Telegram-herald., 1886-09-27
A VERY TART LETTER
Edward Atkinson Roundly
Scored by Charles S. Hill.
CONSULAR SERVICE APPOINTMENTS
Mr Hilgs Letter 70 Assistant Seere-
tarY OF State James D Porter
Makes Splcy LII
erature

WAsHIkGroS Sept 26 Charles ).
Hill. for many years statiscian Of the De-
partment OF State has addressed letter TO
Assistant Secretary Of State. Porter, reply
ing to the reflections of edward Atkinson.
in his letter TO Mr. NordhoH recently pub
lished, in which the former. according 70
Mr. Hill attemp pted 10 influence Secretary
BAyards appointments in the consular ser
vice, aud 10 control the preparation Of
consular reports in the interest Of free
trade Mr. Hills letter which by permis
sion of Secretary Porter Is made public, Is
a. follows:
WASHINGTON, Sept. p, 1856
Hos JAMES ID. PORTER, Assistant Secretary
OF STATE.
My DEAR SRA letter has just been
published IA the New York Press of l9th
inst. from MIR Edward Atkinson, of Boston,
70 Mr.. Nordhoff, dated April Is. 1855, about
the incoming administration, indicating
upon the ipsi DIRT of the fOTmerl that he
and his frieads assumed the privilege To ad-
wise the heads of the several executive de
artments, and especially OF the Department
OF State, IN their judgement about men, TOR
appointment 10 the work of statistics, analy
sis, according 10 their own notions and for
facts and consideration of true conditions
in comparison of the economic data of ma
tions. This letter particularly shows a
plot 10 produce an especial effect in the
work of the consular service and the prOsti-
tuition of consular reports 10 their own par
tialiJies and with a view to certain
selfish purposes, so that there would
be little left 10 report upon
after two years of his coaching
Il. 4.
value of the publication of consular reports
-monthly-if verified carefully as to accu-
racy. are now too m1ch appreciated
| throughout our country and abroad 70 need
| comment. Unbiased statesmen and mer-
chants of every shade of politics or indus
| trial interest of life have repeatedly de-
clared these facts TO be the most important
| TO the public generally. and for five years
the multiplicity of letters from all parts of
the country and from authorities
abroad: from the remarks of
| distinguished senators of both parties in the
| Congressional Record; from the press of our
country. with but two exceptions, aud of
| foreign nations that document mas been
| praised for its value in matter and fairness,
/ and correctness in preparation. In the
! judgment Of Mr.. Atkinson, the theoretical
| equatiOnist, however there seems to be a
! difference of opinion, and il may be that in
| his estimation his judgment is superior 10
ali others. but it is olly the tender handed
personal reference and Misrepresentation of
/ that letter which Mr.. Atkinson is
shown TO have made To Secretary
Bayard, Professor Baird and others
in semi-official character, that | deiirc TO
note at present. but not publicly, and not in
the surreptitiOus manner that Mr. Atkinson
| has chosen. / have always entertained for
! him high regard for honor, dignity and
| all the cOurteses of life, although failing
| TO appreciate the willful sophisms so often
set forth in his arguments. | would never
| have believed, except from his own signature,
| that be would endeavor 10 strengthen his
own position and partial policy by hidden
hand in back biting spirit. Mr Atkinson
| has, in an item, TO reflect upon and injure
others. shown total ignorance of the con
/ sular work and authority of the bureau OF
/ statistic. of the Department of State. There
was never an individuality or responsibility
vested in any but the distinguished heads
/ of tL at department as is well known and
| the incompleteness of the consular publica-
| tions, like the consular office ser
vice. is limitation of Con-
gressional provision. Mr.. Atkinson
| personal aspeTsiODs are only severe so far
as they reflect upon himself in mode of at
tack dictation OF purpose. and want of in
formation. In the South Mr. Atkinson S
principles" of political economy are now
taken cum graRO sails, and characterized by
| his own words: 'Confine your industry to
| planting and leave manufacturing 20 us
! or give us the oyster; you keen
to the shell. and to thus subdue
industrial spirit to the recognition
of the interest of profits of Mr.. Atkinson 5
renOmic party OF friends, is the tone that
! pervades his philantrophic work. The re
suit of an advice (if correct as set forth in
that letter. for official appointments upon
the judgement Of men. Submitted by Mr.
Atkinson and his friends. il has IN every
apparent instance brought reflection upon
themselves and injury TO the great
party in power, but more especially
is the unwisdOm of his judgment of men
manifested by his kiss and a blow 10 bi.
friend and colleague, Mr.. Schoenhof. anc
his mean and unnecessary insult thereby e
a great people, which he has slurringly
characterized. In view Of such revelations
for one. | prefer abuse to compliment from
such judgment and advice, and / ash
your permission to give this 70 the press.
have the honor TO be. my dear sir,
Very respectfully
your Obedient servant.
CHARLES ;. HILL.