The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-23
lutely without foundation; proof that the

lutely without foundation proof that the
conversation did occur.
We do not know whether Mr.. AGNUs ex-
poets in addition to this proof confession
from Admiral SCHLEY that the conversa-
tion did occur substantially rs reported by
IoDGsoN, his interlocutor in the dialogue
and the only other competent witness at
first hand.
Well, Admiral SCHLEY has never yet
anthortutivoly denied that fact. He has
talked OF ".ho oft-repeated calumny," he
has allowed h Is friends and parasites to
deny it and denouncc it, he has used threats
and trickery to obtain II seeming denial
from HoDGsoN, but he nerer publicly and
responsiJty denied il himsct ,rhile his word
remdined entitled 10 credit.
On the proof summarized above, we were
justified in calling upon Mr.. FELIX AGNUs
to redeem his voluntary pledge, and we
therefore have named the OrthopBdic
Hospital as the charity to which the So, 600
shall be paid.
The response is what we expected, and
probably, what every man who knows Mr.
FELIX AGNus would expect from him under
the circumstances:
loquy has been furnished by THE SuN or by any ono
else. and The Sun knows that /: is further from
proving the coloquv to-day than 1t has been at any
time during tho controversy. notwithstanding tho
fact that 1t has had the active assistance OF the Navy
Department inis efforts to substantiate the libel it
originally builded from mere rumor.
General AGSus is willing to leave the decision to
body Of impartial judges He reterates his former
offer. and as tho challenger. names the judges
Senator MASDERsoS of Nebraska. Col A. X. No
CLuRE OF Philadelphia WILLIAM s. CARROLL Of Wash.
inRton. wHrrELAw REID Of New York and H. II.
KonIsAAr of Chicago.
These men are com etent to ait az a tribunal in
the case. and whenever hev decide that THR NEW
YoRR Sun has proved that the colloquy took place
between Admiral ScHLEY and Lieut. HoDGsOS-
not that HoDGsoS says so. or that HEIISER says
HoDGsoN says so. but PROOF, actual proof-then
General AGSus will draw his personal check for
$1,000 in favor OF the institution THE Sun may
name.
I'VE again assert that the colloquy. "a published in
THE SuN. never took place."
Here again the italics are ours. They
will emphasize, in the opinion of every
honorable and intelligent reader, the aspect
In which Mr.. FELIX AGNUs, the swift bettor
on what he regards as n sure thing now
chooses to advertise himself.
He does not intend to pay over to Chart y
his penalty under any circumstances what
ever. He changes the issue now so as to
require that tho version as published in
The Sun shall be- proved to be literally accu-
rate, down to the smallest article or particle
of speech. And he names as tribunal
to protect his once vociferous checkbook
an ex-senator who was SCHLEY's host only
two or three weeks ago and Is one of his
leading partlsans in the West, Philadcl-
phia editor who is among the most active of
the Schley faction in the press, n Wash
ingtonian apparently Of Maryland origin,
who was reported only yesterday as a fell
low guest with Admiral SCHLEY at Mr..
| AGNUs's house. and two other well known
editors who-ughl
We have therefore thought it proper To
apply to the ridiculous AGNUs name which
has peculiar significance to all those who
are accustomed to back up their opinions
or assertions with an offer to risk cash.
That he the personal attendant and fore
| most champion Of Rear Admiral SCHLEY in
this controversy. should prefer to abscond
without paying his losses Is his affair and
| not ours; but he Is a welcher all the same.