Newspaper Page Text
KST VBI.IBHED 1850. j
)J H. ES'I'ILE, Editor and Proprietor.}
PROTECTION fallacies.
rMU.ISIiW SPKAKS AT THHi IRO
QUOIS CLi ALB’S BANQUET.
K.rtlciilnusneM of the Theory that Taxa
tion Cm Beget Progperitv-The Poor
peopled** Ones Out or Whom the Ex
oat Cotne —The Few Benefited
a! til Expense of the Many
C hicago, Nov. 17.—The fourth annual
banquet oi the Iroquois Club occurred to
niaht at the Palmer House. Among the
l lir?e number oi distinguished Democrats
to whom invitations had been sent, the
following are among the most widely
Known who accepted and were present:
speaker Carlisle, Senator Beck, Hon. Ed
ward S. Bragg and Hon. J. Sterling Mor
ton. Letters of regret were leceived from
President Cleveland, Abram S. Hewitt,
KoswellP. Flower, William C. Endicott,
Perry Belmont, Govs. D. B. Hill and Fit/.
Hugh bee, A. Thurston, F'itz John Por
ter anus. S. Cox. After the banquet, at
which between 250 and 800 guests and
members of the club sat. down, the follow
ing toasts were made and responded to:
■■American Industries, their growth
and prosperity cannot bo promoted by
unnecessary or unequal taxation”—Hon.
John G. Carlisle.
••Thu Treasury Surplus and the Tariff”
-Senator Beck.
"Public Lands are the People’s Heritage
lor Homes”—Hon. W. J. Sparks.
"l'he Great Republic”— Hon. M. W.
Fuller.
"The President of the United States”
-Bon. Edward S. Bragg.
"Monopoly shall Not Rule”—Hon. J.
Sterling Morton.
"Felicity of American Homes, the safe
guard of American liberty”—Hon. James
B. Doolittle.
-The Democratic Party”—L. J. Kinne.
"Voung Alan in Politics”—Hon. F. N.
Lehman.
CARLISLE’S SPEECH.
After the announcement of the toast to
which he was to respond, Mr. Carlisle,
nuo was received with great applause,
arose and spoke as follows:
Although the toast just read asserts a self
evident truth, we cannot afford to ignore tne
(act that even in this age of philosophical
speculation and practical knowledge there
are mil! in the front ranks of literature, poli
tics and business who seriously contend that
tne government can make its citizens rich
and prosperous by taxing them. If these
gentlemen should attempt to convince the
public that the farmer could be made more
prosperous by increasing the tax on his land,
er that the manufacturer could be beneliled
by compelling Inin to pay a high rate of taxa
tion on his macninery or his income.
Hie absurdity of their position would
lie so apparent as to excite universal ridicule,
i. yet such a proposition would be no more
absurd or unreasonable than the assertion
tbai the prosperity of the people generally
;an be Increased by imposing taxes upon their
food, their clothing, their building materials,
their means of transportation and the tools
and implements used in tbeir industries.
Taxes do not ere Ate wealth. They destroy it,
WHAT TAXATION MEANS.
All taxation, whether it be direct or indi
rect, and no matter how it may be disguised
ir in what manner its payment may
lie enf reel, is ultimately a charge
upon labor, while its immediate
nul invaluable effect is to with
iraw the full amount of exaction
'nm the productive Industries of the people,
"’heii it is equitably imposed for public pur
bosesouly, and its proceeds are honestly used
In defraying necessary expenses and meeting
lust obligations of tne government all are
equally benefited, and no one has a right to
tomplain, but, when a tax is imposed upon
one part of the people, or one class of Indus
trie- simply ior the purpose of increasing the
profits of another part of the people or
mother class of industries, or when a tax is
in laid th.il its nece.-sary effect is to increase
he profits in some industries
i the expense of others equally
n.-ritiousthe impolicy and injustice of the
proceedings are too obvious to require com
neni, Absolute equality in the adjustment
>i rates oi taxation and in the designation of
irticlesuuon which it shall be imposed is not
o be exacted and in fact not attainable, but
Substantial equality and uniformity are
essential elements in every just revenue svs-
THE TRUE BASIS.
,So long as the power of taxation is exer
iH'd only ior the purpose of raising revenue
or the support of the government the prin
.‘l'lcs of equality and uniformity can be
o' l ogmzed and enforced, in a largo
n'grie at least, hat when the power
Perverted aud used to increase
tie profits of private individuals and prevent
I, r " "'" li'H of revenue liy the govemuiont.
■ is impossible to regulate its exercise by anv
i me or principle except favoritism and sellish
u'.'-s. In such a case equality and uniformity
.1 necessarily defeat the primary objeet of
nix "ureau. It is evident that'if all were
-oeipollcd to pay equal tribute to each other
Bobody H-.uuu j )e benefited, and it is just as
sli I™ 11 l *° not pay equal tribute
" nobody must be cheated Americanindus
“'"l by these 1 mean to include
“ ment and useful occupation,
-ii.it He oromoied by anv system of
a ~1 1 01 :| ny policy of legislation which
.so "Pinnies between them and compels one
i ulf bnrt of its own earnings to in
ihe pro firs or prevent losses in an
i '.r ' ! here should lie no expatriated or
t „,„7i U i 0:1 ■hdußtriesin the country. There
1.'.-i|',' funks or degrees among Hie
r.,,i o, ' ,M| l ) *tions of tho people, nor any
ticid nr. e a?l>r or bounty of tho govern
huit not open to all alike.
EVERYBODY involved.
