Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-11-21

L nH EhSt vi th-tbD5uI W UlltI ID Juot
now exciting good deal moro interest
than at any time heretofore. The latest
phase of tho matter, moreover, places the
administration at Washington in a much
moro unfavorablc light than it has yet
appeared Mrs. Waller, who has always
declared that Minister Eustis and Secre
tary Olncy have been doing everything
in their power to relieve her sick husband
confined in an unhealthy Frnnch prii
of the state department, an attempt,
which, until further explanations are
afforded appears most contemplate. 1t
Is no less than to get Waller out of prison
before he dies, regardless of the means
adopted, and of the sacrifice of his cause.
Secretary Olney, If not his chief, evident
ly realizes that the death of Waller, an
American citizen, in prison because of
evidence, which the French government
darcs not make public, would reflect
shame upon the administration. 1t also
appears that France has not responded to
Secretary Olney's efforts to secure a ccrt-
fled copy of the record of Walters trial
Bailled in this, with Waller dying in
prison, with public Indignation rising
because of the affair, the American secre-
pleasant dilemma. TO extricatc himself
he resorts to what appears to be most
despicahle trickery. Mrs Waller states
that she has been approached indirectly
by the state department with PROPOSE
ton to waive all claims upon the French
government for indemnity on account of
imprisonment in the hope that France
may then give her husband permission to
die outside the prison walls.
She says this request is made of her be
cause Secretary Olney has made a de
mand upon France for a copy of the Ger
titled record that Franco has refused the
demand, and that rather than recall it
and put it in the form OF request Secre-
tary Olney is eGdeavoring to have Waller
make the concessions, regardless of their
justice or Injustice. 1t is also stated that
an effort is being made TO have Waller
agree to some such compromise. This
Mrs Waller deprecates as grossly unjust,
as person lying sick and weak in con
flnement is likely to accede to almost
anything for the sake of rcgaining his
liberty.
II these things be true, and at this
writing there are no reasons for doubt
ing them, the incident will be the most
shameful since Paramount Blount en-
deavored to restore to royalty the throne
of Hawaii. We fail TO see why a demand
for a certified copy of the evidence upon
which an American citizen is imprisoned
is not just one. Certainly it is the
duty of this country to ascertain the
justice or injustice of punishment inflicted
upon n subject by foreign power, other
wise that subject cannot well be sup
ported in his rights. There may be, how
may avoid compliance with the demand
said to have been made upon her, 1t is
moreover hardly supposable that our
administration in its over caution not TO
offend foreign powers has made an I'M
supportable demand of this serious
nature. If the demand be just one it is
no part of the duty of the state depart
ment of this great country to resort to
such chicanery, as endeavoring to cheat
The subject out of his rights in an under
handed way, rather than support 1t,
whatever may be the consequences.
1t is also difficult TO understand, why.
If Waller was rightfully imprisoned
France should be influenced to release
him provided he would agree not to prose
cute. Assuredly if he has no case, no
valid claim for indemnity because of i'm
prisonment, what does France care