Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-10-05
VANALEN'S'' DEAL"
THE WORLD CALLS OUT AN OPEN
LETTER FROM WHITNEY
who Flatly Denies the Alleged Potency of
NIr. Van Aliens $4,000 Campaign Con
tribution-His Letter of Recommends
ton to Hon. Grover Cleveland.

NEW York, Sept. 21.-William c. Whit
ney, who had been charged with promising
the Italian mission to j. j. Vnn Allen in re
turn for $50 600 contribution TO the DEM
ocratic campaign fund. gave out for publ
cation this afternoon the following letter:
New YORK, Sept. p, 1898
To the New York World;-lt alone were
concerned, l should pay no attention to the
slanderous matter contained i'll your issue
of Yesterday headed cyan Aliens Bargain.
SO far as [ personally am concerned any
one who chooses 30 think me capable of bar
ginning an office for IA political contribution
is welcome to their opinion. Having lived
good part of my life in public affairs | am
certain that no one for whose opinion have
the least regard would entertain the thought
for q moment.
But there is much more than my person
alitv in this matter. Mr. Van Allen has been
set upon and caricatured aud lheed in
every way. propose to relieve him from
all blame SO far as | had relations with
him.
The allegation is specific enough aud inn
putes to us most dishonorable transaction.
What is the TRUTH | had nothing to do
with Mr.. Van Aliens candidacy except
what is contained in the following Commu-
nication to the president With the presi-
dent persOnallv | have never exchanged n
word on the subject. The letter and inter
view accompanying it contain n complete
answer to the allegations
NEW YORK, June 20, 1893.
Dear Mr.. President enclose u clipping
from the Now York Sun. which covers what
purports to be an interview with me regard
ing the candidacy of Mr.. Van Allen for the
mission to Italy. The interview is substan-
tally correct.
think in justice to Mr.. Van Allen ] ought
to say more With the main facts as stat I'd
in this interview YOU should be familiar.
! made it clear to everybody in the cam
paign that I would assume no obligations
tacit or expressed. as to Office on appoint
ments, and you are quite aware that you
have not been asked to perform any con
tracts Of this nature SO far as | know.
Mr.. Van Allen is a gentleman and gave
what he contributed to the campaign freely
and from an interest in the success Of the
party He had previously identified him
self warmly with the party in Rhode Island
his candidacy has the support of nearly every
prominent party man in hi, State. hsv,
been called upon by these men to Sc" tina
his warm support Of our party should no
initiate against his candidacy
I therefore break the silence which | hav,
heretofore maintained since the Inauguration
TO say that know Mr.. Van Allen well and tina
he is i'll my Judgment in every way adapted
to the position which he seeks and that
sincerely hope that the malicious storie
which have found their way into print vii
not affect him adversely. Their
is no obligation upon you to ap
point him to any office: but Their
is the additional reason for appointing hi1
that as the result OF very patriotic, gener
QUE and cordial support of the party in th
late campaign, when friends were few an
calls were great he has been accused of di.
honorable bargaining.
This as you know, is the first time yo
have been approached by me on the subjeC
of appointments.
Very sincerely yours
w. c. WHITNEY.
To Hon. Grover Cleveland Washington
u. G..
Mr.. Whitney says that Nj. Van Allen ha
the support of his State for this appon
ment, was personally known to the pres
dent and was selected as gentlemen deem
ed competent and lit for the post
No Protests in Van Aliens Case.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21-The nominatiC
of j. j. Van Allen to be ambassador to Ron
will not he reported to the Senate this wee
At the meeting of the committee ON foreie
relations this morning the nomination WI
not considered nor mentioned save in
casual refe .ence No protests Of amy kin
have been made.