~„r ,h ® n '> n 'Pg and manufacturing and occu
_ ons dependent upon them are great, and
."M > . inquiries should be cherished and
>.n,, ‘' v,; fy proper way. They afford
j, ,„, o ;i'" enl t 0 many millions of capital and
•!, !* JFousand of laborers, and tlie r pro
- s coutrHmie largely to the weulth and
inv people, but they srouniby
y mi ans the only American Industrie-,
it i i„,‘"* lßc bolds oi tile pom. in tue licnls
in *.i ’, ln ’ lO mines and factories, in Lhe
in ii o! 1 "h Die railroads and canals
- ’ trh \ on t'.c high seas—everywhere
viih iv,‘ l . r ~ “merican Industries struggling
us turoee ot nature and siibdu
' mi,-Hi" I"*’ 1 "*’ 111111 “Glizlng the elementsof
•"f.hU'l any View of our industrial
a. . - ,11l to comprehend all these
„v , y f. 1 , 1 ' 1 .' 1 10 partial and erroneous
!v , 1 Hkmg that broad view of them
file' ersio 111 I'fcbeudi the smallest as well us
, -riuiest amt appreciates the Intcreais of
3! i„„ i 'Psleadof a part only, it is impossl
jm,,.’ ‘"dmt'aud liuw thoirgrowtli and pros
lrm i‘ t ". ITOnieted by luxation in anv
„ •- it Is not difficult to see how a system
h M.r.,,.. events competition aud
l I Prices may enable an
uid .1.1*2 i ". lo lul capital involved in a par
eu(., i,. ‘ U , u ' tr7 l ” ru Alize profits instead of
l<*es. Inn it, iH manifeat iliat this
lei - aM^V'. 0101 "' 1,1 1110 expense of the
i a, , i”, 1 .? °' *'i products, who are also as a
fu .... ‘ l „° engaged in u diisirl.il pursuits.
• such ease the actual losses are pre
.l as if competition had not
ii ~i*" [ "Jvd and prices had uol been in
,,,1 i i,i,...i of being borne bv the
'a, i, 1 who carries ,n the but ness (hey
i' l lllrcl| a-ors of his products and
iriei!, ' ” Ul ul l, ie earning* of other InUus-
A lIONO* FOR A BAD INVESTMENT.
f"i i,'ilT therefore, not only make
lh itivin-l 8 "’ but brlnt him profit besides,
tn . ' "■ 11111 * Ism us lor In vesting bis capl
in,,, , .'"' ob Inssklli aud l*i*r in an mi
' < business. That taxation fui pro
iibus resulted so far tn contln
d J** ''M*lel end Dborin this . oun
.in,,,, ’"CHislvely shown by the present OoUs
In,i i„, ,i.J 11 . l ad and protects t Industrie*
Hi i„(.f ia "‘“Hirty of our legi-iaUun on .he
lu„i !."* early ad locale* .>r the si sl.in
k u p t ** * leiii|Jorary etpcdicnt to
••■du.. r . e* l u**u*ht sstsblishniuut of osnsiu
•rnna and lusisted that u.ter
a few years of dependence upon
tlio bouuty of the government and
people they would be strong enough to stand
a one and compete successfully with their
rivals, not only in the homo market but in all
others. Under tho Influence of this argu
ment the first protective tariff was enacted
in 1810, and yet, after seventy years have
passed, many of the same Industries which
tiien asked temporary assistance only are
now demanding more than double tho rates
or duty then deemed sufficient, and accredited
committees and organs unanimously declare
that unless these enormous bounties
shall be Indefinitely continued the industries
must cease to exist. According to their own
showing the policy inaugurated nearly three
quarters of a century ago for the purpose of
rendering them independent and self-sustain
ing, has had exactly the opposite effect. Its
constant tendency has been and is now to im
pair their ability to compete with the pro
ducts 01 similar industries elsewhere, and to
make them more and morn dependent upon
bounties and special legislation for support.
increased cost of production.
It has added largely to the cost of produc
tion by increasing the price of machinery and
materials and the necessaries of life. It has
confined the products of the so-called pro
tected industries to the home market exclu
sively, so that the amount of nroduction must
be regulated by the domestic demand, and
operations must be suspended when that de
mand is satisfied. It lias obstructed inter
national exchange, thus partially excluding
the products of our other Industries from
profitable markets abroad, diminishing their
earnings, arresting their growth and
prosperity. It has provoked other
governments to resort to retalia
tory measures of discrimination
against our products and trade in their own
ports and markets, and gives preference to
the products and trade of our most formidable
rivals, and hero at home uyencouragiug capi
tal and labor to rely upon legislation for
profits rather than their own capacity it has
greatly impaired that spirit of independence
and enterprise which is absolutely indis
pensable to t he successful prosecution of busi
ness in this age of improvement and progress.
These are only a few of the evils which the
existing system of taxation has inflicted upon
the country. Many valuable industries
which would have flourished without it
have been tortured to death by its unequal
burdens and unjust discriminations, while
others have been crushed by the combinations
and monopolies which it creates and sustains.
Some have prospered in spite of it, but the
sum of the peoples’ wealth, the aggregate
accumulation of savings in all branches of
industry is undoubtedly maoli less than it
ought to have been and would have been
under a more equal revenue system ana more
liberal commercial policy.
OPULENCE AND STARVATION.
A few have become verv rich, but many
have become very poor, anil the gulf between
luxury and penury is growing wider and
deeper day by day. This unnatural and dan
gerous condition of affairs could not possibly
exist in a young and rapidly dev loping coun
try like uurs, if the laws and regulations
affecting the creation and distribution of
wealth were just and equal in their operation.
With a fertile tod and friendly climate, with
inexhaustible stores of coal and
iron—two of the most powerful
material ' agencies in our modern
cultivation—with a vast extent of occupied
and undeveloped territory, with free institu
tions, and intelligent, industrious and an en
terprising population, we ought to be exem pt
from the social and political diseases which
afflict the crowded nations of the Old
World, and we will be exempt
from them when we tax all
alike and protect all alike. Living in such a
country and surrounded by the marvelous
achievements of the most wonderful half
century in the annals of the human race, if
the peoplecontinue unprosperous andoiscon
tented, if wealth continues to accumulate
rapidly in tho hands of the idle few while
hunger and nakedness increase in the verv
homes of industry, and If invested
capital remains uneasy and insecure and la
bor dissatisfied, it will be a burning disgrace
to the statesmanship of the age and a terrible
weight of responsibility will rest upon those
who reject all measures of relief and cling
with stubborn tenacity to the worst features
of the system under which these evils have
originated and attained their present propor
tions.
THE COUNTRY’S SAFEGUARD.
