Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-09-19

MEMPHIS, Tenn, Sept. 1s.-After the
Communication by Gov. Buchanan OF the
sentence Of II. Clay King, condemned
to death for the murder OF David ID.
Poston, the brother of Kings victim,
Frank P. Poston, addressed letter
to Grover Cleveland strongly depre-
eating the letter he had written to
Kings niece, Mrs. E. X. White.
Mr.. Poston was courteous though his
letter was plain and 10
the point. He said that Mr.. Cleveland's
action was "unwarranted and blow at
good government, and would In all
probability cost him some votes In Ten
nessee. 1t certainly would among the
members of the Poston family and It's
connections" To this Mr.. Cleveland
replied as follows:
"GRAY GABLES, MASS, August II.
Frank P. Poston, Esq
MY DEAR SIR:-In reply to your let
ter OF the 18th instant, beg you to be-
lieve that / am in no wise wanting In
sympathy for you or the family and
friends of your brother, nor do forget
that in the situation there Is perfect
excuse for conclusions arrived at
without absolutely cool judg-
ment, but l address you in
the hope that, Notwithstanding
all this, you may be able to take more
reasonable view of my conduct. have
been amazed beyond expression at the
misinterpretation which has been
placed upon my letter written to Mrs.
z. X. White. / cannot conceive what
there is in the minds OF the people OF
your locality which leads them TO give
it meaning so entirely foreign to my
intention, and so entirely beyond its
Just Interpretation. This is the first re-
ply which have thought fit to make TO
the fresh criticism Of my action in
this matter. After some hesitation
l have determined to say TO you on ac-
count of the sincerity and courtesy OF
your letter and your relations 10 the
tragedy, that l am still utterly unable
70 account for the feelings which my
letter has occasioned. Have you and
others who are inclined to criticise my
action for moment reflected upon the
fact that my letter was written in re-
sponse to the pitiable plea OF an appa-
rently heartbroken woman, setting
forth In a manner most impressive the
reasons why the life Of her uncle should
be spared? Have you and my crlticics OF
overlooked the fact that l absolutely
declined to interfere with the Governor
In behalf OF this man? Have you and
they forgotten the courtesy and con-
sideration, which gentlemen in the
North as well as in the South, consider
due to the appeal OF a women? Has 1t
entirely escaped attention that the let
ter was dictated simply and solely by
the sympathy which every true man
ought to feel for a women In distress?
| don't overlook the fact that in the
closing paragraph Of the let
ter / felt that there might
be extenuating circumstances. This
was written in connection with the
plain statement OF my letter absolutely
forcing the meaning in any ones mind
who saw it that my idea concerning ex-
tenuation was derived from the letter
to which 1 responded. / should not be
frank with you II did not add that so
far as my meaning and intent were con-
cerned did not in the least regret my
action. In response to your suggestion
that this act of mine may result In the
loss OF Democratic votes in the pending
campaign, you will pardon me, l hope,
il l say that when political expediency
forces me to be discourteous to dis
tressed woman l am prepared TO retire
from politics.
Very truly yours,
GROVER CLEVELAND.