Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-12-17
Blaine Dismisses His Libe Suit.

Mr. Blaine has dismissed his libel suit
against the Sentinel 1t was to be tried on
the 23rd instant.
The following is his letter to his attor-
neys instructing them to dismiss the suit :
WASHINGTON, D. c., December TO-
"To Messrs. Harrison, Miller & Elam, Coun-
sellers at-Ld,c:
"GENTLEMEN-When I requested you in
August last to bring suit against the pub
fishers Of the indianapolis Sentinel for libel,
did so in the belief shat the wrong done
me by that paper, being entirely of per-
sonal aud domestic character, could be
fairly tried without undue influence iruu,
political considerations. l confess l was
profoundly amazed to find the matter at
once taken up and the libel reproduced
with oil possible exaggerations In every
democratic paper in Indiana. Except from
three members ofthe democratic party ofthat
Stale, never beaid that word Of dissent or
disapproval was spoken, while the great mass
of the democratic speakers repeated the libel
| from every stump III Indiana with vlupera-
tive rancor, with jbe and ribald jest II was
thus made, so far as any matter Of the kind
could be made, an issue in an existing poit-
ical campaign, and the democrats OF the
State were thoroughly poisoned in thrr
minds in regard to the question to be de-
cided at law. Under such conditions it is
simply impossible that can have fair
trial, or that can expect any other result
than that which uniformly attends polit
cal libel suit growing out of an exciting
campaign in this country. If were unfair
enough TO desire a jury composed of my
own parlisans, could not have it, A prop
erly constituted jury in Indiana would be
composed of members of both political
parties in about equal proportions. When
| visited Indiana III October l was repeatedly
advised that six democrats could not be
found in the State who, i'll political suit
would give verdict against their leading
party organ This did not necessarily con-
vey an inIputation upon their personal iuteg
rity as citizens, but simply that the binding
of party prejudice would utterly prevent all
impartial consideration Of the evidence sub
mitted. am perfectly able to fight The
Sentinel newspaper in an Indiana court, but
would stand no chance whatever against
the consolidated venom of the democratic
party Of the State. With these surround
ings and with this prospect, it is idle for me
to go through the trouble and annoyance Of
a trial. The questions propounded by the
|
TALLY and fully answered by me, and | am
willing to leave my written statement and
answers under oath TO the Judgment Of the
public. do not choose TO have the case in
directly concluded by technically or suf.
lereG 10 die in sienre | prefer to make
| this frank and open statement OF the reason
which Induced inc to believe The prosecu-
lion of the case would be utterly Ruthless
| every respectfully yours,
| JAMES g. BLAINE"
Probably the greatest mistake Of B'aine's
| life was the Institution Of this suit, and he
is not to be blamed for retreating at the
first convenient opportunity from the I'M
| pleasant position in and out OF chancery
into which he had unanswered himself.
! The letter to his attorneys to withdraw the
suit shows, however, that he is still full OF
! the gall and bitterness of defeat, and, in Its
| way, is as uncomplimentary to the people
of Indiana as was his post election speech
to the people Of the South. Every day
proves more clearly the wisdom ofsqnelch.
ing Blaine, who is II bad man.