But, gentlemen, no matter who may desert
or may falter the great fight for reform will
go on. This country does not belong to either
monopolists or Communists, aud the people
will save it from both. Between these two
there stands the great and powerful body of
enlightened, conservative and patriotic, citi
zens who respect equally the rights of
capital and labor, who obey the laws
aud preserve the public peace, and who in
spire of all combinations and conspiracies will
ultimately see lhat the true principles of
justice and equality prevail in the legislation
of the country. Even to prevent a continuance
of the long existing and constantly increasing
evils they will not rush from one extreme to
another, but will proceed carefully, deliber
ately aud resolutely to correct Inequalities,
remove unnecessary burdens and open paths
that lead to peace and prosperity. While
free trade Is impracticable, industrial and
commercial emancipation can and will be ac
complished by wise and moderate measures
of reform without interfering with any pri
vate enterprise or injuring any public interest.
To this some of us at least are irrevocably
pledged not only by the traditions anddcclara
tionsof the political party to which we belong,
out by a sense of personal and official
duly which cannot be disregarded wltiiout
betraying the confidence reposed id uh by
the people. Whether in public or In private
life I shall stand by that, pledge, and to the
exientof my abilities and opportunities con
tribute iu every way to the early and com
plete triumph of revenue reform.
SENATOR BECK’S ATTITUDE.
Senator Beck, in discussing taxation
and the proper disposition 01 our surplus
revenue, said:
lam not a free trader. All who read the
part 1 took in the great debate in the senate
in January, February and March, 1883, know
that 1 can afford to stand on the record J then
made, tree trade produces no revenue.
Prohibitory protection produces none. The
only difference between the two to the people
would be cheap goods under free trade. Dear
goods under protection and goods at half
price simply means double wages. * * * *
But the government must have revenue
sufficient to support an economical adminis
tration of nubl c affairs, andoutsideof whisky
and tobacco, which are legitimate objects of
taxation, 1 agree that the balance of the
needed revenue ought to bo raised by tariff
taxation and that it ought to be co adjusted
as to be as near a* practicable uniform
throughout Hie Untied Stales, and
that it should foster, stimulate aud
encourage tho largest amount of production
in our manufacturing establishments, re
liiovn g the burdens and charges, especially
on raw materials, so that our manufactured
goods could be sent to Central and South
America, to Asia. Africa and the islands of
the seas, and give our factory operatives
work for twelve mouths instead of six.
DIRECT TAXATION OPPOSED.
It is useless to talk about raising revenue
bv direct taxoi which must be apportioned
among the several Stales in proportion to
their population, as determined by the pre
ceding ecu. us. Taxation proportioned to
population is more unjust and uuuquui than
even bad tariff luxation.
A few words about the surplus revenues of
tho government ami i am done. Of
course they were produced by excessive
taxation and tu only be property
stopped by a reduction of taxes. We cannot
lock up hundreds of millions in the Treasury
without bankrupting the people by depriving
them of tboir circulating medium. God
knows our appropriations are extravagant
enough now. and surely we ought not to buy
bonds not due, at any premium the holders
of them may sco 111 to demand. Therefore,
Doming remains that 1 can see except to re
duce taxes to the point needed for the wants
of ibe government.
A TWO I*KR CENT. LOAN.
If Uongro-a ha* not itense enough to do that,
and I am afruul it has not, rather tnau have
the money locked up, appropriations in
creased or extravagant premium- paid, I
shall propose before this Congress adjourns to
man ilia surplus at say 1 per cent |>er annum
to aur ooe who will deposit outstanding 4Vt
or 4 per cent, boou- of the Lulled stale#
as security, apportioning the aißeoat loaned
in the first Instance among the
Hi ats In proportion to popula
tmu. and authorizing either nartv ■*>
SAVANNAH, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1880.
cancel the transaction by giving the other six
months’notice. If the citizens of the several
States do not take their proportion, I would,
after ninety days, make it free for ail. Need
less taxation lias brought on all the troubles,
Tho truth is, the rights of the masses of the
tax payers have been but lightly regarded by
Uongi e-s Tor many years. Greenbacks, always
excluded from the payment of tariff taxes,
wore wantonly repudiated when the 5.20
bonds were payable in 18t5, though they bad
paid for bonds at par. ami it was indorsed on
their face that they should be receivable for
the principal of all our obligations. In 1870
new bonds were exempted from all taxation,
and in 1878 by a combination of the bond
holders witli the capitalists of England and
Germany tho standard silver dollar witti
which all our obligations could be honestly
and honorably paid wasclandettmely stricken
from our coinage.
OPPOSED BY BOTH PARTIES,
Leading representative men of both parties,
including Judge Kelly, Mr. Blaine, Gen.
Garland and President Grant, proved and ad
mitted that the act was a fraud. It was re
pealed in 1878 by the iudiguaut representa
tives of an outraged people over tho veto of
the then President. The resumption was
complete when all debts could bo paid in sil
ver dbm. The people were delivered from
the clutches of vampires who sought by
the destruction of one-balf of the
world's coinage to double the purchasing
power of gold, or what is the same thing, gel,
the property of the people for one half its
value when both metals were ou au equality.
War taxes, confessedly oppressive, were re
duced 10 per cent at our custom bouse in 1872.
They were restored in 1875 on the pretense
that the sinking fund was not being provided
for_ annually, although it was in fact over
$225,000,000 in excess of all possible claims.
In regard to it at the time,and notwithstand
ing the pretended reduction of tariff taxes in
1885, by the manipulation of a one-sided con
lerenco committee no real relief was given
aud we groan under war taxes to-day. The
debt has been so adjusted that f757,0C0.000 can
not be paid until 1907 and $250,000,000 till
181)!. There is now idle money In the Treas
ury more than sufficient to pay off all tho 3
per cents, which means all that can ho paid
before 1891. The basis of more than half of
the national bank circulation has thus been
needlessly and wrongfully swept away, and
the premium on hoods now due has conse
quently risen so that the profit on circulation
will not pay for the premium demand.
SAVED BY SILVER CERTIFICATES.
