Daily Republican., 1886-07-14
AGlaring Coptras

The lancaster New Era has been
hunting up the record Of John Quincy
Adams and comparing the actions OF
that incorruptible patriot with the
actions of Augustus H. Garland, At
torney General Of the United States, and
the difference between the two Is about
rs great as inky darkness compared to
sunlight in mid day. Adams was 8
large owner Of the stock Of the old Uni
ted States Bank, which was 80 unfortu-
nate as to foil ander o cloud, and a
committee OF investigation was de-
manded by Congress, OF which Adams
was then member. Such was Adams
well-known character for honesty and
incorruptibility that there was no hest
tation whatever in appointing him one
Of the committee to investigate the
crooked doings of q bank in which he
held his wealth. But the confidence
reposed In him by Congress did not sat.
isfy this sturdy old patriot. Aware OF
the influence Of priv ate interests upon
public trusts, and aware OF the mis-
represen tations that might be made Of
his actions by his enemies, before ac-
cepting the Craftsmanship OF the COM
mittee, he disposed Of every interest
he had in the bank, 30 that be could
approach the question Invested OF every
private prejudice and consideration.
No doubt Mr.Adams felt that while his
public duties might not be affected by
his relations to this great moneyed cor
porstion, something was nevertheless
due to public opinion.
But how stands the case OF Augustus
ii Garland? He is not member OF
Congress now, bat he was United
States Senator and resigned his Office
to accept the Attorney Generslship IN
President Cleveland's 'oinet, In which
position he became the law off GER Of
the United States. Mr.. Adams camt
by his interests in the United States
bank In an honest and legitimate way
by paying cash for 1t as any other hon.
est man would do. Mr. Garland cannot
claim even this negative merit. His
million OF Pan.Electric stock was OBJ
tanned without the payment Of single
cent for 1t. 1t was the gift OF shrewd
spectators, who were DESTROYS OF Sc
curing the interest Of prominent mem
bers Of Congress and others to further
their schemes, the implied considera-
tion being the influence the receivers
would have in pushing the claims Of
the company in any suits or contests
with rival telephone companies that
might present themselves. Such suit
has presented itself, just as was ex-
pected, when Mr.. Garland was handed
his certificate OF a million dollars worth
OF stock as present and with his
certificate of stock In his pocket he
brings suit against q rival company,
which IL broken down would double
perhaps quadruple his million Of stock
in value. We hear nothing Of Garland
disposing of his stock in the Pan
Electric before commencing suit az is
the Bell telephone, nor Of resigning hi:
position, although some Of the most in
fuentlal newspapers Of his own party
have called upon him long and loud tt
do 80. Hls only excuse is that hi!
Doodle was a gift and that he is no
bound TO regard public clamor. How
do such actions compare with til
actions OF incorruptible John Qainc.
Adams? The people will formulate
their own answer. Even though Au
gustus II. Garland was as pure a
CGsar's wife, something is nevertheless
due to public opinion, ard this consid
Grafton, apart from all others, shonl
have induced him to surrender his p al
Electric stock, or retire from the Off,
be holds under the present adminis.ra
ton.