Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-10-26
r,e Rriti,s, Minister'S Letter.

A letter written by Lord Seckyiile West,
the British minister, from Beverly, Mass,
September 10 last, to a man in California,
has found its way into print and made con-
siderable of a stir. The letter has been &C.
knowledged by the British minister. The
Los Angeles Times, which published the
minister's letter, now furnishes the original
letter to him. The letters are as follows:
POMONA, CAL, Sept 4, 1883.
10 the British Minister, Washington, d. c.
SIR: The gravity of the political situation
),ere and the duties OF those voters who are
Of English birth, but still consider Eogland
the mother land, constitute the apology |
hereby offer for intruding for information.
Mr., Cleveland's message to Congress- on the
fishery question Justly exctes our alarm and
compels us to seek further knowledge be-
fore finally casting our votes for him as we
had intended to do. Many English citizens
have for wears RETAINED from being natural
ized. es they thought no good would accrue
from the act, but Mr.. Cieveland's admins
tration has been 30 favorable and friendly
togayd England, SO kind in not enforcing
The retalatory act passed by Congress, so
sound on the free trade question and 80 hos
lilo TO the dynamite school OF Ireland that
By the hundreds-yes, by the Thousands
they have become natural!zsd for the ex-
press purpose of helping to elect him over
again. The one above all OF American
politicians they consider their own and their
country's best friend. | ara ono OF these
unfortunstes with right to vote for Pres,-
dent in November. | am unable to under
stand fer whom | shall cast 10Y ballot, when
but one month ago | was sure MIR. GleVe-
land was the man. II Cleveland was pnr-
suing new policy toward Canada tenn
porarily only, and for for the sake OF obtaining
popularity and continuation OF his Office
tour wears more, but intends to cease his
nolicC when his re election is secured in No
yember, and again favor highlands interest,
then [ should have 10 further doubts, but
90 forward and vote for him. | know OF
no one better abba TO direct. me, sir, and
most respectfully ask your advice in the
matter. I will further add that the two
men. Mr.. Cleveland and Mr. Harrison, are
verv evenly matched, and few votes may
elect either one. Mr.. Harrison ID high
tstiffma a 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 a
mere handful OF ou1 na,uralizeG country
men can turn it either way. When it is re
membered that small State (Coloradol do
featsd MIR. TiIden in 1876 ard elected Hay es
the republican, the importance Of California
Is at once apparent to all.
i AS you are at the fountain head OF knowl
edge on the question. and know whether
MIR. Cleveland's present policy IL temporary
only, and whether be will, sc soon as nc
securea another term Of four years in the
presidency, suspend it for one of friendship
and free trade, apply to you privately and
ooufidentialIy fol information, which shall
in turn be treated as entirely secret. Such
information would put me at rect myself
and If favorable to Mr.. Cleveland enable me,
on my own responsibility, 10 assure many OF
our countrymen that they wonIddo Eng
q service by voting for Cleveland and
against the republican system of tariff. AS
I before observed, We know not what 10 do,
Sut look for more light on mysterious sub
iect which the sooner it comes will bet
ter serve true Englishmsn in casting their
votes Yours, very respectfully, -