But for our silver certificates a ruinous con
traction of the currency would have occurred
before now. The past action of Congress
must be reversed and the fact recognized that
this government is only a trustee, that it has
nothing except what the taxpayer furnishes,
that all attempts to enrich anv class of men
by law is simply robbery of the masses,
and that taxation which makes the humblest
man in the land pay as much out of his hard
earnings as the man who is worth a hundred
millions is not just, and I have come Here to
appeal to the Democrats of this great com
mercial eraporinui and to this great Demo
cratic club to put your shoulders to the wheel
and take a long pull, all together to remove
the shackles which have so long bound this
giant republic, and that our people
contend on lair terms with other nations for
the world’s trade and commerce. All we
need is the removal ot unnecessary and un
just burdens. The manhood and muscle of
our people will soon secure our supremacy.
GEN, CROOK AND GERONIMO.
Thfi Fighter Keileved Because He
Disagreed with Gen. Sheridan.
Chicago, Nov. 17.—One of the city pa
pers has a dispatch from JSll’aso stating
that on March 28 Gen. Crook telegraphed
Gen. Sheridan from San Bernardino,
Mexico, that the only proposition Gero
nimo and the other hostile Apaches
would entertain were that they should
be sent East for not exceeding two years
with their families; that they should all
return to the reservation upon the old
status, or that they should re
turn to the war-path. Gen. Crook
accepted their surrender upon the first
proposition aud telegraphed lor instruc
tions. Gen, Sheridan replied that the
President could not assent to the terms,
and instructed Gen. Crook to renew ne
gotiations for unconditional surrender.
On April 1, in reply to a telegram from
Gen. Sheridan disapproving his plans,
Gen. Crook answered that he believed his
plan was the most likely to succeed lu
the end. He concluded:
“It may be, however, that 1 am too
much wedded to my own views in this
matter, and as I have spent nearly eight
years of the hardest work of my life in
this department, I respectfully request
that 1 may be relieved irom its com
mand.”
These facts have just been received
from an authoritative source.
FATALITIES AT A FIRE.
Tliree Firemen Suffer Broken Backs
by a liHtUler’s Fall.
Baltimore, Nov. 17.—Fire broke out
shortly before noon to-day in the drug
warehouse of Burroughs Bros., on Cam
den street, near Sharpe, which was en
tirely burned out. The damage is esti
mated at $20,000, which is covered by in
surance- The building adjoining, occu
pied by Woolford & Sbilberg, straw goods
manufacturers, was damaged in stock
and machinery by smoko and water to
the extent ol $15,000, which is also fully
insured. While the firemen were at
work the truck of one of the
ladder companies capsized and
fell backward into the street. There
were on it at the time Capt. Marston,
Charles L. Grund, Frank Kerr and Henry
Ryan. Capt. Marston caught on the edge
oi the roof of a two-story house adjoining
and escaped serious injury. Grund, Ryan
and Kerriell with the ladder, which broke
in its fall and all are supposed to have
had tbeir backs broken. Grund and Kerr
are reported to have died since, and there
is no hope of Ryan’s recovery.
SEVEN .MEN DItOWNED.
Barges and Schooners Caught ill a
Gale Off Kewaunee.
Milwaukee, Nov. 17.—A special from
Green Bay says two barges named Dixon
and Emerald, in tow of the steamer Jus
tice Fields, broks loose and foundered oil
Kewaunee this morning. Two men of the
Dixon and five of the Emerald were
drowned, and the mate of Mis Emerald
was pulled out of the breakers uncon
scious, and has since remained so. He
will probably die. A third barge of the
same tow is riding in the breakers, flying
signals oi distress, and will probably go
to pieces. Two schooners are ashore on
Graham’s point, four miles Irom Detroit,
with slender ohauces for the vessels or
those on board.
Liberty’* Torch to he Lit.
W ashing ion, Nov. 17.—Capt. I’ickina,
Secretary of the Light House Board, to
day telegraphed to Com. Benbam, In
spector of the Third lighthouse district,
which embraces Bedloe’s island within
Its limits, to take steps tor the lighting of
the Bartholdi statue of Liberty as soon as
possible. It is estimated that it will coif
about SBSO a day to maintain the light,
and that It will require several days to
airauge all the preliminaries.
A Naval ( ourt- Marital,
Washington, Nov, 17.—The naval
oourt-niartlal has been entered to oon
vene at the Norfolk navy yard on Nov, 28
lor the trial of Capt, Jnbn ti. filch**, of
tn* marine corps who le stationed there,
on a charge of drunkenness while on duty.
BENTON BACK IN OFFICE!
THE riIESIDENT SATISFIED |
WITH 11IS EXPLANATION.
Proof that the Suspended District At
torney IMit Not Neglect Ills Official
Duties to Make hta Political Speeches
Pacifies the Chief Executive— A Sharp
Warning to All Partisans,
Washington, Nov. 17.—The following
correspondence is made public by the
President to-naelit:
NEOSHO, Mo., Nov. 10, 1888.
Hon. A. 11. Garland, Attorney Genital.
Washington, C,:
Sir—Your letter of the Ist, with inclosures
apprising me of the basis of my suspension
from the office of Attorney ot tho United
States for the Western district of Missouri,
was received. I desire to make a plain state
ment of the facts in relation to the list of ap
pointments to make campaign speeches. The
United States District Court for the Eastern
division of my district, convened on the Oth
dav of September. 1 had been there with my
assistant for several days prior to that date
preparing cases for trial. The, district busi
ness, except a few pleas of guiltv, was fin
ished on the 24th of September, and on the
following day the court adjourned. On the
night of the 2Sth I spoke at, Jefferson City. I
then went to Kansas Citv, and Mr. Kush,
my assistant, aud I prepared ourselves lor
the October term of court for
the Western division. Meanwelle I had, at
the earnest solicitation of Messrs. Dockery,
Cravens and others, candidates for Congress,
and the Democratic State Central Commit
tee. and with the knowledge of Senators
Cockrell and Vest agreed to make some cam
paign speeches. After so arranging them as
to time as not to interfere with my official
busmens. I gave the list to D. K. Shields,Chair
man, and this list was published. The dates
beginning Sept. 29, 7 p. m., at Aurora. Mo.
Appointments were made on each side of my
district, so that I could and did reach Kansas
City the end of each week to look after the
routine business of the office. My Assistant..
