Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-22
JUDGE FUCKERS LETTER.
He Speaks Very Plainly to Senator
Blackburn.

Blackburn.
THE CONTROVERSY REVIEWED AND HIS GRIoIxAI
STATEMENTS REIrERATED-HE Is READY TO
MEET THE SENATOR AT AMI TIE.
The New York Worlds special from Denver
gives the following open letter BY Judge
Rucker to Senator Blackburn:
"Hon. J. C. s. Blackburn:
''SIR: Neither explanation nor apology il re-
quired for the liberty take in addressing you
this open letter in regard to the matters in
controversy between ms, since they have
already been given to the public more or lees
fully by the press. Though you are Senator, q
representative of the honored state of Kentucky
in the legislative branch of the national legis-
lature, an orator and leader and man of
mark in the great party to which we both yield
allegiance, and l am an humble and compare
lively unknown citizen of a state on the con-
fines of civilization. hold my reputation for
honor, truth, courage and manhood as highly
as you can value yours, and consequently am
not disposed to allow your derogatory state
ments or those Of your friends to pass un-
challenged
with a good deal Of unnecessary violence
OF language you take exceptions to an inter-
view with me, published in the several repub-
interview with President Cleveland about two
weeks before the election. The statements
made by me in connection with that interview
have before stated, and here reiterate, were
substantially correct. The President did speak
disparagingly OF the prospect of his election,
did consider New York the weak place in the
democratic line, and did attribute the weak
ness to the dissatisfaction, not to say the dis
affection, OF Mayor Hewitt, Gov. Hill, and
Sheriff Grant,
I'm your first statement to the public, on
November IA, you deny that any conversation
of the kind occurred. The President never
mentioned Mr.. Hewitt's or Mr.. Grants name, >
you said. nor did l nor any one else.' In a
later statement of November Is You admitted
that MIR. Hewitt's name was mentioned, and in
another. which was printed in the New York
S'n 81 the same date, you admitted that Mr..
were mentioned. II your memory was so
treacherous, in the first place, and
II, on consideration, you were able
to remember so much which you at first
emphatically denied, it would seem that you
might have been a little more guarded in JUS
tice to yourself in impeaching in unqualified
terms my veracity.
But, unfortunately, Just in the degree that
you are compelled to admit what / stated and
you denied, or, in other words, that am right
and you are wrong. you become personally
abusive, and finally denounce me as acting the
part Of spy in the interest of the republicans.
Logically speaking, if you are justified in
applying that epithet to me, there must have
been something said in the course of the con-
versation with the President which it would
have been OF advantage to the republicans to
know. IL 1t was not what stated, what was il?
You are well aware that did not state half
that was said, and that have not violated any
confidence toward you or the President. or
any faith toward the democratic party. Your
application OF the term to me only shows that
w Qrar and foil h
1T would probably be going outside of the
record for me to suggest in this connection.
what you know very well. that the influence of
the politicians Of New York is far-reaching and
has been exerted in the election of a Senator
from Kentucky, and that the question of your
reelection will be decided by the Legislature of
that state to be chosen next August, and that
it behOOves you not to lose the favor
of those masters of political intrigue, Partly
In view OF this fact admit it was an indiscre-
ton on my part to mention what you said of
Mr.. Hewitt. and assure you sincerely regret
having done so.
Now. Senator, l approach a point in the
controversy which 1 would gladly avoid, but,
which, as you have given it great
prominence, am compelled to speak plainly.
L mean your illusions, direct and indirect, to
what You are pleased to consider the differ
ence in our social position in life and the argu-
ment your friend Mr.. Phil. B. Thompson
based thereon. to the effect that il is impossi-
BILE that you should hold any correspondence
with me OF personal nature. Our mutual
friends may not recognize this assumption of
superiority, but let that pass. / will say that
you are pursuing exactly the course coward
might be expected to pursue under like circum-
stances and certainly it is not the part of cour-
age to denounce a man and at the same time
assure him that your position is so much more
exalted than his that he need not expect re-
dress from you.
AS for myself, while 1 have not said any
thing in this letter or in any of my interviews
with members OF the press which did not be-
iieve was true, nor anything that is or was in
tended to be personally offensive. yet if at any
ing with me, can assure you that your slight
est animation to that effect will meet with
prompt acceptance On my part
ID, 1t rests with You to say what the result of
the controversy shall be. Sincerely,
"A. W. RUCKER."
THE MATTER IN THE HANDS OF HIS FRIEND.
The Suns special says: Judge Rucker said to-
day: Il have left the entire matter in the hands
Of my friend, Col. John G. Moore, of Pueblo,
and have nothing more to say regarding the
unfortunate controversy between myself and
Senator Blackburn"
1t is expected that Blackburn will answer the
letter inside the usual limit of three DAYS,
when, If the challenge is accepted arrange
ments will be perfected. Rucker waited to see
II President Cleveland would deny the alleged
interview or make some statement It was ONLY
this that prevented Rucker from writing the
letter before. When the challenge was issued
last night Judge Rucker had not seen Black
burns last interview, published on Sunday. or
his letter would have been made much
stronger.
In order to see what the prevailing sentiment
is, reporter tonight interviewed several
leading citizens on Rucker. In all cases he
was highly spoken of. Judge W. c. Ferrill
voiced the sentiments of the majority in saving
that Rucker wants to meet Blackburn on the
field of honor.
Col. John C. Moore, who was chosen as
Fuckers second, is a good man for that place
on account of his long experience in such mat
tiers. He has figured in any number of duels,
the most celebrated being between ex-Gov.
and Gen. Walker, Of Prices army,
during the civil war. 1t occurred in Tennessee.
the challenging party being Gen. Walker.
Col Moore was Marmadukes second and in
sisted upon six PAGES. Walkers second con-
tested for eighteen PAGES, but like all great
questions, the matter was compromised on
twelve PAGES. Colts revOlvers were used the
agreement being to fire as they advanced.
Walker was hit in the left groin and soon died.
The duel grew out Of long and bitter contro-
versy between Price and Marmaduke, and at
the time was the sensation of the day.
The last duel in which Moore was concerned
was several years ago in Denver. when Mr.
Mcclure insulted friend Of Moores named
Whitsell Whitsell instantly killed Mcclure.
Previous to coming to Colorado Moore was
editor Of the Kansas City Times, and
he now owns two newspapers.
GrandfatheP,s Clock