks in the New York post-office inclosing
my circular, and asking to be relieved of a five per cent assessment which had
been levied upon them for party purposes. I remarked that they were proper
subjects to be exempt from such a tax in times like these, that I disliked and
was decidedly opposed to this whole principle of assessment of employés of the
government for party objects,—if not broken up it would demoralize the
government and country.
Stanton said if I
had issued such a circular one year ago, we should have lost the election. I
questioned the correctness of that assertion, and told him that I took the same
ground then that I did now, although I issued no circular. He said he was aware
I objected to assessments in the yards, but had understood that I finally
backed down and consented. I assured him he was greatly mistaken; that Raymond
had annoyed President Lincoln with his demands, and that I had been importuned
to permit the tax to be levied but that I had never consented or changed my
views, or actions, or been ever requested to do so by President Lincoln.
Dennison said that
Mr. Harlan's committee—Harlan, being chairman—had made an assessment on all
office-holders and he thought it was right. Stanton earnestly affirmed its
rightfulness, and said the Democrats raised two dollars for every one raised by
us. Asked if I did not pay an assessment. I told him I contributed money, but
did not submit to be assessed or taxed. Harlan sat by and said nothing, though
occasionally rolling up his eye and showing his peculiar smile. I told the gentlemen
that, while differing with them, I was gratified to have the President with me.
He came in a few moments after, and the subject was dropped.
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