National Republican., 1886-09-10
"Finds no Authority"

The President Is as unfortunate as Gov.
Hill in failing to find authority for doing
that which propriety demands. The
Inauguration of the great Bartholdi statue
is at hand. In the month Of February 1877,
Congress, by joint resolution, authorized
and directed the President to accept the
gift Of the citizens Of the French Republic,
and on the completion Of the colossal statue
TO 'cause the same to be inaugurated with
such ceremonies as will serve to testify
the gratitude of our people for this ex-
preston and felicitous memorial of the
sympathy Of the citizens OF our sister Re-
public" A few weeks ago Congress appro-
priated $780, 800 for the ceremonies of the
Inauguration thus authorized. 1t should
be borne in mind, also, that included In
the items making up this sum is one Of
$1,000 for the entertainment Of invited
French guests. But the country has been
advised by press kilograms from this city
that "another curious difficulty" has arisen
in the way of the successful Inauguration
Of the statue. This difficulty is caused by
President Cleveland's announcement by
telegraph from the Adirondacks that he
can "And no authority in the lawn for
extending invitations to representatives of
the French ana German nations to take
| part In the Inauguration. The New York
| World frees its Democratic mind on this
subject with these words:
1t is difficult TO understand how the Presi
dents authority to extend such invitations can
| be doubted, in view of the plain Language OF
the original joint resolution and Of the appro-
| priation made by Congress. Certainly the in
| auguration ceremonies would neither be be
| coming nor expressive of the grateful sentl.
| ment of our people II we should act 80
chuTlishly as to neglect TO invite the represen-
tatives Of friendly powers, and especially OF
the French republic, to grace them by their
| presence. What pity that something OF tho
dimensions Of llberty's statue cannot be i'm
parted TO the ordinary official mind, and that
the fire of her torch caunot be applied 10
Washingtons exhaustless supply Of red tape.
The Brooklyn Times lifts up its lusty
Republican voice in this way:
1t seems that the President Is empowered b
make arrangements for the ceremonies attend.
ing the completion OF the Bartholdl statue aud
TO Tissue invitations" But he has not beer
expressly empowered by act of Congress TO in
viie the representatives OF the French repub.
lie, without whom such celebration would be
incomplete, and hesilates TO assume that re-
sponsibillty in default OF such expressly given
authority. The President was especially en-
powered by Congress to invite the French and
German diplomats 10 the Yorktown celebra
tion, and, as before intimated, Mr.. CLEVELAND
hesitates to do this In the present case unau.
thoTized until the Cabinet has considered IN,
matter. What bosh What utter nonsense
What consummate idocyl, These lawyer-lik,
bubbles and scruples are worthy the Turvev
drop administration which can neglect The
Charleston sufferers to debate point of otl
queile which wouldn't bother for two seconds
man with au ounce OF red blood in his veins
A case something like this hap
pened some years ago, at the
time Of the great patent office con
migration. Among the properties of the
Washington navy yard at that time was the
best steam fire engine In the District. II
was, OF course, telegraphed for when the
FIRE was found to be serious affair But
II did not start for several hours, because