The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-10-03
THE VAN ALIEN AFFAIR.
Mr.. Horace White Calls It a Scandal
That Has All the Appearance of a
Barter.
From the New York World

Barter.
From the New York World.
Ex-Secretary of the Navy William c.
Whitney's answer to Mr.. Horace Whites
charge that the nomation of James J.
Van Allen as minister to Italy as a re-
ward for Van Aliens $4,000 contribution
to the democratic campaign fund for the
last election caused a great deal of com
ment. Among those who had something
to say on the subject was Mr.. White. He
read the statement of Mr. Whitney
through very carefully, and then said to
the reporter of the World:
"Mr. Whitney's explanation does not
alter the situation in the slightest degree.
On the contrary, it is in substantiation of
every allegation that has been made con-
corning the nomination of Mr.. Van Allen.
The truth stands out as clearly as pos
sible that Mr.. Van Allen received this
nomination not because of any special
qualification for the office, but because he
contributed $4,000 to help elect Presi-
dent Cleveland. Mr. Whitney himself
emphasizes this in his letter of June 20 to
the President, as anybody can see who
reads that letter carefully.
DO you believe that direct bargain
was made2"
Il never said that, l have not even sug-
gested that bargain was made at the
time of payment or of the contribution.
Furthermore, I have never mentioned
Mr. Whitney's name in connection with
the matter until it came up under the
present circumstances. l have held, and
my opinion has not been changed in the
slightest by what Mr.. Whitney and Mr..
Van Allen have said, that the whole mat
ter has been a scandal, and has all the
appearance of barter. The conclusion is
inevitable that somehow, at some time
Mr.. Van Allen expected to be rewarded
for his services to the party, and that his
service was simply a contribution of
money"
"You think, then, that the criticisms
of the nomination of Mr.. Van Allen are
justified?"
81 do" answered Mr.. White. "Mr
Whitney is not entirely igenuous in his
denials, but have no fault to find with
Mr.. Whitney. In his letter I note one
point. He repeat the words of the inter
view in which he denies that Mr.. Van
Allen did not contribute sums of 100000
and $4,000. l know that he did con-
tribute 100000"
DO you think that tn e nomination
will be confirmed by the Senatel"
ut should not be-" was the answer
ut sould be withdrawn. If it is not it is
not it is likely to meet with an unpleas-
ant reception III Jne senate"
MIR. White also sent to the World yes
terday the following letter bearing on the
same subject:
New York, Sept 2s 1s93-To the Editor of
the World: Sir-Mr Whitney letter on the
Van Allen appointment seems to Justify few
words from me Shortly after President
CleYelands inauguration happened to be at
the City Club, where heard from three differ
ent persons in one evening that somebody in
Rhode Island had contributed $4,000
to the democratic campaign fund with
the understanding that he should
be appointed minister to Italy if
Mr.. Cleveland was elected and that the mat
. ter was the talk of the diplomatic circle in
Washington and of clubs and society in New
York and Newport, in which latter place he
had built large house. This was spoken of
as a rumor only. nobody pretending to have
personal knowledge of the facts. but, never
theless, as matter about which there could
be little doubt. The person was said to be
connection of the AstOr family.
The result of this conversation was that 1
made some effort to return the money to the
then unknown candidate for diplomatic
honors, but Mr.. Glider did not take part in
those efforts OF course the affair could not
reach the dimension of scandal unless the
President should actually make the appoint
ment.
never mentioned Mr. Whitnoy's name as q
party to any bargain or even as an indorser
of the application
Touching Mr. Whitneys remarks on the
morality of returning money to persons who
have contributed il to campaign funds under
the promise of office. presume that he and
would not greatly differ. yet there may be
cases where such an offense might be con-
doned.
ASH do not know Mr. Van Allen and never
pute his fitness or the diplomatic service;
but insist that no 4ody can be a good judge
of his fitness who views it through the refract-
ing medium OF S5O,C0J