National Republican., 1880-07-12
Colonel irish CnIumnlated aud yindicated.

Mr.. irish, the chief of the bureau of engraving
ana printing OF the treasury department, stated
yesterday at Willard's hotel TO a company of gen.
tlemen with whom he was In conversation. his
dent.
The above announcem cnt was mado IN the
Star on Saturday evening aud, II is understood,
was sent by telegraph broadcast over the coun-
try. 1t is not surprising, perhaps, that tho
Star should havo been betrayed into the above
statement under tho umstances-though
1t is quite evident that little wise precau.
tion might have saved it from the mortiica-
tion of having presented highly respected
citizen and official to the popular eye in the
light of political recreancy. THE REPUBLI-
CAN heard of this runor some days since, and
was furnished with the names of three citizens
who, Ii was represented, Ind been present ut
Wilards hotel ut the time referred to, aud had
hold n conversation with Colonel Irish, in
which he publicly declared for Hancock, as
the Star has announced. Taking no stock at
the time in the rumor no reference was made
to the matter by The REPUBLICAN,. How
ever, after the rumor had found recognition
by the Star, It was thought best to investigate
it, and, thinking that Colonel Irish would be
as likely to know the bottom facts MS any one
else, representative of TIE REPUBLICAN,
got him by the button, and the following is
substantially the result OF the interview:
REPUBLICAN-Colonel, you have been rep
resented In the public press, on the street, in
the corridors of the hotels and elsewhere as
having recently held u conversation with
Mr.. W. j. Murtagh, Judge III. II. Blackburn
and Mr. Leadingham at Willald's hotel some
days ago, in which you took occasion 10 pro.
claim your allegiance for General Hancock
and to express the opinion that ho would as
surcdly be elected. How much truth is there
in this piece OF gossip
(nlnnel Irigh--Iharp ia much truth pa
this in it: / have not been inside Of Wilards
hotel in months-cortainly not since Han
cocks nomination. | have not seen Mr..
Murlagh, who l know very WE'LL since the
Chicago and Cincinnati conventions were held,
to hold moments conversation with him on
that or any other subject. The other two
persons named do not know at ALL aud have
not met to my knowledge. / have held no
conversion with any company Of gentlemen
anywhere in which have expressed my in
tention to support General Hancock, or any
thing which could possibly be tortured into
such declaration. Ga the contrary, / am
and have been Il republican since 1860, when
l was delegate 10 the convention which
nominated Mr.. Lincoln, and of course
supported his election. l have since
then been for years member of
the republican state central committee
of Nebraska, and have served several times
as its chairman | supported the election of
General Grant twice, and General Hayes in
1876. / am now warm personal and politi-
cal friend Of General Garfield, whom l greatly
admire, aud who l propose to support with
my best efforts in every practicable manner
within the range of my abilities. Do you
think this full answer to tho seusclcss and
ground cas calunny that has been put Rnoat
regarding me?
REPUBLICAN-M Most undoubtedly it is. Tho
denial is broad aud convincing. Am sorry to
have troubled you, but Truth Is truth, you
know, and that is what THE REPUBLICAN
seeks ut all times concerning questions OF II
personal nature or of public interest. This
calummy has Travelled leagues by electricity
and on tho tongue Of runor, while truth is
girdng up It's loins for n start in its pursuit,
but TIE REPUBLICAN, will do its best to over
take aud US far rs is possible TO contract It.
Adeu.
Colonel Irish having been Informed by the
managers of the Star that Mr.. Murtagh fur
nished them with the information that led to
their publication, the following correspondence
between Colonel Irish and Mr.. NJ. has since
occurred
1907 HARDWOOD AvRNuE LIE nRolT PARK,
July II, 1850. !
SIR: am this morning Informed that the nc-
compGnying item, from the star OF lmt evening,
was published upon your authority.
In view of the fact that have not seen YOU for
two months that have not been in Wilard's hotel
for over four, that have not at any tlme or place
expressed an intention to support General Han
cock for the presidency, that l am and always
have been devoted 10 the ideas and measures of
the republican party ami 20 the loyal support OF us
candidates and am especially SO devoted to the
suppOrt of General Garfield ion political reasons as
well rs from personal admiration and friendship,
have 10 ask If you have any explanation TO oIer
before make public statement in regard TO this
"a brcauon, Respectfully, U. II. IRISH.
MIR. WILLIAM J. MuRTAOH.
REPLY
DEAR SIR: Iwill call ON you before noon to NOR,
row when some publication can he made in the star,
The man who says authorized or ever saw the
statement In the Stu' be.Ure It's publication lies.
Yours W. MUUTAGU.