Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1854-11-07


But, it soon became evident that Mr.. Gard
ners assertions were received with not less
surprise, in the community where he is best
known, than they were by me. The effect of
his communication upon the conductors of
the press in Boston, was like an experiment
with exhilarating gas upon n promiscuous
company, developing the moral peculiarities
of each. The Post, with its accustomed love
of burlesque, exults over it as a humbug of
the purest water, worthy to be set in the dia-
dem of Punch. 1t declares. upon the strength
of Mr.. GardDer's letter, that it is clear, wine
was never used upon any table in Boston, tho
in old times it had been seen at funerals. The
writers in the Telegraph know that their
statements are untrue, but think that, with
little white washing, the color of the false
hoods can be changed until after election
The Chronicle, upon which he now turns his
back, brings out new facts in every issue of
its Daily, in direct contradiction of his asser-
tons. Others are lost in wonder at the effron-
terry of the writer, in affirming that, which all
around know TO be false; and all, with scarce
ly an exception, contribute to swell the mass
of evidence under which he must inevitably,
sooner or later, be demolished.
From the newspapers l turn to the records
of the House of Representatives, of which
Mr.. Gardner was for short time a member.
In 1851, on the question of passing to be en-
crossed the bill "for regulating the sale Of in
toxicating liquors." he voted in the negative.
In the following year, 1852, when the severe
struggle took place, which resulted i'll the pas
sage of the Name law, he voted with its OPP
ponents in every stage of the bill. The House
was divided upon the passage Of the bill, and
OF proposed amendments, nine times and nine
times did Mr.. Gardner vote in opposition to its
friends. As reason for voting against the
entire bill, he now says, that he had doubts
| about the consttutionality of one or two sec
tons of it, and this, he gives the public to uA-
derstand, was the sole reason for his opposi-
| ton. But, it will be found, upon inspection
of the record, that this excuse will hardly suit
his purpose, for upon questions which arose,
on propositions for amendment, not embracing
his constitutional objections, the friends Of the
bill uniformly met with the same opposition
from him. Like skilful tactician, doubtless,
he attacked the measure at every vulnerable
point, and failed not TO throw constitutional
difficulties in the way, as did erery other oppo-
nent of the Maine law. But his hostility to
the whole bill, and every part of it, was too
consistent and active, to be accounted for sole
ly upon the ground on which he now places
it. l have conversed with members of that
Legislature, who witnessed the daily action of
Mr.. Gardner, and they uniformly assert, that
he was known as one of the most persistent
enemies to the principle of the measure, which
the House contained. That record is open
for examination, and he, who will inspect it,
will be at no loss TO understand the position
of Mr.. Gardner, in 1852, towards the Maine
law.
But, notwithstanding the denial contained
in his letter, one piece of evidence will be adj
duced, which must be conclusive in its char
rba - -, Ill
was established for the purpose of resisting the
measure in question, and procuring its repeal.
Its opposition was not based solely or
principally on Mr.. Gardner's constitution
al objections to the present law, but it was
opposed to the principle of prohibition, regard
ing any such enactment as sumptuary regula-
ton, which the Legislature ought not to adopt.
Before the Worcester Convention, had been
informed that Mr.. Gardeners name was at the
head of list of merchants, who had subscrib-
ed money, and paid it for the benefit of that
paper. The information has since been traced
to one of its sources, and learn that beyond
controversy, such is in substance the fact The
name of Mr.. Gardner is there found, with
his place of residence, in his own hand writ
ing, as follows: "Henry ]. Gardner, Mount
Vernon street-$5, OO-paid." have inquir-
ed of my informant what was the occasion on
which the paper was exhibited to him, and his
letter in reply, is below.
BosroN, Nov. Sd, 1854.
Hon. CHARLES ALLEN:
Dear Sir,-I am requested to communicate
to you the circumstances under which be-
| came acquainted with the fact that Henry J.
| Gardner had subscribed to the Boston Chront-
| Gle. hasten simply to reply. The circum-
stances are these. The agent of the Chronicle
came to my place of business for the purpose
of obtaining an advertisement for his paper
In the course of conversation politics were in
troduced, and allusion made to Mr.. Gardner.
| denounced him as an Anti Maine law man,
and stated that his friends were attempting to
place him before the public as a friend to that
law. He at once acknowledged the truth of
my position, and pointed to the name of Hen.
~ ]. Gardner. Is Mt. Vernon street, in his
own handwriting, saying that Mr.. GARDENERS
name headed the list of Boston merchants who
subscribed for that paper when extra efforts
were being made to sustain it. These, Sir,
are the facts. If the use of my name can be
made to subserve the cause of truth, temper
ance, and freedom, it is at your command.
In conclusion, beg to say that l am
Temperance man of sixteen years standing,
and | should as willingly vote for Peter B.
Brigham for Governor as for Henry j. Gard
ner, indeed much rather flor then Ii should
know my man. nave the honor to be
Very respectfully, yours,
A. NJ. McPHAtL, JR.
Mr.. McPhail is respectable citizen of
Boston, well known by many of its inhabi-
tantS. To Mr.. Gardner is left the privilege
of resorting to any bubble about terms, his
ingenuity may raise, for the purpose of salts
flying an intelligent public on this point.
Your attention is called to another transac-
ton of Mr.. Gardner, respecting which there is
also some documentary evidence. 1t will be
remembered that two or three years since,
there was railroad excursion from Montreal
to Boston. Many gentlemen, from the form
er city and from Quebec. visited our capital
and were the guests of its municipal authori
ties. An excursion down the harbor was got
up for their benefit. The city government
voted not to supply the party with liquors.
But Gardner, who was the President of the
council, disregarding that vote, in company
with another gentleman, went to well-known
grocery store in Boston, AID after duly testing
their qualities, selected for the occasion and
caused to be furnished liberal supply of
brandy, wine, SC. saying afterwards if the
government would not pay for 1.-THE could.
That bill, amounting it is believed to $500,
was afterwards presented to the City Council
for allowance. After discussion, a majority
finally voted that the bill should be paid, out
this endorsement "Approved, HENRY J.
GARDNER"
Evidence upon this point will not be furth.
er accumulated, because the limits of news
paper article require that breyity should be