Arizona republican., 1896-07-11
A STORY ABOUT TELLER Refuses to Accept Money
 Not Earned. Strength Possessed by Very
 Few Men.
Poor, But Refuses Present of $5O,OOO Raised by Few Per-
 sonai Friends.

CHICAGO, July QU.-SenatOr leller has never been we'll fixed in the goods of this world, and there have been times when, through sickness in his family or unusual, but necessary ex- penditures, his cash resources have been brought down toward hard pan. Such a condition of affairs existed during certain month little more than year ago, and one of his Denver constituents and warmest friends, knowing of the facts in the case, con- ceived the idea of quietly raising a purse that would put the venerable senator beyond the need of pinching and pruning in the future. To that end the gentleman in question, who is himself multi-milliOnaire, heavy mine owner and interested in about all the sound financial institutions of the state, called into consultation a few good citizens like himself, about equal ly divided between Republicans and Democrats, and broached his scheme. So heartily was it responded to that before a paper could be passed around there were cheeks for $50, 1000 on the center of the table. Then a question arose as to how the offering might be conveyed to him. Everybody present knew of his sensibilities, both private and personal. and it was agreed that it would be necessary to Head up" to the matter, as it were, with caution
 Somebody proposed that the fund should be placed to the senator's cred it at the bank and a pass book and check book sent to him without any information as to what it meant or who were the donors, but it was speed fly decided that this would be about the worst possible way of going about the business. Everybody thought, moreover, that he would be opposed to any public reception at which the purse could be presented as a testi- monial to his faithful services. Final ly, one of those present remembered that he had call to Washington with in a few weeks, and it was agreed that he should approach the senator, tell ing of what had transpired, and seek his wishes as to the manner in; which the tribute might be placed at his dis posal. He performed his mission, lay ing stress on the fact that this was a voluntary offering from a few men who knew and loved Henry M. Teller as man and a citizen, who admired his sturdy and steadfast labors in the interest of the commonwealth; that there were no strings tied to the pro- posed gift, no motives behind it, no axes to grind. and so on. But the re- ply was unexpected. Senator Teller while expressing his appreciation ot the kind feelings of those who had in. terested themselves, absolutely re- fused to touch penny of the money or to allow it to be placed to his credit or that of any member of his family m any way. Finally the deputation o one 1nt1mated that he would recon mend that the contribution be sent ir bullion to Washington to be delivered at the senator's residence by express and that consequently he would bt pound to receive it. To this Senator Teller substantially replied:
 If you do that I shall promnt1, send 1t back. I have done nothing tt earn this money; there is not a.dolla or 1t could rightfully take. I would not nave it on my soul that acceptet such gift from any man or number O men. l appreciate the motives tha nave prompted this tender, but I can not and will not accept it. I have bu little, but with that little I will man age to get along. Thank my friend and say this much to them for me"
 This settled the matter. The Colo radO man made his report unon re