New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-26
AN OPEN LETTER.

A contributor 10 The New-York Evening
Post" who is suffering intensely from contem-
platon of the condition and prospects Of his be-
loved country is for the moment saved from al
solute despair by a faint hope that Mr.. Cleve-
land will come 10 the rescue in an open letter.
Years ago he had way Of doing this. and 1T
usually made crooked paths straight Adj
dressing the Editor Of THE Evening Post" the
wretched man inquiries: Cannot he take some
"snch stop now. when the need is so great?
can he not put himself in line with the Anti
"Impprialist League Of Boston. and stand out
las the great leader Of patriotism: 1t cannot
but he that. as an American of the George
"Washington type. Mr.. Cleveland looks with
horror at the threatening overthrow of all we
"should hold most dear-OvcrthrOw which IS
nov being so vigorously pushed by the icono-
elastic horde led by Mckinley and Alger" At
this point The writer. with an intensity of emo
tIon which takes no account Of etiquette.
brushes aside his chosen medium OF approach
and makes direct personal appeal. come
oui Grover Cleveland he cries. land show us
"of the people what 10 do and how 10 do IL 10
save our beloved country from the ruin which
threatens it,
Mr. Cleveland has written many private let
ters most Of which have been promptly pub
lished by the recipients; but if the present occa-
sion demands communication from his pen
we agree thar il ought to he open. and we
should think that he might derive col siderable
satisfaction from addressing one Of that sort TO
tho CORRESPONDENT of The Evening Post" some
what as follows:
AS YOU may be aware, ! am now living in
Princeton " j.. where the society 10 which
hs.xI,I, 4 all
obscouious Amid such surroundings | have
learned several things, one Of which Is that a
good man, of the persons who used TO engage
nv attention while was President were even
more ridiculous than I suspected them to be-
SO far as know. am generally liked and re-
spected in Princeton. but nobody tries to make
a fool Of me there by making fool Of himself
Nobody, for instance. ever approaches me after
your fashion as if were man OF stupendous
intellect and unparalleled virtues on whose
| words the country does and should hang brea tn
less. and with whom wisdom must inevitably
perish. To tel the truth. you make me sick
The atmosphere Of Princeton is not charged
with alteration and find IL wholesome. Be
cause Of the great office which have held it Is
probable that letter from me on public affairs
would be generally read with interest, and
| nm not ashamed TO think that because OF my
! experience my opinions II chose to express
| them would possess some Importance and have
some influence. But | am n private citizen. a
great many other private citizens are discussing
/ National issues growing out OF the war with
SPAIN and though some Of those with whom
you suppose me TO agree are talking very fool
ishly. Judge that the debate is going to be
thorough and intelligent II feel inclined TO
take part In IL at any time shall certainly do
So hut such n preposterous summons yours
tends powerfully 10 keep me silent. Just now
am shooting ducks in Southern waters. and the
sport is good bur don't mind telling you that
am tempted 10 turn fool.killer.
II Mr. Cleveland should address such an open