"2nd. When things were to be worked out which could only be known to the appointing power. For instance, a gentleman sent me a memorandum from Archbishop McCloskey suggesting two Catholic gentlemen for the Board of State Charities. He did not know that I had but three vacancies from N. Y., and that Mr. Jno. C. Deveraux, of Utica, would go out by expiration of his term if not reappointed. I sent to him to have his choice between the two he named, if only one of them could be taken, and to inform him about Dr. D. He gladly preferred the latter to one of his own nominees. Mr. D., you must know, is one of the best families of the interior, of the old and early Catholic aristocracy—a brother-in-law of Senator Kernan. How could I drop him?
"The one whom the archbishop preferred is the one who stands at the head of your list—Henry Hoguet. Then I wished to take one of the Hebrew persuasion if I could get a satisfactory one. I have good names, but location may compel me to forego this purpose.
"Then Mr. Howard Potter, who is one of the members resigning, making the vacancies I am to fill, has applied for an opportunity to see me before I make the appointment.
"These arrangements take time, only known to me.
"The case delayed the most was that of judge in this district. There were applicants from communities from all over the district. The appointment was made in a few hours after the last hearing was given, which it would have been an offence to refuse. I have more doubt about the delay in this case than in any other, but the result is general satisfaction.
"3rd. But the real grumble is from those who ask for action which is doubtful or suspicious or which is certainly wrong.
"Our friend, Mr. Speaker MacGuire's grievance is this: There has been started the erection by the State of public buildings at four places beside the capital of a most extravagant character. One was the Elmira Reformatory. This was taken out of the hands of a commissioner and put in charge of an architect. Him I have the power to remove.
"Soon after I came here my old acquaintance, Steve Arnot, broke in half drunk, leading in the Speaker, Charles Walker, and Senator Bradley.
"He insisted that I should instantly turn out the architect and put in a man named by him.
"As there was no work going on, and the change might involve questions about contracts which had been broken—new ones pending, others to be made, and would involve the whole responsibility of wisdom and frugality and honesty in the construction—I thought the Governor had better not abdicate his functions, but had better look carefully into the whole matter before he embarked himself and the party on the adventure.