Mr. W. M. Kush, was in the office all the time
that 1 was away. Two of my appointments
were made (Wetjb City and Sarcoxie) conve
niently to Joplin, where I appeared in two
important cases on Oc.t. H before Clark Crav
croft. United States Commissioner. 1 tilled
my engagements to Saturday, Oct. 18. At
Seneca Monday, Oct. 18, the District Court
for the Western division began its term.
Kvery indictment and information was pre
pared. In consequence of this the grand jury
was dismissed at noon of the third day, 1 had
thought that I would get through with the
business of this short term in one week. 1
had two engagements to speak during lhat
week—one at St. Joseph I did not fill, and Iho
other at Kansas City, I did fill at night aftor
the adjournment of the court. I
found, on Saturday, Oct. 29, that I
had six important cases which I believed
should be tried. On that night I came here
and got my partner, Hon. Joseph C ravens,
Hon. John T. Teel, of Mt. Vernon, and Dr.
James Evans, of Nichols, Greene county, to
agree to fill my appointments, beginning with
Southwest City on Oct. 26. and immediately
returned to Kansas City and announced
ready for trial tho hour the District Court
docket was called. 1 remained in court and
attended to the cases until I received the
President’s letter suspending me. As to my
record as a public officer, I am willing for the
department reports of my success in trials,
the court officers or tho Circuit ami District
Courts and those who have had business with
the office, to say. 1 relied on the following
clauses of the President’s letter of July
Iff in making the engagements to speak":
••Individual interest and activity in
political affairs are by no means condemned.
Officeholders are neither disfranchised nor
forbidden the exercise ot political privi
leges, but their privileges are not enlagcd uor
is their duty to party increased ttvpernicious
activity by ofltceboldlng.” If ihemskmgof
political speeches is the caue or my suspen
sion 1 can make no defense, hut if’it is in
ferred that I neglected my official duties by
so doing, I am not guilty and ask the fullest
scrutiny Into the facts. I respectfully ask
that this communication be referred to the
President with such recommendation as you
deem just. I have but to add that I had no
idea that making political speeches would he
taken to bo in violation of the President's
letter of July 19, 1888. Very respectfully,
"M.E Benton.
CLEVELAND TO BENTON.
Executive Mansion, I
Washington, D. C„ Nov. iu, lasO.l
Urn. 3/. K. Benton'.
Dear Sir - Your letter ot the 10th in;t. ad
dressed to the Attorney General lias been
submitted to tne and carefully considered.
Its frank tone and all I know of your charac
ter convince me that the truth is therein
related touching the matters which led to
your suspension from office. When I issued
the warning to office holders, to which you
refer as an “order,” I expected to be much
harassed by all manner of loose and frivolous
tales, originating in malice or disappoint
ment, and deliberate design on the part
of political enemies to annoy and em
barrass concerning tho indulgence of ap
pointees under the present administration in
“pernicious activity” In polities, aguiust
which my warning was directed. 1 hoped,
however, that by careful consideration or the
spirit as well as the language of such warn
ing those in good faith intending to respect it
might not be in doubt as to its meaning, anil
would themselves apply it to conditions and
circumstauees which it was impossible for ole
to specify. I did not intend to condemn
making political speeches by a Federal offi. ia!
to bis neighbors and friends, nor at anv time
and place where it was merely incidental il
the speech itself was decent and fair, but I
do not think that such an ollieial ran enter as
a business a political campaign and con.ont
mg to a long list of engagements to address
political meetings without neglecting liis
duty if be bolds an office worth having, nor
without taking with bun in tho canvass Ins
official power and influence. Therefore, this
course iscondeuined. The number ot speeches
that can be properly made cannot be specified,
uor the time when, the place where, or the
circiims antes iu which they are proper,
nor can their character ue prescribed. But a
correct line of conduct can be determined on
w ithout difficulty. I believe In the light of a
desire tofo low the spirit of the admonition
given by divorcing the conduct of a citizen
from the use of official Influence in politi
cal campaigns, illustrating at all tunes the
truth that official duty Is paramount to par
tisan service, maintaining thedignltvof office
bolding, avoiding any pretense of control
over the political action of others by
reason of official place, and teach
ing the lesson to the people that
public positions are not bestowed or
Field under a p edge of actlvH partisan ser
vice. A printed list taken from a newspaper
and aubinitied to me contained engagements
to speak, made by your consent, daily for
quite a long period, and not infrequently
twice a day in different parts of the state of
Missouri, and 1 was led to believe that on
many of the davs specified the court at which
you had duties to perform was In session. This
seemed to me to present a case of flagrant, de
fiant neglect of official duty aud propriety, and
even with the explanation given your course
appears to be thoughtless aud at least subject
to criticism. But the statement iu your letter
showing lhat you did not permit campaign
engagements to interfere with the perform
ance of official duty, your satisfactory dis
charge of such duty during your term and a
belief In the truth of your allegation that you
honestly supposed you might properly do all
that was genially done, have Induced me to
rescind the, order suspending you from office
and to reinstate you to the same. Yours
ve’-y truly. Grover Cleveland.
CLEVELAND TO GARLAND.
Executive Mansion, f
Washington, Nov. 17. wstt.j
To Hon. A. If. Garland, A Urrnry General:
SlR—Having fully examined and consid
ered tbs statements contained In the letter of
Maecenas K. Benton, which you submitted lo
is e at tfis li ins of our consultation concern mg
ism mailer therein referred to, I have deter
mined to rescind the order suspending Mr.
Bculon from tho office of Attorney of the
United stales tor the Western district of
Mis -ourl, and to direct that he lie notified of
his reinstatement to 'hat office. Very lie
spoctfully yours, Grover Cleveland.
Metjiiiiitie’s Jury,
New Yoke, Nov. 18.-A jurjr wee ob
tained to-dey for the trial of Alderman
Mcljuadeon the charge of bribstry In oon
naution with the Broadway slrsct rail
road franchise.
WINTER’S RETURN.
Five Passengers itt a Stasie Coach
Fatally injured l>y a Snow Slide.
