The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-06-07
THE MuRDERoUs MAYOR.
Harrison Explains and Defends th
Cedar KEYS ExpeditiOn.

OCosH Acyb ~ PeOItAOms
WARRINGTON CRY. June 6.-The presi
dents message transmitting to the Senate
information about the Ceiar Keys. Fla,
matter details the circumstances already
familiar to the public and adds:
II viii be observed that the United States col
lector Of customs Ut Cedar Keys has been driven
from his Office and from the town and tho ad.
ADMINISTRATION OF the customs laws Of the
United staes at that port suspended BY the vio-
lent demonstration threats OF one Cotffell-
mayor OF the place, assisted by his town mar
shall, Mitchell. Ifit mad been necessary. a.
do not think il can be in any case. for United
States officer 10 appeal 70 the local authorities
for immunity from violence in the exercise OF
his duty, the situation at Cedar Keys did not
suggest or encourage such an appeal 1t will
always be agreeable TO me II the local
authorities acting upon their own sense OF
duty, maintain the public peace
When this Is not done. should deem Il my
duty to use adequate powers vest q In the ex-
ecutive to make IL safe and feasible to hold aud
exercise the ofsces established by the federal
constitution and laws The means used in this
casa were, IN my opinion, lawful and necessary
and the officers do not seem TO have infruded
upon any private right in executing the war
rants placed in their hands The letter dated
August last which appears in tho correspond
encc submitted. appealing 10 me 20 interfere for
the protection OF tie city Of Cedar Keys from
the brutal violence OF cottrell II win be noticed
was written before the appointment of the new
collector. II was grim commentary on the
condition OF the social order a. Cedar KEYS
that only woman who had the courage 70
write to Washington ~ she says In her letter,
that neither she nor her husband could be made
victim OF his malics against this man. who
was then holding . subordinate place in the
customs service.
The report o. United States Deputy Marshal
Estrsnge says 10 and Captain smythe. OF the
revenue cutter McLsine. were vic i,nized by
their efforts to recApture Cottrsl The capfsin
Of e steam launch demanded $50 day for the
use of his vessel TO make q trip up the sewsnee
river. where IL Was believed thar cot:reIl was
hiding. when SO day would have been q big
price. After Marshal Mitchels release he was
resnstated In once, 50 one may safely say that
the policy Of Mayor Cottrell has been fully ia-
dorxed
The attorney general has been misinforrnea
in the matter OF searching dwellings unlaw-
fully. In every instance I ssked permission.
which am pleased Vas readily, II not cheer.
fully given have been relislously scrupuions
this pons. but the rahhle will talk aud bius.er
Tie report OF Capt smythe, OF the MeLAine ana
J. y. Pinkertoa. collector 81 Cedar KEYS sxree
With the report published. PIuker,on says: Il
have heard co;trell say thas United Sites A.
tnrney STRIPPING woaid not prosecute him. An
they were particular friends mus say striu
ling discouraged my action in the matter ana
advised me 30 wait ,iIl CostrelI mate further
demonstrations. and than 20 take q snosru a and
SHOOT Il he snserIered."