The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-09-27
POLITICS IN RHODE ISLAND.
w. G. whitney Told Van That He "Was
Entitied to Recognition" and Made
Suggestion That Pleased the
wouid-Be ambassador - Win His
Nomination Be Confirmed by the
Senate :-Horace whites Desire to
Refund That $50. 900 Contribution.

NEWPORT, Sept. 27-James j. van
aleu-, whose nomination by President
Cleveland as ambassador TO Italy has
caused much comment, some persons
going so far as to Say he bought the once
by contributing $50 200 TO the Democratic
cimpaign fund at the sol citation OF VIII
liam c. Whitney, was interviewed last
night in Wakehurst, his hne residence
at Ochre Point.
Mr.. Van Allen said he knew no cause
fort Q hbellons attacks made upon him.
A reporter asked him II it was true that
he had given $1,000 for the election OF
Grover Cleveland with the promise that
he-was to be appointed Minister TO Italy.
He answered that he knew Mr.. Whitney
personally and that in October. 1892, that
gentleman asked him to help the cause"
He responded, being Democrat aud a
believer in the principles OF Mr.. Cleveland's
tariff views, and he also sent several
checks in addition. At that time Mr.. Van
Allen never dreamed either Of the Italian or
any other mission. Mr. Cleveland WAS
elected and Mr.. Whitney told Mr.. Van
Allen that he was entitled to recognition,
and ne suggested the Italian mission,
position ne said he was competent to fill
This was agreeable 10 Mr. Van Allen and
here the matter rested.
Not u College Graduate.
Mr.. Van A en- repudiates the charge
that he said America was not u suitable
place for ladies and gentlemen to reside
in. "why," said Mr.. Van Allen, il
! entertained such views would
not have erected this villa
and spent the fortune have
in furnishing it. / am forty-six years
A. s,-4a <.f,
life in this country. My father. the late
General j. ii. Van Allen, was a typical
American. He vas a resident OF New
York. where / WIS bor,. and / am not
ashamed OF his public or private career In
the metropolis.
Deny, please. that l am graduate Of
Oxford college, and also say that Ill my
Investments are ~ America the land OF
my birth, where rec i've better return
than / would If l had investments
abroad. / graduated from no college. l
believe that the greatest heritage i have
is the fact that am an American citi-
zen, EMIT ed to protection as such from
vile assaults upon my honor as q man
and as an American citizen.
Thought We Needed Grover.
81 never sought honors or emoluments.
] believed that the country needed Grover
Cleveland at the White house. and when
asked for financial aid for he legiti nate
purposes Of the campaign l responded.
This do not deny, but l most emphati-
cally deny giving any money with
an understanding, direc or indirect, that
was to be rewarded. aud there are men
high In the Democratic p rty, in addition
TO the Democratic national committee,
who can substantiate this statement.
Come what will am not ashamed OF
what did In the campaign.
"Do you think for n moment that wills
liam G. whitney would be party to
bribe2 Would he take any contribution
for campaign purposes with the uuder-
standing that an oliice would followS |
am perfectly willing TO rest my appoint
ment with the gentlemen who have
brought it about. IL confirmed will
faithfully perform the duties Of the Of
lce.
Poses as a Political Prophet
81 have taken deep interest In the
politics OF my country since 1884 was
unanimously elected last fall presiden
OF the Cleveland and Stevenson club
made up of the leading citizens of the
city OF Newpor'. l presided at Demo
cratic mass meeting at the op ra house,
which was filed from pit to dome, aud at
which Mr.. Boyd Winchester OF
kentucky and other prominent
orators spoke. I have contributed for
legitimate campaign purposes In Rhode
Island. which has now two Democrats
congressman. all thai she Is entitled 60,
and which but for the abominable ma
jority rule, abolished few months ago,
would have Democrats filling all the
Offices from governor down.
"The Democrstes In April will sweep
the Sta Q, and In the third week In Octo-
her a Democrat will be elected mayor OF
NeWport. aud when this Il Emphasized