Denver, Col., Nov. 17.—Late last oven,
ing a stage containing nine passengers,
that left Leailvllio yesterday morning for
Aspen, was caught in a snow slide ou tbe
top of the mountain fifteen miles from
Aspen, and tlie entire outfit was carried
over a preolpice 200 feet high. A relief
party from the home stage station suc
ceeded in digging the passengers out of
the avalanche. Four were uninjured but
Robert Dwyer, Christopher Conn, Duncan
C . RoDerts'on, I. A. Berk well and Lille
Mcl'herson are expected to die. As the
telegraph wires to Aspen are down, on
account of the severe storm last night,
further particulars cannot bo had tor
some time.
ZERO AT SIOUX FALLS.
Sioux Falls, Dak., Nov. 17.—A storm
is in progress here. Buow has been fall
ing steadily for eighteen hours and there
are no signs of abatement. A strong
northwest gale is blowing. The tem
perature is about zero.
severe in lowa.
Waterloo, la., Nov. 17.—The first
snow storm of the winter was reported
at points In the Northern and Western
parts of the State to-day. On the Illinois
Central railroad three cuts between Fort
Dodge and Sioux City are reported full of
snow. Snow plows have been sent out to
cleur tbe tracks. Trains are delayed and
the storm is very severe in the YVestern
part of the State.
A BLIZZARD AT ST. PAUL.
St. Paul, Minn., Nov. 17.—Snow began
falling early yesterday morning and con
tinued all day, though tbe tall was light.
Alter midnight last night, however, a
genuine blizzard set In, and this morning
people lound the streets and sidowalks
badly blockaded wo that (ravel was next
to impossible. Reports indicate that tbe
blizzard began in the western part of this
State and swept east and south through
Wisconsin. Railroad travel is greatly
impeded and street cars find it almost
impossible to run. The wind is blowing
hard and drifting snow as fawt as the
streets and walks are oleared. No such
storm lias occurred so early in the season
for yoars.
NO SIGNS OF ABATEMENT.
St. Paul, Minn., Nov. 17, 9 p. m.—The
snow storm which begun here Monday
night hus now (9 this evening) been rag
ing nearly 48 hours aud shows no signs of
abatement. Street cars have not been
running in either St. Paul or Minneapo
lis to-day, While the storm seems to be
general throughout the Northwest it is
most violent in Southern Dakota. A Sioux
Falls special savs that more snow
has already fallen there than
during the entire season last winter. Tbe
wind is blowing a heavy gale from the
north and the snow is drifting very badly.
Trains on nearly all the roads are aban
doned. The temperature is at zero aud
tailing. There is also a strong electrical
disturbance. Canton, Fagan and other
points state that the storm is no less se
vere there.
A TRAIN BNOWED IN.
Canton, Dak., Nov. 17.—A train with
100 passengers on board is snowed in
eleven miles west of here. The passen
gers are being fed from a small station
near by. The Milwaukee railway is lined
with disabled engines in snow drifts.
RAIN BAST AND SNOW WEST.
Ch icago, Nov. 17. Ever since 7 o’clock
last nigbt a steady drizzling rain has been
falling. Reports received at tbe signal ser
vice office show that from every station
east ot tbe Mississippi rain is reported,
while from all stations west colder
weather and snow is chronicled.
Throughout lowa, Wisconsin and Minne
sota severe snow storms are prevailing,
l'elegraphlo communication is seriously
delayed in all directions.
A WALL STREET CROOK.
Peculation of News Followed by
Embezzlement of Margins.
Albany. N.Y., Nov. 17.—Shortly before
Christmas last year, Irving Pieroo, aged
21 years, a telegraph operator, secured a
position to receive the night report ot the
Associated Press in this city, tie was
also during the day employed by U. F
Ford, a bucket-suop operator ou State
sueet. On Nov. 11 he secured a ball in
tei estln Ford’s business hut still retained
his position in tbe Associated Press. For
several weeks past a Sunday morning
paper here has been publishing teie
giapbic news under the bead oi “spe
cials,” which news it is now known
was stolen by Pierce from the
Associated Press wire aud sold by him
to tbe paper. On Saturday night another
operator called on Pierce and lound him
iakingfrom tbe wire lour man Hold copies
oi tbe Associated Press news, one more
than was necessary. When asked why
he was doing tins be said he took the
eztra copy home for bis folks to read.
His superior was informed aud
Pierce was immediately dismissed from
the Associated Press. On Monday
night he disappeared with the books of
the bucket-shop and margins aggregating
$2,000. it is said that he bought oil Mon
day and lost heavily, and that be closed
out several customers aud used tbeir
margins to cover his own losses. Pierce
is married, and his wife, wnose parents
reside in Adams, N. Y., is very highly
respected, ills present whereabouts is
unknown.
North Carolina Baptists.
Wilmington, N. C„ Nov. 17.—'The
North Carolina Baulist Stale Convention
is in session here; over 800 delegates and
visitors are present. Rev. Dr. C. T.
Bailey, editor of tbe Biblical ILcorder,
was elected President. N. li. Broughton
and Hev. G. W. Greene were elected
Secretaries. The reports of tne boards
show great progress in tbo membership
of the churcnes and contributions lo be
neficence.
Ir. Tichonor, of Atlanta, Ua., addressed
tbe body for home missions to-day, and
Rev. U. S. Vann, ot Wake Forest,
preached an Introductory sermon to
night.
THE NATIONAL CONVENTION.
Baltimore, Nov. 17.—The Baptist
Convention ot the United States reassem
bled this morning. The subject taken up
was “Religious instruction in state
education,” and tbe enure session was
occupied in its discussion.
Fieight Cars Burned.
Council Bluffs, la., Nov. 17.—A seri
ous wreck occurred at Hinton station.
Snow bad wedged a iretvht engine with a
number ot care Into a cut, and a passen
ger train, plunging along through the
storm, smashed into tbe freight. Ali
tne ireight cars were consumed by fire,
winch broke outUnmetliatiy. A number
of person* were morn or less Injured, hut
no toes of Hr* ooourred.
|lebt of Fine HlufT Bank.
Little Rock, Ark., Nov. 17.—The es
timated liabilities or tbe First National
Bans st Pin* Bluff, which su*eluded
Monday, are tXiO.OW.
lOWA’S SALOON L.HV,
Stour City Cos mi I inn ou Soon Seeing;
the hast Drum Shop CToactl.
