--There was quite a scene at the
White House Saturday morning. It appears that the
President invited
Senator Baker, of
Oregon, whom he formerly knew in
Illinois, to breakfast with him. The invitation was accepted, and after breakfast the
President invited the
Senator to walk with him to his reception room, where he said a delegation of Californians were to present themselves, and have a hearing in regard to the appointments in that State.
A dispatch says:
β
Senator Baker accordingly accompanied the
President, and a large number of Californians, representing the two factions, were soon in the presence of his
Excellency.
Mr. James W. Simonton, one of the editors of the Bulletin, representing the anti-Baker faction, presented to the
President a protest against the right of
Senator Baker, of
Oregon, to be heard in regard to the appointments in
California.
Mr. Simonton then read an address, said to be couched in severe and disrespectful language to the
President.
It was exceedingly severe upon several citizens of
California, who were known friends of
Colonel Baker, and are in favor of
Mr. Birdseye for Collector.
β
After
Mr. Simonton had concluded the reading of his address, the
President took his manuscript, and, crushing it in his hand, threw it into the fire, and then turning to-the Californians, said--β"I will destroy this in the presence of the parties who bore it. The protest is more respectful, and that I will file for consideration.
Col. Baker I have known for twenty-five years. He is my friend.
This attack upon him is unjust, and not borne out by the facts."βHe then intimated to the protestants that they could go.
A large number of the of the friends of
Colonel Baker, mistrusting what was going to happen, took occasion to be on hand.
Of course they were quite indignant, and some of them denounced the protestants one by one as they passed out of the
Executive mansion.
This affair will have a tendency to change the face of the
California State somewhat.--It is the absorbing subject for the gossipers to-day.
In accordance with the agreement made in the morning,
Senator Baker and
Messrs. L. Stanford,
John Satterlee,
C. Wattrous and
Judge Mott, had a second protracted interview with the
President this afternoon.
A compromise was effected after considerable discussion, according to which
Senator Baker and
Messrs. Stanford and
Satterlee will constitute a committee, upon whose recommendations the
California appointments will be made.
This will put an end to the factious squabble.
