New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-20
RATHBONE's ANNOYING FRANKNEss

alton Of Major Rathbone to be COnsul-Genera
at Paris is still pending before the Committee on
Commerce, because of the objections OF senator
Morgan, Of Alabama, to its confirmation. 1t VIII
ultimately be confirmed, all the members OF the
Committee and large majority OF the Senate
understand the motive of Morgans objections
II appears that at the time Rathbone was appolnted
q M lie Breton was also seeking the office, and
Rathbones friends agreed If he lLe Breton woulo
withdraw from the contest, and give his support
10 Ratbbonc that the latter would appoint MIN
vice-C onsuGcncra in the place Of Mr.. Hooper
who had held the Office for many years; III Is noU
asserted that Rathbone was party TO the bargain;
The m en- who made 1t in his behalf are mere ana
admit that he not only did not authorize theu 10
make such propositions but was not aware that
such propositions were made
After he was appointed, Rathbone refused 10
carry out the agreement at first but finally,
when he understood what pledges had been MADE
TO lie Breton by his friends ne 10 NO
the nomination Of Mr.. lie Breton as vlce-Cohsul,
General, but accompanied it with statement OF
the fact for the information OF Secretary Bayard
He stated that he did not wish to make any
change in the office. that he preferred Mr. Hooper
should remain where he was, as he was ihmlllar
with the duties Of the Office had the advantage
OF long experience and a wide acquaintance ana
his retention was desired by the merchants and
others who had business with the Consulate.
Major Iathbone said that he thought 1t would be
to the advantage of the Government, TO himself
personally and to all concerned that there SHOULD
BE- no change but as his friends had made pledge
In his behalf that Mr.. lie Breton should be APP
nointed he felt in honor bound TO comply with
their wishes particularly as he was Indebted TO
them for his appointment.
The friends Of Mr. LIE Breton did not like the
frankness with which Major Rathbone stated the
case to Secretary Bayard, particularly Senator
Morgan. and accuse him of insincerity Of hypoc-
rsy, of ingratitude and many kindred crimes
They are now attempting to prevent ms comm
nation, at least hang il up until Rathhonc Is
forced TO withdraw his letter to the State Depart
ment, and give lie Breton fair show" lhey
accuse Rathbone, too, of being Mugwump, say
that he has never been Democrat, but has always
consortcd with Republicans, which is partially
true. Rathbone is a stepson OF the late senator
Ira Harris Of York; Is a graduate of the
West Point Military Academy, and has an excellent
record both in the Volunteer army during the
war and in the Regular army since. He resigned
lyom the service some years ago. and went into
he stock business in California
THE PROSPECT FRIGHTENED MR.. BELL
w.sutsGroN. Jan. 10 Special. Under the laws
- Rhode Island every man must pay his poll-tax
Az January so as to vote in the fall. The Execu-
~,ive Committee of the Democratic party has al
,.avs been accustomed to furnish the money 70
nav the tax of the poor members Of their organ.
ization This money has been raised by assess
ment upon tie candidates for Office. Next winter
H. will be necessary to elect Senator TO succeed
Mr.. Chace and the Legislature to be chosen mex
fall will have that duty TO perform; therefore i
is important that everybody should settle his poil
tax before the LIST OF February. The Democratic
Committee Of the State few DAYS ago teic
aphed to Isaac Bell, ir., the United States MIN
lister to the Hague, intimatlng 10 him that III IA
would furnish money enough 10 pay thc Pon-HN
for the INDECENT Democrats OF the State this Ac1r
that they could assure him OF the support OF IN
Democratic members Of the Legislature for th'