Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-03-16
FALSE RTNORS.

The report sent abroad by Washington
correspondents that the British Minister
and the British Commissioners had inter.
ested themselves with the Secretary OF
State to procure the displacement of Sena.
tor Sumner, is fair sample we presume
of much of the rumor in relation to this
matter. This statement was of such a
characterthat Secretary Fish felt compelled
for the sake of justice and decency to deny
it in letter given to the public. Neither
Sir Edward Thornton nor either of the
British Commissioners ever" says he, 'd-
rectly or indirectly by word or in writing,
has expressed or intimated to me any
opinion, or wish. or apprehension, or obiec-
ton as to MIR. Summer or any other person
being on any committee of either House of
Congress; or made any allusion or refer
ence to the organization or composition of
any committee of either house of Con-
gress." He denies the statement because
if not contradicted it would misrepresent
the conduct of the British Minister and Brit
ish Commissioners and prejudice pending
negotiations of great public interest. So
this falsehood is disposed of, but there are
many others flying over the country, sent
out to arouse excitement, which it would be
idle to trace or deny. Some of them are
framed from mere gossip, street talk, and
published in the newspapers for no other
object than to create sensation; others
are the work of more designing hands and
heads, aiming to raise turmoil in the re-
publican party.
After all that has been said about the re-
moval of MIR. Sumner being due to the die
tation and efforts of President Grant, there
appears to be no farther foundation
for the statement than newspaper gossip
1t is not known that he interfered in the
matter at ALL While he is represented as
demanding Mr.. Summers removal, unre-
lentingly. and rejoicing over it, using fierce
and denunciatory language towards him,
good authorities say that he has never
been known to speak of Mr.. Sumner in
any other than respectful terms. or employ
his position to displace or degrade him.
The speech of Mr.. Sumner against the ac-
QUESTION of San Domingo was considered
sufficient ground upon which to predicate
a personal quarrel, and conjecture has
been busy ever since. Itmay be true that
the President has not stood aloof in the
contest over the committee, but he who
puts faith in all the rumors from Wa>hing-
ton is not sure Of anything. Even the
Boston Advertiser, in Mr. Summers own
State and city, and feeling and resenting
his removal sharply, says: "As to the
part played by the administration in the
matter, we have only guess-work, hear
say report filtered through two orthree me
diums, and vague surmise. Until we have
something more than these, it is only fair
to suspend our blame. In these days of
stolen interviews and of INSCRIPTIONS re-
porters, it behooves every public man to be
cautious of his words as of his acts, private
as well as public. But though a host of
mischievous tale-tellers have trumpeted to
the world that the Senator from Massachu-
sets says the President ought to be i'm
peached, no whisper has reached us of
harsh word uttered by the President in re-
gard to the Senator from Massachusetts.
We cannot doubt that under all the cir
eumstances the President might entertain
wish that the foreign relations commit
tee of the Senate were differently consti-
tuted; but as to what steps, if any, he has
taken to secure q change, what influence
ne may have brought to bear on a point
"hefe no executive influence ought to be
oil any avail, we have no definite knowl-
edge beyond rumors of that class in which
1t is never safe to put credenee.m
The changes have been ruup upo, tho
appointment Of MIR. Cameron to supply the
place at the head of the Committee nm
Foreign Affairs, but rs he stood second
upon the list his promotion was according
TO the usual order. and by no arrangement
or improper method. 1t is not certain tina
he will continue to hold the position. Blu
whatever may be the result SO far as he il
concerned. it is better to make sure wha
are all the facts in this business so that on
judgement may be right and condemnation
fall where it is deserved When we Sc,
the lifelong enemies of Mr.. Sumner con
doing with him upon his displacement
giving him their sympathy, turning tbei
abuse into praise. and endeavoring +
make martyr of him, we think there
need TO see whittier our words and action
tend lest we get into strange places. Tn
invention of the enemy will BIO busy i
creating agitation and strife let us see ths
we discriminate carefully between the tru
and false and pass no hastv judgements.