The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-06-14
THEN GROVER SWORE
The Presidents Story Of the
Tammany Dinner Party.
sHeeHAN ATTEMPTS COERCION.
Cleveland S0ote the Table VITA His
Prenisss-Interestiag Episode.

NV YoRK. June l3-The Herald prints
the following: Cieveland's own story of
the famous little dinner party at the Vic
toria hotel at which Sheehan's nose was
tweaked, so to speak. is quite interesting.
This IS the way it was repeated by an init
mate friend OF the president, and it is the
FIRST time it has been made public in de-
tail:
Whitney had urged upon Cleveland the Inn
portance OF meeting the suFly leaders OF the
Democratic organisation. with view to bar
mouy. The then ex-prcsident was unwilling At
nrst, insisting that the Chicago convention had
settled the question OF personalities, but finally,
however, he came on from Buszxrds Bay. The
Tammany leaders, Murphy, Sneehan ana Gro
her, Were present ct the dinner and when the
dinner was ended, sheehan turned to Cleveland
and said there was . matter Of business 70 BE-
discussed. Cleveland expressed his willingness
70 hear anything that might BE- said and Shec-
han told him the gentlemen then present were
leading representatives Of the Democratic Or
ganixarion in the state OF New Yort. and that
they wanted some definite understanding with
him. He could not be elected unless they sup
ported him and they did not intend to take any
chances this time
swell. what do you gentlemen wantr' asked
Cleveland.
1--WE want pledges from you," said sheehan.
1--WE want to know what you are going to do II
you are elected. We want you TO give Us prom
isss that will satisfy u that the organization
will be properly recognised if you become presi-
dent again.
Cleveland doubled MP his huge fsst ana smots
the table.
''Gentlemen," he said. speaking slowly and
with almost painful distincsness, II will not 60
into the White House pledged to you or any one
else. I'll make no secret promises I'll be
damned II l WILL" and again the big fist
whacked the table.
"what are you going to do, thenf' inquired
Shechan, cynicaliy.
'lil tell you what I'm going to d." said
Cleveland. a. he rose to his feet 81 intend to
address letter to the public, In which shall
withdraw from tho tickle. will write that let
ter before sleep tonight and give It to the
Associated Press. intend to explain my situa-
ton and report what you have said to me here
I will tell the voters OF the country
that ! cannot give any secret pledge,
aud unless do. that you will not sup
port the Democratic ticket. which means the
loss OF the state OF New York and defeat will
tell the voters that do not want to stand In the
way OF Democratic victory. That's what shall
do. gentlemen. You can pick out q candidate
to suit you, and il he be the proper man aud tho
candidate OF the party l viii vote for him."
There was pause, "But III tell you one thing,
Sheehan," said Cleveland, ~ he turned to the
now bre athless lieutenant governor. "ln my
opinion pubic indignation will snow you and
your organization out OF sight before the end of
the week" Croker leapsd 70 his feet "This
must stop, Sheehan." no cried, II agree with
Cleveland. He cannot make any pledges and it
Is not right to ask for them"
Tho dinner party then separated. 81 tell you
what It Ii" said tho ex president he related the
story. ";hoae fellows got hold OF Whitney aud
ratified him. Hs was actually ratified This
scared him."