The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-08-18
"BULLIEs AND HIGHwAYMEN."

Editor Of The Times: When American
citizens OF high position and great in
fiuence with their fellow-countrymen are
charged by newspapers Of standing with
criminal acts. it seems to me that
decent regard for justice, at least, should
compel the accuser ITO designate the
special share belonging to each offender
If the "blusterers Blaine and Harrison"
were guilty Of the acts Of "a bully and
a highwayman," as charged in your arti-
Gle of this morning, please let us know
how their counsel can clear their skirts
OF the crime. Were Judge Blodgett and
those distinguished Democrats and gen
tlemen, Mr.. Carter, Mr.. Coudert and Mr.
Phelps assisting their clients in commit
ting crime?
In my experience Of the bar Of Virginia
Of more than twenty years. 1 have never
known OF a single instance where a
reputable lawyer was found not only
defending a crime, but aiding his client
in continuing a course Of crime. / have
the honor to know one Richmond lawyer
who could not be induced by a very large
fee even to read TO the court an inequi-
table bill In equity; and / do not believe
that all the money now locked up by
the banks could hire him or any other
respectable lawyer in Richmond to aid
highwayman to continue his course, or
to support that course for a single day
before any court in the State.
At such n time as this, IL seems to be
not the part Of good taste or patriotism
TO make such charges over the fresh
grave of n man so honored and beloved
by so many Americans in every part
OF the world, where our flag is ever seen.
as James G.. Blaine: and l venture TO
say that not even Judge Blodgett. Mr..
Carter, Mr.. Coudert or Mr.. Phelps are
| more respected by the mass OF American
| citizens than the soldier, the statesman
and the Christian patriot. Benjamin Har
| rison.
The extremely fattering contrast Of
| England's diplomacy with American
clustering bullies and highwaymeD seems
| amusing and amazing to all who recall
| her treatment OF this country In its In
| fancy and early youth. TO say nothing
| OF her dealings with China. India. South
| Africa and other nations whose weakness
and wealth gave opportunity and motive
| to her courage and justice"
Very respectfully.
NJ. r. PLEAsANTs.
| Richmond, Va. August II. 1893.
There is no possibility Of agreement be-
tween Mr.. Peasants and The Times in
their estimate OF Messrs Blaine and Har-
rison. so we will say nothing further re-
| specting them.
So far as their acts in the Behrlng
sea matter are concerned, II is now
soiemniy adjudicated by the Arbitration
Tribunal that the United States never
had the slightest shadow Of right to seize
British vessels there. and in this decision
John NJ. Harlan, judge OF the Supreme
Court OF the United States and one OF
| Americas arbitrators. concurred To in
wade neutral territory and seize a neigh
boris property without any license or
authority OF law for the act is that sort
Of act which the world concurs in denomi-
mating "bully's and highwayman's" act,
and We cannot apply TO It different
name because men who happen TO have
the direction of our own countrys affairs
cause it 10 be the delinquent
We do not at all understand the counsel
Of the United States to have any share
whatever In the moral responsibility for
this country's unlawful aggressions be-
cause they appear before the tribunal by
which its acts are to be judged and use
every argument which their ingenuity can
suggest TO prove that the law authorized
the acts alleged against her. That is the
part of counsel. 1t is not for counsel to
Judge-it is for them to present their cii-
ent's side of the case
| AS for the last point, we are compelled
1 to say that when our country Is placed
before the world In the attitude secured
Tor her by Messrs Blaine and Harrison
IN this Dehrirg sea matter we can do
nothing but hang our head in shame.
We think none the less Of our country on
account Of 1t. but our gorge rises against
those who have dared % to smirch her.