Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-10-04
ESTABLISHED 1850.
CONKLING IN PERIL.
A Utica Man Who Thinks He ought
TO be Killed II He Seeks 30 Attend
the Convention.

A New York special to the Philadel-
phia Press, dated Saturday, announces
that Mr.. Jackson. a shipping merchant
doing business on East river. received on
Wednesday a letter, dated and post
marked Utica, written by man whom
he had known for a number of years.
The message conveyed by the latter star
tied Mr.. Jackson very much. 1t was
calm argument, apparently, to justify
the assassination of ex-senator Conk-
ling, who twas the direct cause OF Presl-
dent Garf1eld's death and of the eleva-
ton of General Arthur, who, the writer
put it, twas not half as big man as
Garfield" In three pages and half OF
note paper he argued that Conkling
had deserved death and ought to be
shot, that patriotic citizens should
organize to do it, and that
the sentiment of the country would up
hold them in doing it. The writer con-
veyed the further information that he
was coming to New York on the occa-
sion of the State Convention on next
Wednesday, and that Mr.. Conkling
should not be admitted, be the conse
quences what they might. Upon reach
ing the end Of this singular epistle Mr..
Jackson, Mortified beyond measure, went
to the police headquarters in search of
President French, OF the Police Commits
sioners, whom he knew to be a warm
friend of Mr.. Conkling, and in whose
hands he knew the matter might be
safely trusted He reflected that some
thing might occur..to induce his cores
pondent to carry out his diabolical plan
before Mr.. Conkling left Utica, and that
the letter being traced to his possession,
in the event Of an attempt at assassina-
ton, might prove a dangerous witness
against him.
THE NAME NOT REVEALED.
French was not in town and Mr.. Ma
son was sought The latter was not
there, but was telegraphed for. Saturday
Mr. Jackson called on Commissioner
Mason and was admitted to long inter
view with him. He gave the Utica let
ter to the Commissioner and told him
what he knew about its writer. This
was in substance that he was man of
about 40 years, college bred and of good
family. Fifteen years ago he ran large
hotel in Utica, and then Mr.. Jackson
managed his business for him. Lately
he has been an agent for some mercan.
tile interests. Mr.. Jackson firmly believes
him to be another Guiteau. He was una
BILE to account for his addressing him ex-
cept on the score of their old acquaint-
ance, which, meeting by accident on a
railroad train, they had renewed last
spring. The Utica man had been given
to various political vagaries, having, to
the best of Mr.. Jackson's recollections,
been delegate to the Socialistic Conven-
ton at Newark four years ago.
Commissioner Mason perused the let
ter in silence, and, observing that it had
been written by man of education, in
quired if the sender was either insane or
given to drinking. Mr.. Jackson had
never heard that he was either. The
Commissioner suggested that he should
write reply to endeavor to ferret out if
possible the real plans of the Utica man,
but this Mr.. Jackson refused to do, his
principal desire being to get the whole
matter off his hands.
Commissioner Mason promised to take
charge of the affair, to consult Messrs.
Conkling and French, and, if necessary,
President Arthur. He is convinced that
the letter is a mere Incorporate express
sion of opinion. The writer will be
watched on his arrival In New York to-
day.