Sioux City, Ia., Nov. 17.—The saloon
Injunction cases are about finished. One
hundred ami two permanent injunctions
have been grunted. A large proportion
of the parties enjoined have gone out of
business here since temporary writs were
issued, and many have left the city. In
twenty-three of these cases writs of abate
ment iiavejust been placed in the Sheritf's
hands, and it is expeoted that alter
he has done his duty in accordance with
the orders therein contuined, that open
saloons In Sioux City will be a thing of
the past. The saloon men are becoming
more and more inclined to obey iho in
junction of the court without any hostile
demonstration. Where parties have gone
out of business in good faith and removed
the fixtures in the building they will not
be punished, but where the opposite is the
case, as in a number of oases, the penal
ties ot the law will be applied.
The jury is still engaged in the invest!-
nation of the Haddock murder case. H.
L. Leavitt, W. I). Neal and several other
important witnesses have given their tes
timony. The testimony of Mrs. Leavitt
was takon in her room at the hotel, as she
was too ill to appear at the court house.
It is expected that Leavitt will remain
here until after the trial. It is reported
that the conclusion of the grand jury in
these cases will not he given immediately
to the public.
liOltll COLERIDGE'S LIBEL.
Son-in-Law Adams’ Second Suit
Conics to Trial at London.
London, Nov. 17.—The Court oi Queen’s
liench was crowded to-day with lasbion
able and distinguished people who wanted
to attend the trial of the second action ior
libel brought against Lord Chief Justice
Coleridge by his son-in-law, Charles W.
Adams. Adams declared that the Lord
Chief Justice wrote a letter explaining
to certain personal friends why he was
opposed to the marriage of Ins daughter,
Mildred, to Adams, and in this letter
alleged that the plaintiff endeavored
to obtain his daughter’s money
by compromising her so that
she would be compelled to marry
him. The publication of this
libel, AUriiis,contended consisted lu show
ing the letter to the Karl of Selborne, then
Lord High Chancellor, and the Karl of
iddesleigh, Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs, who were induced to act us
referees in the settlement of the other
action for libel based on the Lord Chief
Justice’s letter to his daughter endeavor
ing to dissuade her from uiurrying the
plaintiff' by making severe attacks on bis
personal character. During the bearing
both the Karl oi Seiborue and tbu Karl ot
Iddesleigh occupied seats on the bench.
A VIRGINIA DUEL.
George I). AVise’s Arrest Proves to
Have lteen Hat,lier Premature.
Richmond, Va„ Nov. 17.—The case
against Hon. George D. Wise, who was
arrested yesterday on a charge of being
about to engage in a duel, was dismissed
to-day by Police Justice Richardson. It
appears that Mr. Wise’s arrest was pre
mature, as warrants were issued both
against Mr. Wise and Mr. Lamb, in ap
prehension ol a hostile meeting, and it
was not intended that, they should be
served unless Mr. I.ami) should come to
Rioiimond. From present indications
there are no prospects of the matter be
ing carried any further.
ERIN’S LANDLORDS.
The Marquis of Sligo Sells Hie
Holdings to His Tenants.
Dublin, Nov. 17.—Most of the tenants
on the estates of the Marquis of Sligo,
county Mayo, havo puronased their hold
ing from the Marquis. As be is aoousin
and heir presumptive to the Karl of Cian
ricarde, who owns large estates in oounty
(falway and is extremely unpopular with
his tenants, who have just su uck for 40
per cent, reduction in their present rents,
the Marquis of Sligo’s arrangement with
his tenants is taken as a strong Indication
of a rapid change In the relations be
tween landlord and tenants in Ireland.
SUMMONED IN HASTE.
A Meeting of tlio Hritisli Cabinet
W hich is Still Unexplained.
London, Nov. 17. —A call was issued
this lorenoon by the Marquis of Salisbury
hastily summoning a meeting of the
Cabinet.
Tl le Western Associated Press.
Dktroit, Mich., Nor. 17.—The annual
meeting of the Western Associated Press
was held here to-day. The report of the
Board of Directors showed that the busi
ness was in satisfactory shape. The fol
lowing officers were elected: Directors,
Riohaid Smith, of the Cincinnati Com
mercial Gazette; W.N. lialueman, of the
Louisville Courier-Journal; D.M. Houser,
of the Ht. Louis Globe-Democrat; W. D.
Dickham, of the Dayton Journal; H. H.
Byrain, of the Pittsburg Chronicle-
Telegraph, and M. 11. De Young, of the
Han Francisco Chronicle; President, J.
K. Mack,of the Handusky Register; Vice
President. James Phelan, ol the Memphis
Avalanche; Secretary, H. Baker, ot De
troit.
France and the Vatican.
Rome, Nov. 17.—The Vatican is con
ferring wills French bishops relative to
the best policy to tie pursued by tbe
Catholic clergy in France in the event
oi the Chambers voting to abolish the re
lations between France us a State and the
Vatican and religious power. Tne
negotiations which are being conducted
between France aud the Vatican Inspire
the belief, however, that M. de Freyeinet,
the French Prime Minister, opposes an
nulling tbe concordat.
A 111-sort to Arbitration.
Berlin, Nov. 17.—The Post suye it is
reported on semi-official authority that
(ten. Kaulbnrs Is about to be recalled
from Bulgaria, and adds that tbe step
will he accepted as indicative taat tbe
l>owers have arranged to replace the at
tempt to solve the Bulgarian difficulty by
action on the spot by international ad
justment.
London’s Pears.
London, Nov. 17.—A large military
fo. ce will be in readiness to act in ease or
trouble arising front the proposed Social
-Ist demonmrailou on Sunday next. The
occupants ol houses on Arlington street
are arranging lor special protection. Two
guns will t> stationed In tbe vicinity el
Charing Cross as a reserve.
Dropped Dead.
Cuakmmtum, Noe. 17.—M. T. Barker,
a brick layer of Boe'ou, dropped dead in
lb* post o(Uo to-day of apoplexy. He
l<-svea a wife and three cnUdrea at
Worcester, Mass
(PRICK SIO A TRAB.I
J 5 CENTS A COPT, f
ARMOUR’S LIFE AIMED AT
STRYCHNINE FOUND IN A SAM.
ILE OF BUCKWHEAT.
