The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-03-09
A Fugitive Minister.

POKER SCHENCK's stay I'm England was
disenceful enough, but the manner Of his
leaving was even more outrageous. With
II writ Of arrest hanging over him, this
diplomatist of Grnntism and exploiter of
the swnding Emma Nine Company wrote
clustering letter TO the London times,
declaring that, having received leave of
absence, he was about to sail for America,
to confront his calumniators. Then he
packed up his traps, took advantage of his
diplomatic privilege to escape arrest, and
got aboard the homeward bound steamer,
which is now ploughing Its way through
the Atlantic waves, and bringing hither
the stock jobbing Minister. Perhaps he
was prudent in claiming immunity be-
cause of his ambassadorship, and in run
ming away; for IL he had not done 40,
POKER ScHENCK might have changed his
ministerial quarters for lodgings in an
English prison, a new place Of residence
for an American or any Other Minister to
the Court OF 81 JAMEs's or any other court.
In such hot haste was he TO leave the
scene of his Emma Mine exploits that this
GRANT diplomatist failed to bid good by
to the Queen, who, though she might re-
sent such rldencss, was probably glad
enough to escape the infection of meeting
an American Minister for whose arrest one
of her courts had issued writ. 1t was
like mans clearing out after dinner
without saying good evening 10 his hostess.
There Is no precedent for conduct like
this I'm n Minister; and POKER SCIFNCK, by
neglecting duty and n formality so I'M
perative, cast rejection on the breeding
of the country he had otherwise disgraced.
But this was not all. When POKER
ScHENcK published his clustering card,
saying that he was returning on leave of
absence, he used downright deception,
GRANT conniving at the falsehood. As
soon ms his Minister was fairly out OF Eng
lish waters and beyond criminal proceed
ngs. GRANT accepted ms resignation, which
he had received weeks before, and APP
pointed Mr.. DANA of Boston, n gentleman
of honor and high reputation, to succeed
him. Thus POKER ScHENcK was saved
from En-. hsh retributon, and GRANT,
frightened nj the effect Of the exposure Of
BrLKNAP's crimes, INDUCED himself in n
little popular humbug IN the shape of an
appointment beyond reproach.
II this is not rs disgraceful trick IA the
history of diplomacy shows, We have failed
To read history with sufficient care. 1t is,
however, neither less nor more disgIaccful
than any one of II long series of the acts of
GRANT since first he entered the White
House, 10 demonstrate tho new theory
that the Presidency is an Office established
Is reward for personal services, and to
compensate by reason of its moncv-mak-
ing chances for tho loss of the "emolu-
ments" the incumbent has gwen up In
order TO take il.
II POKER SCHENCR is the innocent, ca
Inundated, ana prosecuted rustic he says
he il, why did he not wait for the accept
ance of his resignation, seek audience OF
the Queen, take leave Of her ms custom re-
qures, stay in London, and, having be-
come plain citizen of the United States,
without diplomatic privilege, meet tho
suit brought against himl English justice
is exact aud even. IL would have protected
his rights and administered no punishment
that the law did not impose for actual and
proved crime committed. But no; this
diplomatist of Grantism did not dare to
face English justice. lie ran away from
II, and GRANT helped him do it. The
House of Representatives would do well
to inquire into this disgraceful business.