The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-25

am innocent Whatever may have been the
part performed in the determination of the
James gang of outlaws. l assure you have no
steps TO retrace, no apologies to make to the peo
pie OF Missouri or to the President. The Mis-
souri, CT to-day Is the vindicatiou of nv admins.
tration. You report the President as saving
ne could not shoulder in the East the respon-
soiilty OF disappointment to Office because of
that argea1bargain.' That may be the case in
this special instance Generally speaking. I
know the people of the East to be sensitive upon
the enforcement Of the law and against its VIOLA
ton even under circumstances productive of the
most good to society, and am also equally mind
full of that important trait in their character
"a willingness to hear the other side-before the
case is closed and Judgment pronounced They
cared nothing for Jesse James whilst alive will
ing to leave him where he had placed himself,
hosts humani generis and still less when dead.
The people are frugal honest and money-mak-
ing, making investments only where law is stl-
preme, and well-regulated society the rule Mill
ions OF dollars have been invested in this State
by the people since Jalness death which would
not have been the case had he continued mon
arch of all he surveyed / am slow in the belief
That, as stern man as the President is in deal
ing out justice between man and man. one who
has come up through the trials and tribulations
OF offlclai life, whose pathway has been strewn
with malice enSendered by envy and SANDER the
outgrowth OF corruption. and who so thoroughly
understands human nature by observation and
severe experience, should so confide in an excited
imputatlon as to wrong any man by giving iG a
moments consideration and especially against
one who has been his friend and defender from
the beginning. If So am mistaken in the
man. Senator, have written plainly because
my reputation is the only prop and stay of my
life, the only heritage / have TO leave my
children, and that shall defend against all i'm
putation. | truly hope you will consider no
part of this letter offensive to yourself. associate
senator, or the President; and in simple Justice
to an old frind who will never intrude upon
your patience again.in regard to any Office ex-
hibit IL to the President. / am not at all disap-
pointed at the result Of your application, and
rejoice that the President finds so many moro
worthy men than myself to fill the Office Hay-
ing fought long and earnestly for the triumph of
Democracy and not at all times under sunny
skies or on fowery roads, as you are personally
cognizant, l truly hope to see the administration
succeed on the principles of atparty as found
ed by Jefferson and Jackson and in restoring
the people and the government to the methods
of those great leaders and the teachings of the
Constitution. While asking no favors for my
self of you or the President still plead for a
free distribution of the good things of the gov
eminent table to our loved State and its worthy
applicants, only remembering the old guard OF
the party, and those who always responded
here when the call was made for action. Moth
ing 60 strengthens man a party as fealty to
friends and fealty to the usages and doctrines of
that party. Yours truly.
THOMAS T. CRITTENpEN"