The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-07-06
FROM THE CAPITAL.
NOTES OF INTEREST.
Cooks Br,r,n Inpud.ne,-rAs FssiIns OfPrssidsat
GMa.ld toward HIm-A Statement of the
Manner Of His observation-disclosures for not
DlsmIaIsE Hlm-wa.hingtOn Notes.

WASEHEGToS, July-5.-Mr. William a
Cook, OF counsel and Of not oriety on both
sides OF the Star route eases, in published
interview, denies the accuracy OF late state
ments in these dispatches, TO the effect that
President Garfield did not know him per-
sonally at the time he was appointed; that
he was disgusted with his appointment,
when Cooks character and standing were
made known to hin; that the President at
first intended to remove him; that he was
both surprised and difgusted with Cooks
opening move 10 give himself prominence
by rising In court and asking to have his
letter Of appointment spread on the records,
and, lastly, that Cooks retention was
largely owing to the supposed relation OF
his firm to gang OF detectives, Of whose
services 1t was important TO deprive the
defense. These specific statements Mr..
Cook variously characterized rs absurd,
impossible and without truthful founda-
ton. Nevertheless, they are each and
every Que OF them true. The only inacu.
racy consists in the fact that the language
used by no means reflects the emphatic
character OF President Gartisld's conyersa-
ton on the subject This conversation was
held with correspondent in person at the
White House, on the ID OF June, 1881. The
object OF the call was to ask II it would be
convenient for the President to see Il friend,
who desired to call that afternoon. The
papers OF that morning or oi the evening
before had contained report that William
A. Cook was TO beconnected with the Star
route cases. In reply to question, as TO
whether this report was correct, the Presi-
dent was unable to say whether the ap-
pointment had actually been issued. He.
said he did not know Mr.. Cook, and asked
to be informed of,his character and general
standing.
CHARGES AGAINST COOK II
Alter listening to statement concern
ing Cooks connection with the safe burg
larly and other notorious cases, the Presi-
dent'requested the correspondent TO 80 to
Attorney General MacVesgh, say that he
came at the President'srequest, and repeat
what had been said about Cook. This was
done, and very full conversation follow
ed in regard to Cook, his well known rela-
tions to several noted cases, his peculiar
standing at the District Bar, and the con-
trolling reasons for his retention by the
Government.
Very shortly after the close OF this inter-
view with the Attorney General, the cor.
respondent went again to the White House,
with the friend for whom the President
had made an appointment. On this occa.
sion the subject Of Cooks appointment
and that OF MIR. Gibson was brought up by
the President, and a long conversation fol.
lowed. General Garfield expressed the
greatest satisfaction with both appoint
ments, but was most severe in hisdenunci-
alton OF Mr.. Gibson's selection, on account
OF the persistent attacks which that gentle.
man had made upon him 10 connection
with the Credit Mobilier and De Golyer
matters.
Between the hours OF the frst and second
call Mr.. Cook had appeared at the District
Court with his letter OF appointment, which
the Department OF Justice had sent him
either the evening before or that morning,
and had asked to have 1t spread on the
records, and copy had been furnished
the press. When the President was in
formed Of this he expressed both annoy
ance and disgust, looking upon it as an at
tempt to force himself into a prominence
that certainly was not intended. The Pres.
ident's whole conversation proceeded upon
the assumption that both appointments
had been made without his knowledge,
and under the authority which the Attor-
ney General had to prepare the Star-route
cases for trial.
HIS APPOINTMENT.