New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-10-07
MIR GIRLANUS LATEST

II is repOrted that Mr.. Garland is now con-
sidering the propricty of selling his telephone
stock His friends advise him that in this way,
and in no Other eau he entire Y escape censure
on account of the Proceedings which have been
instituted by the Department of Justice. But
they certainly have Il curious idea of the Sltua-
ton, and Mr.. Garland INDUCES in very remark
able notions tor refOrmer,S if he and they
imagine that this bclated sale can in any way
alter the established fact. Mr.. Garland has
done already the worst and utmost that he
possibly could do in ordering through his
subordinate the proceedings against the beh
patents, and in employing TO represent the
United States in these proceedings the very
persons who were previously the pad attorneys
of his own and other companies. Having done
all this at a time when he actually held the
telephone stock and had direct personal in
tercst in the success Of the proceeding, 1t would
be mere childishness for him to sell the stock
now. lie might better retain 1t, and get the
benefit, such as it is, of an operation which
public opinion will not be slow to mark with
its censure.
But he will reply, or his friends for him, that
he did not personally order the proceedings,
nor personally direct the employment as gov
eminent counsel of the hired attorneys OF in
terestcd companies. Very well if he conceiyeS
that this defence clears him of responsibility
for what has becu DONE why should he sell his
stock? What possible occasion is there for
parting with the free gift of his friend
Rogers? Whatever mischief there was in re
ceiving and holding such gift has been done.
Mr.. Rogers knew what he wanted when he
81 ODn or of stock X
pected to be exceedingly valuable, provided
certain bill could be put through the Senate.
Mr.. Garland held that stock while a Senator,
and it does not appear to have been due 10 any
modesty or virtue Oh his part that the bill IN
tended to facilitate Just such proceeding as he
has now ordered did not finally come before
him for his vote 1t appears that the Commit
tee ON Patents concluded that it ought not to be
reported. And again, the device by which.
without the passage of such an act, the power
of the United States Government was used to
assail the rights and to damage the property OF
individuals, completely succeeded so far rs the
Department of Justice is concerned while Mr..
Garland was at the head OF that department,
and while he held the stock. MIR. Rogers has
testified that if Mr. GoOde had not ordered the
proceeding he should have appealed to At
torney-General Garland and demanded the
order as a matter of right, having the feeling
that the Attorney General had no right to re-
fuse after receiving from him and retaining
81 900, 900 or more of the stock.
Bywhat process under the sun can Mr.Garland
relieve himself from the responsibility for what
has been done by selling the stock which Mr..
Rogers gave him. lie might give it back in
deed, realizing nothing whatever for it, though
even then the public would naturally doubt
whether the surrender was genuine one, and
in so doubling would not do Mr. Garland 1.-THE
of the injustice he has been doing in his criti-
cisIns for years past to Republican officials and
Senators. He cannot complain if he is judged
precisely as he has judged others. WHAT he
has done, and the defence which he has made,
candid and justce-loving people will judge
without prejudice or partially. lie will have
great reason to be joyful if public opinion does
not Immediately brand him as knave, as he
and his political associates have with far less
reason stigmatizcd Republicans when assailcd
for alleged misuse of official trusts.