Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-08-07

the coal companies Of the United States,
would be great and unalloyed blessing to
the people of this country, especially those
of them who reside upon the Pacifis slope.
1t Is now q matter Of common knowl-
edge that the Hon. John E. Russell OF
Massachusetts, is prominent member OF
the Dominion Coal Company. He is asso-
ciated with other prominent lights OF the
Democratic party in this enterprise. In
deed many people believe that President
Cleveland himself is not without substantial
reasons for bis enthusiastic advocacy Of free
coal. New England readers have had ample
opportunity to know that Mr.. Russell is
protege-if, indeed, he be not stakeholder
of the Boston Herald. With these facts
in mind careful analysis of the Herald'a
defense of the Dominion Coal Company
leaves little room to doubt but what it was
inspired, if not written, by Mr.. RUSSELL
1t is not surprising that Mr.. Russell should
feel both annoyed and chsgrined at the ex
posure of the purposes that have led him
to spend so much of his valuable time
in Washington during the past year.
1t is much pleasanter to pose as q
statesman than to be known as lobbyist.
So long as he could conceal his real mo-
tives, and lead the people to re-
gard him solely as patriot, de-
voting his time and money to the further
ance of the public veal, Mr.. Russell had
nothing to do but maintain discreet silence
and look as patriotic as possible under the
circumstances. But when once the fact
became public that his real motive was to
secure legislation which would enable
himself and the prominent Demo
Gratis associated with him to make
princely fortunes by operating large
foreign coal mines, in competition with
those of this country, employing foreign
labor and building up foreign communities
with American money, the situation became
changed. The patriotic role could no long
er be played. Self interest was every
where observed to be the colored man in
the woodpile. Explanations were in
order. The whole matter was all the more
annoying from the fact that Mr.. Russell
was frequent visitor at TIE White House
and was everywhere recognized as the
most prominent member of the Presi-
dents kitchen cabinet. 1t has been
very generally believed that this fact
has an intimate connection with the
Presidents strong stand for free coal, in
his letter to Chairman Wilson of the ways
aud means committee. There is good rea-
son to think that the inside facts of this
whole matter would afford the people
of this country some "mighty interesting
reading" Senator Chandler is right in be-
Ii wing that these inside facts should be
made public, and in taking measures to
that end. The squirming among the prom
inent Democrats, DESTROYS of making i'm
mense financial gains through friendly
legislation, and at the expense of
competing industries in their own country,
shows that the vigorous move of the New
Hampshire senator has hit them in sore
place. Mr.. Russell is wise in taking the
bull by the horns and boldly defending the
Dominion Coal Company. He has long
been an outspoken free trader and such ac-
ton on his part cannot be considered incon-
sistent. 1t is, doubtless, the most honor
able way out of an extremely embarrassing
situation. Perhaps Mr.. Russell hopes, by
frankly declaring himself member of the
Dominion Coal Company, and boldly de-
Tending tito draw public attention from the
gentle men associated with him in that enter
prise, some of whom, there is good cause
to believe, have the best of reasons for
not wishing to be known in that connection.
By all means let the inquiry Of Senator
Chandler be promptly and vigorously push
ed. The people of this country many of
whom have large interests at stake, have a
right, under the circumstances, to know
who the gentlemen are that compose the
Dominion Coal Company, and what selfish
and mercenary motives are behind the press
ure that has been brought to bear upon
Congress in favor of free coal.