New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-18
PETER B. SWEENY DEFENDS HIMSELF.
VIZ ANSWERS PUBLISHED CHARGES AGAINST
HIM.

VT answers PUBLISHED CHARGES AGAINST
HIM.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: A friend called my attention today to an
.,nle pu,lished in "The Evening Post" Of last Sat
ursay making a direct charge against me in conncc
tim with the so-called ring frauds OF 1871, which
I ok vour permission TO state shall take issue upon
and meet In a court OF justice. had no completely
with the frauds in question; indeed had no knowledge
n, them until they were made known to all the
world I coured the fullest investigation OF every
imputation when the facts were fresh and fiery zeal
led the keenest and ablcst pursuit Of all concerned.
II stands established by sworn testimony-provcn
NJ record-that at this time | offered TO Charles
oYonor who was the leading lawyer Of the prose
cp,,on TO submit all my books and papers without
restriction to his inspection and myself TO his un-
limited examination under oath without counsel and
unprotected except by the TRUTH with only one con
ditou that at the termination OF his unrammeled
examination he should state TO the public his con
elusion. NJ: O'Conor was truly great lawyer. OF
the largest experience In his profession. and OF legal
scumen uneQualled. He a man of intense char
acter stern and severe hardly acquainted with hui
man sympathy but he al the same time a
gentleman In the noblest Of that term. OF III
dicial fairness who would consciously. do no man
wrong. ] knew ! should receive at his hands
complete vindication. Mr. OConor agreed to make
the unreserved investigation / sought He SAID that
while the proposition was remarkable He WIS pou"u
to accept II and fully perform the duty 1t imposed
He asked, however. that Mr.. Tiden. who had been
associated with him In the general prosecution should
be united with him In the proposed inquisition'
had reason TO know that Mr. Tilden was my personal
enemy that he believed had aided to thwart MS
political ambition for series OF years. and. as all
the world understand, he was a man OF good deal
Of human nature and not scrupulous adversary
But / had nothing 10 fear. | consented that Mr..
mir no NJ no fnnusifOrS. Mr.. Il0Pn
had several interviews with my representative and
inquired among other things what kind OF "ceruh'
cate' required. He told that asked none ex-
cept that which have Indicated. Mr.. Tlden was
al that time In the Legislature. and. while he ac-
cepted the appointment he never found time TO enter
upon the Investigation.
retained several eminent and influential members
Of the bar in the hope obtain through these forts
a practical result, without success. Finally, de-
sparing Of attaining the investigation went abroad
that might breath an atmosphere free from caumny
Al the time OF my departure every charge against
me had been withdrawn and applied for and OBJ
tanned nv passport from the department Of State
Subsequently at the approach OF the Presidential cleo
ton OF 1873. from false estimate OF my political
influence, The charges We're re'ved' returned !,
the name Of the people and was eAoIerated In oper
cour, without murmur OF protest from those cog
Al the time when the frauds in question were com
mi,,ed ! president OF the Department Of Park
under greater powers and larger discretion than an
other division of the municipal government. Tn
most prolonged hostile and microscopic invcs,lgato
failed 10 reveal the slightest trace OF corruption
oseness Of administration or absence OF economy any
whore In my department For the twenty,one year
which have elapsed since held power In his H'y
have pursued career which no human being ca
tarnish with the breath Of a hlemish. and ] hay
been during all that time. as / am now entirely on
Of public life. am pursuing my profession here j.
nv native city. II had not clean hands woii
seek live in this community or care 10 nv
IN any community The conductors OF $ The EV.n
ing Post" as ! believe. at the instigation OF ini
eniial individuals whose motive will appear In az,
time have made specific charge against me a, IN,
day. which they mnst prepare 10 substantial" or ilk
me consequences Of their uncall'd for and maciol,
assault at the hehest Of private and Interested hatred
have directed my attorneys to commence an atuhr
which will determine our respective responsibility
shall hold controversy in IN" press on me Sil
,ect. The conductors of q daily lournni NV w
much advantage ono not So favored: Inc pr
rrinors Of "The DIST" can have u All their own wa
until meet IN court. PETER H. SNEfNi'
New York, Jan. II. 1903.