The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-12-28
KIRK'S Def.
Congressman Kirkpatrick Lams
a New York Broker Firm.
Replies to a Circular Strongly
British in Tone.
THE EAGLE SCREAMS
InClearlyDefined NotesThrOugh
Mr.. Kirkpatrick's Letter.
Tells the Wall Street Fellows
to Sail for Europe.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2S.-The cringing,
subservient attitude OF the bankers and
brokers in New York during the late
war furry is already we'll known but no
better sample of it could be
found than printed circular
letter which was sent to the
members of congress by Dimock 6 Co.,
bankers and brokers of New York.
The letter could hardly have been
more British if written on the other side
of the water, and its whole tone is sIur
upon the patriotic sentiment of the Amer
ican people.
Congressman Kirkpatrick considered
the circular SO insolent and un-Ameri-
can that he replied to it in vigorous let
ter.
Here are some of the statements in the
letter of Dimock & Co.:
sit is not clear upon what principle we
are entitled to interfere with England's
relations with a neighbor on continent
in which she has an interest and in
which we have none,"
"Before we establish protectorate
over a distant continent possessing an
area about twice that of the United
States, we should seriously consider the
siza of the contract. Would our respon-
gonia? Only forty miles separate US
from Asia, and using Washington as a
center, the radius vector which takes in
South America also includes the most of
| Siberia, Africa, Greenland, etc. Why not
extend our protectorate to the .dark con-
tinent." arrogate to ourselves the right to
| finally determine the title to the Pyra-
mids and demand for the American eagle
the exclusive right to roOst upon the
/ north Tnl0 The cnirit of M0nrn0
J doctrine has nothing to do with the Ven
ezuelan question. although it might be
| invoked in aid of the struggling Cubans."
ave have alienated our best customer,
our largest creditor and our banker; our
| gold is leaving US, and our securities
tumbling about our ears. The govern
ment credit is in peril and unless there
| is radical change in the trend of events
it can only be maintained through the
| Immediate sale to our own people of U.
s. bonds, in amount sufficient to absorb
the floating greenbacks. Then the
trouble will fall upon the banks. The
other alternative, of course, is suspen-
sion of specie payments"
Congressman Kirkpatrick's reply is
addressed to Messrs. Dimock s. Co,
! New York. and says:
"GENTLEMEN:-
~ have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your communication, in
| which you assume to criticise the re-
cent manly and patriotic message of the
President of the United States to con-
gress, touching the disputed boundary
| between Venezuela and British Guiana,
as well as congress and the people for
their patriotic acceptance of the same,
| and in reply thereto permit me to say:
"A banking firm whose patriotism can
not rise above mere stocks and securities
in great national question like this. and
whose vision is so blinded by the thought
| of posi- BILE loss that it cannot understand
why the United States should be con-
cerned in this controversy, solely be cause
the territory in dispute is not claimed by
it, is hardly capable of advising, much
less criticising the acts of those whose
| hearts are swelled with the patriotic
blood coursing their veins.
81 have never before read a COM
munication from one enjoying the privi-
leges and blessings of an American
citizen, and protected by our flag, so
totally void of patriotism. The British
premier himself, in answer to Mr..
Olnev's note, does not advance the
claim for his government that you are so
anxious to concede.
Had the American people possessed
no more courage and patriotism tha n
is manifested in your communica-
tiou, our possessions on this
continent would be Insignificant indeed.
And if the American people should be
controlled by the advice contained in
your letter our possessions would dimin
ish until our great government would be
a thing of the past
Il note that you also suggest that be-
fore proceeding we should carefully con-
slider the size of the contract, etc Allow
me to assure you that this matter had
due consideration at our hands but in
that consideration the matters that seem
to be dear to your heart (stocks and Sc
curities) had but little weight 1t was
the POSSIBLE loss of-human life that con-
cerned US most.
HWe by no means underestimated the
fearful consequence that might result
from our determination to preserve
the honor and dignity of this nation, and
with full knowledge of these terrible
consequences, our patriotism and devo-
tion to our country, gave Us courage to
stand for the right.
'The edict has gone forth, not another
foot of territory on this continent shall
be acquired by any foreign monarch,
either by conquest, purchase or other
wise, and the crowned head that at
tempts it must fight, Notwithstanding
the depressing effect this might cause
stocks and securities.
81 do not anticipate a conflict betwe--
this country and Great Britain, but if il
must come allow me to assure you thai
l have no doubt as to the result nor do
underestimate the magnitude of the
struggle. If you are skeptical On this
subject as your letter would indicate thai
you are, I would advise you to pack your
holdings and cross over to the other side
| and ioin Ambassador RaVard and sing