The Family’* Custom of Not Trying:
B*mpl©M All thttt Sttved Their Live*—
Committeeman Harry Procl.im* the
I’otAlbllftjr of Another Htrlke —The
(.ii-trantpp Fuml Characterized as Infu
-1)1011*.
Chicago, Nov. 17.—An attempt has
been discovered to poison the family ol
Philip P. Armour by means of what ap
peared to be a sample package of buok
wheat flour heavily charged with strych
nine. The attempt failed because the
family make a point not to use samples.
The package was left for advertising pur
poses. Philip Armour to-day confirmed
the correctness of the report but refused
to talk of the matter.
The situation at the TTnion stock yards
was perfectly quiet and orderly this
morning. The old men are going back to
work as fast as places are found for
t hem, and there are no indications of any
further difficulty. In view of this state
of affairs an order has been issued reliev
ing the First, regiment lrom further duty
and it returned to the city at 2 o’eiock
this afternoon. The Second regiment
will remain at the yards a few days
longer.
The Cattle Butchers’ Assembly held a
meeting last night, at whioh the main
topic was the contract proffered by the
packers. Resolutions were adopted re
nouncing tbe action of tbe pßckere and
pledging tbe members of the assembly not
to sign the obnoxious contract. The vote
on the resolutions was unanimous.
ANOTHBR STRIKE POSSIBLE.
Mr. Barry, a member of the Knights ol
Labor General Executive Board, was
present. After the meeting he said:
“The packers think they have the men by
the throats and propose to tighten their
grip a little. They have exacted their
pound of flesh and now require a pound
of gold.” He claimed that the men
would act rs a unit regarding
the contract exacting a money forfeit
from them, and that if a now
strike occurred it would not mean dis
obedience to Mr. Powdorly’s recent
order. That contract, said Mr. Barry*
is an infamous piece ot business. The
men aro virtually asked to contribute
1250,000 to the packers to be used in their
business. They could start a first-classi
co-operative packing house with that
sum. if the packers do not recede from
their present position 1 am inclined to be
lieve that District Assembly No. 67 will
order anew strike, as it has a perfect
right to do. In case of such a strike the
district would get no support from tbe
general order, but would receive aid from
the local assemblies all over tbe country.
In the packing houses to-day many ad
ditional strikers secured places, and a
large percentage of them, contrary to the
advice of their leaders, signed the re
quired agreement allowing tbe packers to
retain ten days’ wages.
Samuel J. Collins, a Pinkerton officer
acting as a deputy sheriff, was arrested
to-day charged with having clubbed to
death a man named Whitman, who re
fused lo “move on.”
A BIG BLAZE AT BALTIMORE.
Heavy Losses hiiffVieii by a Nest of
Wood-Working Firms.
Baltimore, Nov. 17.—Fire broke out
about 8 o’clock to-Dight in the rear of tha
four-story building No. 465 West Pratt
street, occupied as a sash luctory by F.
G. Finley A Bro. A brisk wind quickly
spread tbe flames, and in less tuan an
hour almost the entire block, occupied
exclusively by wood-workers, was de
stroyed. Finley & Bro. estimate their
loss at $lO,OOO. No. 467 was occu
pied by U. J. Sparkling, a stair
builder. His loss is $O,OOO. J. J. Duffy,
proprietor of a pluning mill, loses $2,500,
ami Irving, Buck ,% Cos., manufacturers
ol desks, lose $5,000. No. 400 was occu
pied by Halley Bros., manufacturers of
sashes, doors, etc., who lose $16,000; J. A.
Fritter & Cos., turniture dealers at No. 469
lose $15,000. George A. Mills, manufac
turer of iurnifure, ocoupied a large build
ing in the rear on Dover street. His
loss is about $15,000. The buildings oc
cupied by Fritter and Mills were
owned by S. O. Ridgeway and were
worth about $25,000. The other buildings,
with some machinery, were owned by
Mre. H. B. Morgan and cost $52,000. Tbe
fire spread to the north side of Pratt
street and badly damaged the new brick
warehouse of Bailey Bros, it is valued
at $7,500 and contained finished stook
worth $O,OOO. The rest of the building
was considered an extra hazardous risk
and not more than oue-third of the loss is
covered by insurance, which is nearly all
in Western aud Southern companies.
TWO BOTH MISSING.
Macon Mystified by Unexplained
Disappearances.
Macon, Ga., Nov. 17.—A mysterious
disappearance came to light to-day. Wil
liam McKay, abuicnor and a worthy citi
zen. has a son named Josie, a bright aud
popular boy. 't he latter has been in tbe
habit for some time ol going to his father’s
butcher pen near the swamp below tbe
Last Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia
railroad every day to assist Enoch, the
colored man in charge. Monday he went
to the pen us usual, in company with a
boy named Joan Brown, who is about his
age, and alter staying there a time be left
with Brown to return to his father’s
house. Neither be nor Brown bave been
heard of since, ana the supposition is that
he has either been decoyed off by Brown
or killed. The family is greatly distressed
ana will place tbe matter in the hands of
tbe police for investigation. McKay ban
relatives living in Savannah.
King Monmouth Wins the Cup.
London, Nov. 17.—The race for the
Derby cup was run at the Derby Novem
ber meeting to-day. and was won by King
Monmouth, witn Corunna second ana
F ast and Loose third. There were twelve
starters. King Monmouth won by a head.
There was a length and a hair between the
scoond aud third. Betting was seven to
one against King Monmouth, nine to two
a gainst Corunna and eight to one against
Fast und Loose.
An Insurance Company Collapses.
Grand Bapids, Mich., Nov. 17.—The
Reserve Mutual Life Insurance Company
has collapsed. Tbs risks are to he re
insured in the Massachusetts Benefit
Association. Gross mismausgeuientand
bad risks are given as the oause, then
being no fluids with which to pay tan
losses amounting to $29,000.
A llovlval.
FOLksToN. Ga.. Nov. 17.—The revival
spirit has spread to Ibe baok woods. All
laet week Rev. 8. W. Brown held mss'-
mgs st Bethel church. The wholecbtlroh
has beau revived as it never has been foi
years. Thirteen names bave been added
te the church roll, ell youag people us a
n#ut*d witU lb© buadftv Jcbuol.