The San Francisco call., 1897-10-04
JUSTICE
''BI7 BUT Tn NOT
SYMPATHY
This is What Cornelius
Hughes Wants From
Treasurer Gage.
NEVER PLAYED A GAME OF CRAPS.
The Whole Affair Comes From
the Work of Persistent
Enemies.
MAKES VERY STRONG INSINUATI0NS.
All Came From the Fact That
Saloon-Keeper Refused to Quench
His Thirst.
MAKES VERY STRONG INSINUiTlONS.

c. A. Hughes, the colored messenger
connected with the Appraisers Office who
mas been charged with neglect OF duty,
misconduct and pro fiigate habits, is now
determined To show 10 the world, or at
least to his employers, that an untruth has
been uttered which may cost his accusers
dearly. In a letter to Treasurer Gage he
states that he is the victim of an enemy
who does not know when to stop, ana fur
thermore the enemy is one who is much
disliked by the friends of the Appraisers
messenger. At any rate Mr.. Hughes will
attempt to retain his position, and says
that ever since his arrival In California
he has held positions OF trust, aud hopes
to remain on the Government list. despite
the attempts of unrelentlng enemies TO
have him removed. In his letter he says:
Sir: l would respectfully and humbly be-
seech you, In the matter OF the charges that
have been made against me through the Col
lector OF Customs at this port, that you will
carefully review the defense l have forwarded,
and that in considering the charges you may
also note the incentive and spirit of revenge
which stand in such bold relief throughout
the same. would call your particular atten-
ton TO the fact that the testimony of w. J. Sui
ivan, whose revenge appears to be following
me, Is that OF a rich and influential saloon
keeper, by whom l grossly and without
just cause insulted and assaulted about three
years ago for no other cause than that col
ofed gentleman and citizen / sought refresh
ment in his establishment. That the testl-
mony of Charles Williams, Falk. Hiider and
Tenancy are all OF men who are now or Were at
the time in the EMPLOY of Sullivan. That
there is no testimony offered which even iuti-
mates that l have ever had trouble with him
since that date.
That the order and judgment of the Supe.
rior Court attached to my defense show that
was adjudged guiltless OF wrong-doing at
the time. You viii further notice that the
statement OF Mr.. Stevens is IN admissi on that
it was forced from him, and was not a volun-
tary charge on the part of q superior officer,
and that such testimony is directly rebutted
by that of ex-Collector OF Customs John A.
Wise. That the testimony of A G. Williams
whose character is more fully set forth in my
statement OF defense, is directly rebutted by
the proprietors of the esta blis ment in which
he alleges committed the act; and that the
slanderous statements OF Dumas Jones, re-
cent appointee OF Collector Jackson, is given
the direct lie by the testimony of my wlio and
that OF her mother, Mrs Catherine Smithea
To the letter from the pastor of my church l
would call your special attention.
In conclusion 1t is with great delicacy that
m ust call attention to a state of affairs which
might possibly prove strong incentive to an
adverse recommendation from the Collectors
Office.
Colonel Jackson. the Collector of Customs,
is the owner and proprietor OF Jackson's Napa
Soda Springs, which produce mineral water
that is extensively used by Mr. Sullivan n the
saloon business, and who can say whether a
threat to stop the sale OF Napa soda may-lot
have more effect upon the colonel than ST M
liar threat 10 stop the sac of Yellowstone
whisky had with his predecessor?
During eighteen years residence in this
city have endeavored by department tn be a
gentleman ana to deserve the respect OF gen.
uemen. / have never left position-and I
have filed many-without taking with me the
good Will of my employers, which will be
manifest to you upon review of the papers
accompanying my defense. l feel that as a
colored Democrat can expect but little SYM
pathy from Republican administration but
in the name OF justice have faith in appeal
ing TO your higher sense of honor in the con-
slderauon of my case.