The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1885-03-22

To the Editor OF The SUNDAY Herald.
SIR: The defamation OF Mr.. Eugene Higgins,
Of Maryland, now acting appointment clerk OF the
Treasury Department. beginning with mere
whispers, has risen into sudden storm all over the
country, In which the voice OF truth can scarcely
make itself heard. There never was more
thorough filhllment Of the famous description OF
"caumny In the opera Of "Thc Barber OF Seville.p
II Ia certainly time that the friends OF MIR. Higgins
who are many and sincere, should have an opportu-
nifty to speak, not In his defcnse for he does moi need
any, but In order to isabuse the public mind OF false
the chorus against MIR. Higgins. once started has
been sweed from many sources, and II has been
attempted to make him the target not only for his
disappointed rivals, but for all the enemies OF Sena
tor Gorman, OF President Cleveland, and OF the
Democratic party. Added to these are n number OF
perfectly we-meaning and dlsinterested gentlemen
who arc convinced by the arful clamor that there
must be something wrong about the selection OF MIR.
,gr po s b scae aS sne row
humiliate him by dismissal 1t Ia sindecd fortunate,
In view OF this adverse combination, that the char
acter OF Mr.. Higgins Ia such rs stand scrutiny,
and that President Cleveland and Secretary Manning
| are both men of rare frmness and discretion, not
apt either to stultlfy themselves inict an Injustice
| by hasty action. They know that storms OF this
| character die out as suddenly as they arise.
Tne sum total OF the charges against Mir, Higgins
uor the outrageous and absurd bels In the Phade-
phia Press are unworthy OF notice) Ia that he has
been politician" In England the word is COM
those who make 1t an accusation against MIR. Hlg.
gins must see hai they are attacking also one OF the
WOst nO1Orcu leauers OF Inc DemOCratiC party, Sem
ator Gorman. Let them have the courage to do
this openly II they wish, hut not strike at Senator
German over the shoulders OF Treasury clerk. 1t
| Is unfortunately true that there are factions and
personal followings even among the staunch DEM
ocrats of Maryland, and the element that is out
| witted In management or cleft" at the polls Is
| always tempted to complain OF chicanery on the
part OF ts opponents. 1t reserved for this year
bring bring these grumblings and recrfm!naions into the
Held OF national politics. Mr. Higgins has been one
| OF the chiefs of staff for Senator German, whose
management of the. Presidential campaign every
| one commends and 1t is mt credible that the
| senior Senator. from Maryland would have asked the
appointment II there was anything dsgraceful In
the appointees public or private life.
The truth about Mr.. Higgins IL that his character
as well as his conceded abilities above the aver
age This Is proved by the strong Endorsements that
have flowed in from Maryland, where he is best
known by lifelong residence, and from other parts
OF the country as soon as 1t was understood they
could possibly be needed. lie may not he willing to
swear by the civil service law, as so many sudden
converts are now eager TO do; but II he Ia still q
doubter he Is In the best place to be convinced OF
| Its advantages. Let him have chance to show his
qualities by trial. and above all let the public refuse
| TO DO prelndlceu by senseless uproar and vague
/ charges without particle of prOOf. r. n. Il.