National Republican., 1886-10-02
sharp Roply to EdwArd Atkinson.

| sharp Reply TO Edward Atkinson'a
| CritIoisn Of Consular Weport4.
WAsnINGToN, Sept. 26.--Mr. Charles S.
lIilI, for many years stitlstician OF the De-
partmcnt Of State. has addressed letter to
Assistant Secretary Of State Porter, replying
to the reflections Of Mr.. Edward Atkinson
in bis letter to Nr. NordhofT, recently pub
lshed, in which Mr.. Atkinson according to
Mr.. Hill, attempted TO influence appoint
ments In the consular service, and TO con
troll the preparation Of consular reports in
special interests.
Mr.. Hills letter, which by permission OF
Secretary Porter is made public. Is as fol-
lows:
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2l--HoS. JAMRs d.
PORTER, Assistant Secretary OF State. M
Dear Sir A letter has Just been published
In the New York press OF the 10th instant
from Mr.. Edward Atkinson, OF Boston, to
Mr.. Nordhoif, dated April 10, 1885, about
the time OF the incoming administration,
Indicating upon the ipsi dixlt OF the
fOrmer) that he and his friends assumed the
privilege to "advsen the heads OF the sev.
eral executive deuartmonts, and especially
OF the Department OF State, In "their iu lg-
ment about men" for appointment 10 the
work OF statistical analysis, according to
their own notions and for their own aggran-
oizement, regardless Of facts and consider
alton OF true conditions In comparisons of
the economic data OF nations. This letter
particularly shows plot ~ pro iuco an
especial effect In the work OF the consular
service aud tIe prostitution Of consular re-
ports TO their own partalites aud with a
view To certain selfish purposes so that, "a
he says, "there would he little left to report
upon after two years" of bis "coaching the
hnpI,ffaUgf
The importance aud value OF the publlca.
ton OF consular reports monthly, II verified
carefully rs tn accuracy, are now too much
appreciated throughout our country aud
abroad To- need comment Unbiased states
men aud merchants ul every shade OF poll.
ties or industrial interest ot life have ra.
peatedly declared these facts to be the most
important tn the public generally, anil Tor
five years the multiplicity OF letters from
all parts Of the country aud from arthorl-
tics abroad; from the remarks of distln.
guished senators Of both parties Ia the
Congressional Record: from the press OF our
country, with but two exceptions, aud OF
foreign nations, that document has been
praised for its value ia the IN litter and
fuirnC SIS aud correctness In preparation.
In the Judgment of Mr. Atkinson, the
theoretical cquutionist, however, there
seems to be difference Of opinion. aud II
may be that In his estimation his Judgment
is superior TO all Others Bnt IL Is only the
undeihandtd personal reference aud mis-
representation OF that letter which Mr..
Atkinson Is shown to have made TO Secre
tary Bayard, Prof. Baird, and Others In n
semi official character that desire to note
at present, but 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 cour-
tesies Of life, although failing to appreciate
the willful sophisms so often set forth In
his arguments. would never have be-
lieved, except over his own signature, that
he would endeavor to strengthen his own
position and partial policy by hidden
band. In d backbiting spirit Mr.. Atkinson
has, In an attempt TO reflect upon aud In
jure others, shown a total ignorance of the
consular work and authority of the bureau
of statistics Of the Department OF State.
There was never an individuality or respon-
sibility vested in any but the distinguished
heads OF that department, as is we'll known,
and the incompleteness OF the consular
publications, like the consular service, is a
Limitation Of congressional provision.
Mr.. Atkinson's personal asperslons are
only severe SO far as they reflect upon him
self In mode OF attack, dictation OF pur-
poses, aud want OF information. In the
south Mr.. Atkinson's "principles Of politl-
cal economy" are taken now cum grauo
sails, aud characterized by his own words:
"Conflne your industry to planting and
leave manufacturing to u.s." or ''give us
the oyster aud you Keep the shell, ;" aud to
thus subdue industrial spirit to the recog-
milton Of the interests aud profits OF Mr.. At.
kinson's socalled economic party OF
friends, is the tone that perva les his phi
lanthropic work. The result Of this i1tlu-
ence or advice (if correct as set forth In
that letter. for Official appOutm ,nts upoa
the Judgment Of men," submitted by Mr..
Atkinson and his friends, has In every ap.
parent instance brought reflection upon
themselves and injury to the great party in
power. But more especially is the uuwis-
dom of his "judgment OF men" manifested
by his kiss aud a blow to his friend aad
colleague, MT. Schoenholr, aud in his mean
and unnecessary insult thereby to great
race Cf people, which he has slurriugly
characterized In view OF such relations,
for one, prefer abuse TO compliment from
such Judgment and "advlce,n aud ask
your permission to give this to the press.
Ihave the honor to be, my dear sir, very
respectfully, your ohedlcnt servant,
CHARLES ). HILL.