CHAPTER XIX

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SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR IN THE CABINET OF PRESIDENT GRANT.

Political reverses of 1874--The contest in Michigan a complicated one--Republican success by a narrow margin--A close Legislature--Resistance to Mr. Chandler's re-election--His pronounced success in his party caucus--A combination of a few Republicans with the Democrats elects Judge Christiancy--Like results elsewhere--Mr. Chandler's confidence--"A candidate for that seat"--Letter to the Republican members of the Legislature--A seeming calamity proves to be a benefit--Appointment as Secretary of the Interior--Changes in the _personnel_ of the Department--How Alonzo Bell became Chief Clerk--The first blow falls--An entire room closed as a measure of "practical reform"--Purification of the Bureau of Indian Affairs--"The most valuable men" suddenly dismissed--Order against the "Indian attorneys"--President Grant's support--Changes in the Bureau of Pensions and the General Land Office--Mr. Chandler's admirable executive qualities recognized--Anecdotes of his Cabinet service--Fighting the patronage-seekers--A cowardly informer--A head to the Department--An investigation that failed--"Pumping a dry well"--Close of Mr. Chandler's term--Tributes of Secretary Schurz to the practical efficiency of his predecessor. 337

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