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The administrative business of the nation is conducted by seven chief officers, or heads of departments, who form what is called the 'Cabinet.' They are chosen by the president, but must be approved of by the Senate. Each of them presides over a separate department, and has to act under the immediate authority of the president. The heads of departments are:—

1. The Secretary of State and of Foreign Affairs.—Hamilton Fish, born in the city of New York, 1809; studied for the bar, and graduated at Columbia College; successively member of the State Legislature of New York, member of Congress, governor of the State of New York, and United States Senator; appointed Secretary of State, March 11, 1869.

2. Secretary of the Treasury.—George Boutwell, born in the State of Massachusetts, 1818; educated for the mercantile career; successively member of the State Legislature and Governor of Massachusetts; Commissioner of Inland Revenue, 1861-67; member of Congress since 1863. Appointed Secretary of the Treasury, March 11, 1869.

3. Secretary of War.—Major General William Belknap, born in the State of Iowa, 1831; educated at Princeton College, New Jersey; entered the army at the commencement of the civil war, and served in the campaigns of Tennessee and Georgia; Collector of revenue in Iowa 1866-69. Appointed Secretary of War, October 13, 1869.

4. Secretary of the Navy.—George Robeson, born in the State of New Jersey, 1824; studied for the bar and graduated at Princeton