The morning call., 1890-06-07
mott.
THE CEDAR KEYS OUTRAGE.
President HarriS0n'S Message to The Senate
Regarding the Matter.

WASHINGTON, June 6.-The President to- day
transmitted to the Senate information about the
Cedar Keys (Fa.) matter. The details OF the
circumstances are already familiar to the public.
The letter adds:
1t will be observed that the United States Col
lector OF Customs at Cedar Keys had been driven
from his office and from town. and the administra-
tion of the customs laws of the United States at
that port was suspended by the violent demonstra-
tion and threats OF one COttrel the Mayor OF the
place, assisted by his Town Marshall Mitchell II it
had been necessary, as do not think 1t can be IN
any case, for United States oncer to appeal the
local authorities for immunity from violence in the
exercise Of his duties, the situation Cedar Keys
did not suggest or encourage such appeal. 1t VIII
always be agreeable to Inc If local authorities acting
upon their own sense of duty, maintain the pub
lie peace When this is not done shall deem IL my
duty to use adequate powers, vested in the execu-
tive, TO make IL safe and feasible hold aud
else the offices established by the Federal Constitu-
tion and laws. The means used In this case were
In my opinion, lawful and necessary, and the Off
GERS 10 not seem to have intruded upon any private
right in executing the warrants placed il their
hands.
A letter dated August 4th last, which appears in
the correspondence submitted. appealing to me to
intervene for the protection OF the city OF Cedar
Keys from the brutal violence of Cottrel!, IL Will
be noticed, was written before the appointment OF
the new Collector. 1t Is a very grim commentary
upon the condition OF social order at Cedar Keys
that only woman, who had, as she says in her
victim OF malice had the courage to file charges
against this man. who was then holding subordi-
nate place in the Customs service
The report of United States Deputy Marshal
Estrange says that he and Captain Smythe OF the
revenue cutter McLane were yictlmiZed by the
pe0ple, who fOiled them several times IN their
efforts to recapture Cottrell. The captain or q
steam launch demanded $50 day for the use OF
the vessel 10 make a trip up SuWanee River
where II was believed C0ttrell was hiding when
$40 day would have been big price. After
Marshal MitchelPs release he was reinstated In
office so one may safely lnier that the policy Of
Mayor Coltreli lad been fully indOrsed. He
adds:
"The Attorney General has been misnformed
in the matter OF our sea- ching dwellings unlaw-
fully. In every instance l asked permission,
which, am pleased 10 say, was readily, If not
cheerfully, given. IIave been reigiously scrupu-
lous on this point But the raDble Will talk aud
buster"
The report OF Captain Smythe OF the McLane
and j. Ii. Pnkerton, tue Collector at Cedar
Keys, agree with the report published. Pinker-
ton says: II had heard that COttrell SAID United
States Attorney STRIPPING would not prosecute
him, as they we're particular friends, ana must
say STRIPPING discouraged me by his action In the
matter. and advised me 10 wait until COttrell
made further demonstrations, and then to take
n Sln hsh Inn IN ua futa