The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-09-28
MR. WHITNEY'SDEFENSE
he Denies the Alleged Sale of an
Ambassadorship.
VAN ALIEN NOT PROMISED OFFICE

In His Letter to tho President Mr.. Whit
ney Said, "rhers Is No Obligation Upon
You to Appoint Him"-ir. Van Allen
Also Denies tho Alleged Deal.
New York, Sept. 2s.- william C Whit
ney, who had been charged with promising
the italian mission to j. j. Van Allen in
return for a s50.000 contribution to the
Democratic campaign fund, gives out for
publication the following letter to the
New York World:
To the Editor of The World-It alone
were concerned should pay no attention
to the slanderous matter contained in
your issue of yesterday, headed Van
Aliens Bargain" So far as I personally
am concerned, any one who chooses to think
me capable of bargaining an office for a
political contribution is welcome to their
opinion. Having lived good part of my
life in public affairs, am certain that no
one for VIII osc opinion have the least re-
gard would entertain the thought for a
moment. But there Is much more than
my personality in this matter. Mr.. Van
Allen has been set upon and cRricatured
and libeled in every way. | propose to re-
lieve him from blame SO far as I have
had relations with him.
The allegation is specific enough and i'm
putes to most dishonorable transaction.
What is the TRUTH have had nothing to
do with Mr. Van Aliens candidacy except
what is contained in the following commu-
nioation to the president With the presi-
dent personally have never exchanged a
word on the subject The letter and the
interview accompanying it contain com
Ilete answer to the allegations:
Dear Mr.. President: enclose clipping
from The New York Sun, which covers
what purports to be an interview with me
regarding the candidacy of Mr.. Van Allen
for the mission to Italy. The interview is
substantially correct
/ think in justice to Mr. Van Allen |
ought to say more. made it clear to
everybody in the campaign that 1 would
assume no obligations, tacit or expressed,
as to the Offices or appointments, and you
are quite aware that you have not been
asked to perform any contracts of this ma.
ture, so far rs know.
Mr.. Van Allen is Il gentleman, and gave
what he contributed to the campaign
freely and from an interest in the success
of the party. He had previously identified
himself warmly with the party in Rhode
Island. His candidacy has the support oil
nearly every prominent man In his state
have been called upon by these men to
see that his warm support of our party
should not initiate against his candidacy
therefore break the silence which
have heretofore maintained since the in
auguration to say know Mr., Van Allen
well and he is, in my Judgment in every
way adapted to the position which he
seeks, and that ] sincerely hope that the
malicious stories which have found thcii
way into print will not affect him ad
versely.
There Is no obligation upon you to ap
point him to any Office; but there is the
additional reason for appointing him that
Rs the result Of a very patriotic, generous
and cordial support ofthe party In the late
Eampaign, when friends were few and
calls were great, he has been accused o
dishonorable bargaining. This, as you
know, is the first time you have been ap
preached by me on the subject of ap
pointments. Very sincerely yours,
w. G. WHtrNEY.
interview referred to appeared il