The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-09-29
CLEVELAND'S COUSIN.
Interview With Rev. F. p. Cleveland,
Presiding Elder Of Freep0rt
District.

Rev. F. P. Cleveland, Methodist di-
vine, and presiding elder of the Freeport
district, is a cousin of Hon. Grover
Cleveland He is we'll known to the
clergy of the state, and is an exceptions
ally fine man. A Rockford Register res
porter has int erviewed him. Being per-
sonally acquainted with Rev. Cleveland,
who has always been an ardent republi-
can, we know that he would not allow
family relations to influence him in any,
thing he might say regarding his cousin.
The interview is as follows:
The Bev F. P. Cleveland, presiding
elder of Freeport district. now in attend,
ance at conference, is an own cousin of
Governor Grover Cleveland, the demo-
cratic candidate for president. He is a
guest of Mrs. ]. Early, South Third
street. Thither this morning repaired a
representative of the Register, bent on OBJ,
taiuing, if possible, some information
from one of the family regarding the
charges against Cleveland. Elder Cleve-
land is man very nearly seventy years of
age, of benignant countenance, gray
hair, white beard. wearing gold specta>
Giles, and with the appearance of an uu>
assuming man, but with character and
fiXity of purpose and steadfastness of be
lief stamped upon his features.
The gentleman was rather reluctant to
converse, and laid pretty stringent restric-
tions upon the reporter as to how much
he should be quoted. As the conversa>
ton proceeded the elder gradually grew
less guarded, and expressed his mind more
freely.
"Yes, am a cousin to Grover Cleve-
land, he said My father and his were
brothers and lived down in Delaware
county, New York. His father was a
Presbyterian minister; my father was
considerable of a politician. He was a
regular old Barnburner democrat
What were your relations with Grover
Cleveland?" asked the scribe.
II knew him well, of course; have
known him ever since knew anybody. "
''Have you ever heard of these charges
of gross immortality before your cousin
was nominated for PRESIDENT"
Not lisp. do not believe them II
is but just and right that should state
my relief. think that Cleveland is a
clean man. Before this campaign is ovel
| there will be some revelations and explain
alton from Gov. Cleveland, which will
| throw different light entirely upon this
case and will arouse the sympathy and
admiration of all honest men. tell you
| Cleveland is noble Roman don't
know how to better express myself
have letter recently received from him
which am not at liberty to make public
but which gives me complete information
and exhibits him as man who has made
sacrifices for his friends such as few mel
would have made. Irepeat believe HI
will receive more admiration than con
demuation when his vindication is made
as made ii will be before this campaign
closes, aud at a time it vii! do the mos
good"
is it true, as has been published, tina
you have stated to certain reporters, tina
lyou cannot support Your cousin, but in
tend to vote for Blaine?'
That statement is entirely withou
authority from me. You are the frs
reporter that has interviewed me, and
would prefer even now, that you shoul
not quote III detail what have told you
l have otdisclosed yet to person, how
shall vote. I have always, heretofore
voted the republican ticket, but anyon
| may draw their own conclusions now. t
tell the truth, had no intention of bein
led into saying as much as | have. NJ
relations with the conference, of course
are such that l would not wish to appea
in any way as an oracle or politician no
, do l care to appear in the newspapers.
am personally acquainted with Generf
Grant, and know he will not suppol
Blaine. | was on his staff in the army
and two years ago on his last trip west,
. had long talk with him. He said the
that the democrats were very likely
come into power Enext presidential cleo
ton. asked him if he thought Blain
would be candidate, and lie replied. o
course he will. He will be a candidate q
long as he lives. But do not think he
a safe man and could not support him
That is what Grant personally told m
ard have heard from him within 81
weeks, and he again intimated he had nc
changed his mind. He does not want t
be made the subject of newspaper report
and would prefer that you should nc
make his public" The scribe did nc
promise absolute secresy, however, br
informed the elder that he would repol
him in a manner he hoped would be aat
isfactory.