The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-16
BAYARD. AND WILLIAMS.
The Secretary's Attempt to Bulldoze q Col
ored Man Into Resignine.

Ored Man Into tSes1gn1ngs
Washington Special to Cincinn att Enquirer.
According to the statement of Rev. Geo. w.
Williams, of Ohio, recently appointed United
States minister to Hayti Secretary Bayard
wants him TO resign Mr. Williams has never
yet been to his post of duty. He was confirmed
in the last hours of the session of the Senate,
and has since been awaiting his instructions.
Recently, as Mr.. Williams gives the statement
to the New York Tribune, he waited upon the
President and offered to resign if he desired his
place. The President Mr. Williams says, re-
piled: II know of no candidate for the place,
and / do not desire request your resignation"
ssBut Mr.. President am informed that some
body is attacking me in the dark, and that
charges have been brought against me- The
President assured Mr.. Williams that he knew
nothing Of any such charges, and that no action
would be taken upon charges against him with
out full and fair investigation and hearing.
Mr. Williams wrote twice to Secretary Bayard
on the subject of his instructions and credentials,
the last letter being dated April 4. To neither
experience at the State Department be related
substantially as follows:
After considerable delay was shown into
room, and pretty soon Mr.. Bayard came in. /
explained to him a matter of the payment due
me, and he nervously replied that it would be
attended to- / then said: Mr. Secretary, as
you are aware, i received my commission as
minister to Hayti more than forty days ago. I
have twice applied by letter for my instructions,
and have received no reply. desire to know
whether you have anything to say to mer Then
he began something like this: Now, Williams,
I have nothing against you personally, you know;
but very grave charges-very grave charges,
indeed-have been made against you. Now, the
mission to Hayti is a very difficult one--very diff
.icult. indeed. Langston found it SO. And these
charges, You know, have caused me to hesitate
about sending you, and-well, l advise you to
resign
Il asked: What are these grave charges, and
who brings thema want an opportunity to re-
ply. to them
'''Oh, WE'LL they can not be tried publicly,
you know, he replied. They will be thoroughly
investigated. and you will be informed of the re-
suit will see that that money is paid over to
you immediately, and of course, you will resign,
you know-that is understood
while was protesting Mr. Bayard hurried
from the room, and the chief clerk entered. He
said i arr instructed to have that money paid
to you Immediately, and l understood that you
are to tender your resignation
- There is no such understanding. replied.
I want the monev that was told belongs to me,
but will not resign under charges about which
am kept in Ignorance
Ion, you know the understanding is that you
are to resign he persisted. Come with me and
get your money. That is the way understand
the matter from the Secretary
d" We'll. You give the Secretary my comph-
1nents. and say to him that do not propose to
surrender aud that / cannot be bribed to re-
sign.
Il was then informed that it would take about
ten days to have my account adjusted and paid,
and SO / came away
1t is understood that Mr. Williams VIII appeal
from the Secretary to the President for an oppor
tunity 10 examine and reply to the grave
charges against him.