The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-10-27
TRAPPER AND the TRAPPED.


The letter bywhich Minister West, Qord
Sackyille) was induced TO write his now
famous letter, was written September 4, by
a British-American resident of Pomona,
California. The astonishing performance Of
Minister West can be best understood by
comparing this letter with his reply:
Sir;-The gravity Of the political situation here
and the duties of those voters who are OF English
BIRTH but still consider England the mother land,
constitute the apology hereby offer for intruding
for information. Mr.. Cleyeland's message 10
Congress on the fishery question justly exeites
our alarm and compels Us to seek further know
ledge before finally casting our votes for him. as
we Intended to do. Many English citizens have
for years refrained from being naturalized, as
they thought no good would accrue from the act
but Mr.. Cleyeland's administration has been so
favorable and friendly toward England, so kind In
not enforcing the retaliatory act passed by Con-
gress. so sound on the free trade question and
so hostile TO the dynamite school Of ireland, that
have become naturalized for the express purpose
OF helping TO elect him over again. The one
above all OF American politicians they consider
their own and their countrys best friend. / am
one Of these unfortunates with right 70 vote for
President in November. i am unable 10 under
stand for whom shall east my ballot, when but
one month ago was sure Mr.. Cleveland was the
man. III Cleveland was pursuing a new policy
toward Canada temporarily only and for the sake
of Oh, obtaining popularity and continuation OF his
policy when his reelection Is secured In NOvem-
Der and again favor England's interests, then /
should have no further doubts, but go forward
and vote for him. l know OF no one better able
TO direct me, sir. and 1 most respectfully ask
your advice In the matter, viii further add that
the two men, Mr.. Cleveland and Mr.. Harrison
are very evenly matched and few votes may Sc
lect either one. Mr.. Harrison Is high tariff man.
believer on the American side OF all questions
and undoubtedly an enemy to British Interests
generally. This State Is equally divided between
the parties, and mere handful Of our paturalized
remembered that small State (CororadO) de
feated Mr.. Tilden In 1876 and elected Hayes the
Republican, the importance Of California Is at
once apparent TO all. As you are ar the fountain
whether Mr. Cleyeland's present policy is tempo
rary only, and whether he will, as he secures
another term OF four years In the Presidency sus-
pend II for one Of friendship and free trade,
apply TO you privately and conidentially for infor
nation. which shall In turn be treated as secret
Such Information would put me at rest myself
and II favorable 10 Mr.. Cleveland, enable me on
my own responsibility, to assure many Of our
vice by voting for Cleveland and against the Re-
publican system OF tariff. As before observed
we know not what to do but look for more light
on mysterious subject, which the sooner IL
ing their votes.
This is Lord Sackville's reply:
[PRTvATE.l
am Ssg " ~ receipt q your letter Of the An
difficulty In which you find yourself In casting your
vote. You are probably aware that any political
party which openly favored the mother country al
the ,h present re- moment would lose popularity, and
Inc party however, is believe. still desirous Of
maintaining friendly relations with Great Britain
and Is still as deSirous OF settling all questions
with Canada, which have been unfortunately re.
opened since the retraction OF the treaty by the