Seward presented
some matters of interest in relation to the Spanish-American States. Spain is
getting in difficulty with Chili and also Peru, and Seward writes to Mr. Perry,
Secretary of Legation (J. P. Hale is Minister), suggesting arbitration, etc.
Stanton submitted
some reports in regard to the health of Jeff Davis, who has erysipelas and a
carbuncle. Attorney-General Speed says he is waiting to hear from associate
counsel in the case. These associates, he says, are Evarts of New York and
Clifford of Massachusetts, both learned and able counsel before the court, but
not as distinguished for success with a jury. The President, I saw by his
manner and by an inquiry which he put, had not been consulted or was not aware
that these gentlemen had been selected. So with other members of the Cabinet,
except Stanton and Seward. These two gentlemen had evidently been advised with
by the Attorney-General, no doubt directed him.
I would have
suggested that General Butler should be associated in this trial, not that I
give him unreserved confidence as a politician or statesman, but he possesses
great ability, courage, strength, I may add audacity, as a lawyer, and he
belongs to a school which at this time and in such a trial should have a voice.
Our friends should not permit personal feelings to control them in so important
a matter as selecting counsel to try such a criminal.
The President said
he had invited an interview with Chief Justice Chase as a matter of courtesy,
not knowing but he might have some suggestion to make as to time, place of trial,
etc.; but the learned judge declined to hold conference on the subject, though
not to advise on other grave and important questions when there was to be
judicial action. I see the President detests the traits of the Judge. Cowardly
and aspiring, shirking and presumptuous, forward and evasive; . . . an
ambitious politician; possessed of mental resources yet afraid to use them,
irresolute as well as ambitious; intriguing, selfish, cold, grasping, and
unreliable when he fancies his personal advancement is concerned.
