The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-06-13
THE "IRON CAGE" HUMBUG EX-
PLODED.

The following article in the Intelligencer, cor
roberates the statement we sometime since made
in regard to the Federal pretence that confden-
tial committee at Cincinnati, exercised an I'M
due influence over General Harrison. The
Committee alluded TO, is an old Standing Com
lnttee Of the Opposition party al Cincinnati,
having no more connection with General Har-
rison than with any other member OF the Oppo-
siton party in that city. General Harrison is no
more responsible for what they say or do, unless
il be when they act by his direction, than is Mr..
Van Buren, for the conduct of the Federal Loco
foco Association Of this city. In declining TO
make any further pledges in regard to his politi-
cal course, General Harrison not only has before
him the example of General Jackson, but the
sanction of every hons man who has read his
productions on the various topics which ever
the American People
Messrs. GALES & SEAToN Please publish in the
Inteigcncer the subjoned extract OF letter from Gen
HARRISON, under date of the 2Sth ultimo. 1t is in
to a communication which addressed TO him,
relative to that ignoninious subsection to the Cincn
natl Committee which has been often ascribed to
him He repels the mputation that his thoughts are
subject to the keeping dictation OF committee.
The publication of the annexed portion of his letter
is due to General HARRIsoN. II will be appreciated
by the candid and just of all parties. To give it
authenticity, sufficient motive for connecting my
name with its publication.
Yours, respectfully,
JOSEPH L. WILLIAMS.
Washington, June 6, 1870
EXTRACT FROM GEN. HARRIsoNs
LETTER.
al A n - 4. 1.
the Corresponding Committee Of the Wings Of
Hamilton county (that which suppose has been
alluded toy is, that ! requested the committee,
Thoughts chairman, Major Gwynne, to give
the information sought for, in some OF the hume
rous letters received, in relation to my political
opinions, and events in my past life This was
TO be done by sending to the writers of those let
tiers the documents which contained the infor-
nation they sought. He was, Also authorized,
in cases where further opinions were asked
for, to state my determination TO give no other
pledges Of what would or would not do, if
should be elected to the Presidency. The rea-
sons which had induced me 10 adopt this deter
minalion are contained in letter written TO a
committee in New York, and which will, pre-
sumo, be soon published. With neither Of the
other members of the committee did ever ex-
change one word, or, by letter, give or receive
any suggestions TO the manner in which the
task had assigned 10 the committee was to be
performed. Indeed, did not know, until very
recently who were the members of the commit
tee | could have no doubt of their being my
political and personal friends; and such found
them to be.
''As il has been asserted that employed this
committee to write political opinions for me, be-
cause was unable to write them myself, il may
be proper to say that was never in the habit
of doing this and that in all the Addresses Let
tiers, Speeches, General Orders &c, which have
been published under my name and with my
sanction, there is not a line that was written or
suggested by any other indi, idual. do not
claim for these productions any merit; nor
would ! consider myself blameable had re-
ceived the occasional assistance of my friends
IN this way ; but mention it. to show how to-
tally reckless are my political enemies in the as
sertions they make in relation TO me-"