The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-01-05
WAS THERE A PLOI7
Maxwell Says He Saved Hayes Life.
but Did He?
From the Ne,e York Herald

but DID HeY
From the Metz York Herald
The recent story of the ST. Louis RepUb-
lie, printing for the first time the official
investigation of an alleged plot to remove
Mr.. Cleveland previous 10 his Inauguration,
recalls the farce which was played off on
Gen. Hayes after his election 70 the presi-
dency.
Some weeks before the Inauguration of
1871 there appeared IN Washington man
named Maxwell, of fine appearance, of good
address and more than ordinary shrewdaess
and intelligence He hailed from MasSa-
chusatts. He put himself 10 the way of the
near friends of Gen. HAYES. and so had
formed an acquaintance with quite number
Of them W hen he had ascartalned the ones
who held confidential relations with the
new President he disclosed t. them that he
bad Just discovered plot to kill Mr. Hayes
While some of these friends persisted IN
rIdculing the story, Maxwell succeeded in
soaring one or two enough to induce them
TO communicate the matter to Columbus 50
as to have a watch kept about the new
President
From that time Maxwell's way was open
and smooth. He finally went TO Columbus
to manage his thwarting Of the great plot
from that end of the line. He asked for and
received assistance. He was mysterious and
terribly active in the eyes OF the select few
who were entrusted with the dreadful thing
he was supposed to know.
Gen. Hayes was not allowed to know the
calamity which hung over him. But Max
well was put on guard, and be gave assur-
ances that he could at once identify those in
the plot if they should appear. He pre-
tended TO be hot on the trail This, in fact,
was the whole Of his plot. He came on the
train that brought Gen. Hayes to Washing
ton. He pretended TO have fooled the vii
lains at several points where the train
stopped at night
Arriving in Washington he received in =
formation as a matter of-course, which
made the increased vigilance and an added
force neces ary. His case grew hourly.
| Some of the friends of the President-elect
allowed themselves to BE- made miserable.
Others denounced Maxwell for a fraud and
tried to have him driven off. The city de
tectives who were directed TO assist him soon
declared him to be an impostor. But he
| mauaged to hold his own.
He and his guard were kept near the
President o. the way to the capitol. They
were given free access to the building the
Senate chamber and the front portico. When
| the procession started for the white house,
Maxwell with his self-elected qua d,
marched close behind it and along the Sides
Soon after turning into Pennsylvania
avenue luckless visitor was pushed out of
the line on the side walk as the crowd swayed
outward to catch glimpse of the passing
President. Maxwell promptly knocked
him down, and the police took him In
charge. Maxwell declared HIM to be one of
the gang. Arriving at the white house he
was made free conner. the new President
was given TO understand that Maxwell had
saved his life.
Next the adventurer claimed his reward
He asked to be appointed to the army. Moth
ng less than a life position would be proper
reward for his discovery and his devotion.
He was promptly designated to be q second
lieutenant. He could not pass the examina-
ton. He was sent TO another post and the
intimation was presented there in a strong
form that it was desired he should be passed.
He became an officer No amount of pro-
test on the ground that he was a confidence
man could stop it,
Orce in the army he begun to show him
self for what be was. In year he was dis
missed in disgrace for swindling citizens
and the government