The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-10
THE POWER BEHIND GARLAND.
Alleged Threats of Southern Politicians in
Case of His Removal

Alleged Threats Of Southern Politicians in
Case of His Removal.
Washington Special to the New York World
There continues to be great deal of gossip
about the Attorney general. A report was cir
eulated to-day that he had resigned. This was
denied this evening 1t is said the Attorney
general had gone SO far as to consult some of his
friends as to what no should do His relations
vita the President have taken very peculiar
shape. The President, for nearly six months,
has not referred single question to him. He
has not accepted single Recommendation from
the Department of Justice upon any subject
The policy of the President has been followed
by the heads of the departments. A public man
said to-day
II do not believe Mr.. Garland has made sim
gle decision upon any question of public bust
ness outside of the routine work which comes
daily before him during the last six months.
The Office to-day is practically vacant
Another public man. who processes to have in
side information, said:
1.-THE President treats Mr.. Garland with po-
likeness when they come together, but he has
carefully avoided talking over any business with
him. Without being rude, he has very plainly
indicated that he would be pleased to have him
resign. The President would some time ago
have asked for his resignation on account of the
embarrassing situation. but extraordinary infu-
ences were brought to bear to save Garland, and
these influences produced their effect upon the
President. The friends of Indian Commissioner
Atkins, Gen. Joe Johnston, General Cpshur,
Solicitor-general Goode and Senator Harris
made un very strong combination. They knew
that Garland's going out would mean their own
political ruin. Senator Harris is a candidate
for reelection The federal officials involved in
the Pan-eleetric business know that should Mr.
Garland 60 out they would be expected to tender
their designations. Their united influence has
thus far been able to save Garland"
To-day the latter had an interview with the
President There has been good deal of Cos
sip about this interview, but at the White House
tonight it was denied that there anything
special in it. The Attorney general declines to
say anything more about his case for the public.
A prominent Southern man who is intimately
connected with all the Pan electric people said
to the World correspondent this evening:
Il see you say in to-day's World that Mr..
Cleveland wishes to get rid OF Attorney general
Garland and would gladly accept his resignation,
but that he viii not resign. Why should he! 1t
is pretty well understood in Southern circles
that the Pan electric company is too strong for
the administration. Garland threw down the
gauntlet to Mr. Cleveland some time ago, say
ing. Arkansas made you. and if you take the re-
sponsibility of removing your public career
will be finished for Harris and Atkins will carry
Tennessee against you in 1883; can beat you in
Arkansas, Johnston and Goode can carry Vir-
GINA against you; i4audr WOulO Sy InpALnfZ6 WITH
US if you should seek to make me victim, and
would defeat You in Mississippi This South
ern gentleman then Continued:
ssMr. Garland may not have used this exact
language, but that is the idea of his defense
The Southern States stand together The ap-
poiutments made throughout tho South are all
friendly to the Pan-electric statesmen The
Southern people generally regard the whole Pan
electric business rs an outcry from q preiudiced
North against good Southern men. The South
does not think any too much of Cleveland; they
do not regard him very good Democrat. If
he sacrifices the Pan-electric statesmen the
South will throw the election into the next
House If he is renominated. These are some of
the considerations which may make Mr.. Cleve-
land pause and explain fully why he never would
ask for Mr.. Garland's resignation. while at the
same time he would be only too glad to be- rid
Of him.
EATER-It was stated tonight quite positively
that the AttorEey-general in his interview with
the President this afternoon had signified TO him
hts willingness to retire from the Cabinet, and
TIT he had practically placed his resignation in
tZs hands of the President It's further a mat
ter OF general report that the President did not
Immediately accept. but took the matter under
Rdvisement. There is outside of the
White House and those intimately associated
with the Attorney-general who know positively
what took place. A prominent gentleman who
has had a number of conversations with Mr..
Garland upon the subject said this evening:
IF Mr. Garland has not resigned to-day. / am
sertain, from what have heard him say, that he