The New York herald., 1877-10-05
THE MEMORY or CHARLES SUMNER.
JOHN W. FoRNEY ADDS AN EXPLANATION TO
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF GRANTS ADMIN
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OF THE NOBLE

JOHN W. FogNEY ADDS AN EXPLANATION TO
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF GRANTS ADMIN
Observation-Disclosures OF THE NOBLE
DEAD.
From the Philadelphia Press Oct. 81
The ex-President's charge that Mr. Sumner un-
truthful, says the Boston Commonwealth bad It's
the matter Of the Of st. Domingo The story
OF that misunderstanding Is an interesting Mr.
Sumner was dining one Sunday evening at his own
house. with John W. Forney and Ben Pcrey Poore,
when the President announced, with the message
that he very much des red confer The Senator
on an important matter. The dinner being nearly
ciuded the Senator sent word he would the Presi
dent at once Upon this Mr. Poore and retired.
Mr. Tornsy was leaving tho the President
ushcred In. "Dont 60 said the President ~ should
Ike to have you remain anu hear wnat have 10 say"
Tne Colonel accordingly rcseated himself the Sen
atof and himself composed themselves to hear the
Presidents communication General Grant then said
he had boon thinking good deal about tho
oi ST. Domingo 10 the United States; the country had
been offered to the United states was fruitful many
producla that needed, and, moreover, II was
nentiy nttei for naval aud coal ng station II would
prove an important outpost In OF war; and, in
short the advantages were all 10 favor, as he looked
at II, oil s acquisition. Snow, am told, continued
the President that you cbairmaa the judiciary
Committee, before whom such matters come, and that
II you VIII AID II the thing can be accomplished" Tho
Senator interrupted by saying he was chairman Of the
Foreign Relations Committee. not OF the judiciary.
and that that committee would have mater 10
(hougn he SUBSEQUENTLY several times made the
mistaKel. and continued the advocacy with much
nsstness finally appealing TO tue Senator to personally
ard him. Tho senator answered these strong NJ
treaties with, 'Well r.president am . republican
and an administration man, and wis do ali
propariy 10 make your administration a success /
viii give the subject my best thought and viii do all
can rightly ana consistently 10 aid you" The inter-
view soon alter ended anu the President withdrow.
True, all true lar as goes but the Omitted act
Is that both President Grant and myself believed that
Mr. sumner intended 10 support the ST mingo
scheme alter the conversation here referred TO.
wrote In that belief IN paper, the Washingon Duly
Chronicle, on the sunday night when lett Mr.. Sum
nerB house after this intervew, and continued TO do
8 thai paper and tho Press Tho President called
on me, when Mr.. Sumner subsequently attacked tho
ing with the senator, ana sustained General Grants
my hut this did produce
any difference IN my relations with Nr. Sumner. lie
simply explained that he had been misunderstood by
both OF us, and We remained as intimate
ever. That explanation ought 10 have been
sufficient for General Grant, us moro than
said to him. There bad taith about Summers
course. thought, with the President that he had
agreed TO support the 81. Domingo acquisition, but
| sented 10 consider the subject. Win little more
moderation ON both sides the Two men could have
been reconced; but they were controlled, especially
General Grant, by some politicians, who wanted 10
produce rupture between the President and the SEN
tried pose tho trouble, but ailod--tho
quarrel had gone too far IL Is not pleasant to reopen
these wounds now that the grave has closed tho
iustrious Senator; but soicmnly believe that there
never lived purer. better moro truthful man than
Charles Sumner. Hc had hrs faults. but he
lated promise, deserted friend or uttered iaise
hood, j. w. f.