National Republican., 1884-04-10
LOCKING THE DOOR AGAIN
The District Commissioners in Very Un-
dignifed Position.
They Crafty Their Small Spite Upon n
"RepubIican" Reporter.

THE REPUBLICAN Of yesterday published
the substance of q letter sent by the district
commissioners to Senator ingalls, in relation
to the Patterson claim. This action, in maxi
ing public matter of interest to the citizens,
is regarded by the commissioners as breach
Of confidence on the part of this paper and
the reporter who secured tho item. The
reason of tho commissioners in obiecting to
its publication was that the district commit
tees in congress had requested them not to give
such letters out. In an interview some time
apo with Senator ingalls, on tho subject he
said 81 have nothing to do with the buBi-
ness Of the commissioners, don't know any
thing about their books, and certainly have
no desire If / had the power to keep anything
dark there. As q matter of fact, l have no
authority over them, and they are not at all
obliged to consider my request as binding
upon them" The senator said that he had
requested the commissioners not to give one
letter out, but only one, and that IL was rarely
necessary to keep public information from
the press.
Commissioners Edmonds and West were in
the formers room yesterday afternoon, when
n subordinate informed them that THE Re-
PUBLICAN reporter wanted to see the letter
book" adding Mt the same time that this
paper had published the Patterson letter.
Mr.. Edmonds was heard to say He can't
see it," He then came out of the room, and
addressing the reporter said did you take
that letter 2"
"Yes, sir; l did, replied tho reporter.
Well, If you violate an understanding
you cannot look at the book"
q" | am not aware that l have violated any
understanding, sir"
"You cannot look at the book" said the
Judge, emphatically, going into his room.
lie sent for the reporter in a few minutes,
and asked If it were not understood that re-
porters were TO take no letters to congress
without securing the consent of the district
congressional committees. The reporter said
that he had made no such agreement and said
that he had never understood that he was to
be restricted from getting the news and pub
fishing it.
"why did you take it," asked Mr.. Ed
monds.
because it was news"
"But did you not know that we do not
give out such information-have l not told
you so?
But am sent here to get the news, and
l considerd that good piece of news"
well, IL YOU are going to take everything
here, We will not give you any" said Mr.
West, looking up from copy of THE REpUB-
LICAN."
II am sorry" said Mr.. Edmonds in q seri-
Gus tone, that there should have been any
misunderstanding in regard to this matter
but we do not feel justified in letting you see
the letter book If you are going to take
matter which we request you should not
publish. Now l will have to write a letter
of apology to Senator ingalls, for allowing the
matter to 60 out"
The reporter informed Mr.. Edmonds that
he was also sorry, but denied having violated
any confidence. His statements were received
coldly, however, with some degree Of incredu-
lity.
An ominous silence fell upon the little
group and the reporter withdrew, the door
closing behind him with vicious snap.
Mr.. West came to the door few minutes
later and glancing a significantly at the mes
senger ordered him, Bring me Mr.. Ingalls's
letter."
''What letter ?" asked one clerk.
mo 1917 r." replied another clerk.
The door was closed after Mr.. West got the
letter, and q dark lantern session of the board
was in full blast when the reporter left the
building.
A session for tho transaction Of public busi-
ness occurs to-day at o'clock. The public
will be excluded.