davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Hypocrisy and HumbuE.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: I wish to
shake you by the hand. You have done good
work In exposing an apparent case OF fraud In
the Committee on Distributions fake busi-
ness. I received one of the notices from the So
called Committee on Distribution and on in
nocently reading II felt proud. fattered, big.
important. believing that the Government OF
my country had at last made my acquaintance
and desired me to understand that l had been
collected to receive its kindly consideration
Undoubtedly this publication has a fair
money value. but when a BODY OF men under
takes 10 use the good name Of the Government
In carving out such schemes I feel happy in
their exposure.
have read your editorials with the keenest
interest and satisfaction. am a constant
reader Of THE Sun and l admire your fearless
attack on this gang OF humbugs.
NEW YORK, May O. ROBERT MARTIN.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Personal interests vs.. Public Interests.

T'UNfL
THE Sun has unearthed a Congressionalscan-
dal, mail in size, perhaps. but none the less
serious In nature. 1t ~recltes that Congressman
J. d. Richardson OF Tennessee. "a chairman Of
the Committee on Printing. in 1894 reported in
favor Of the publication by the Government
Printing Office OF a public document containing
the messages OF all the Presidents and. subse-
uuently, Of a resolution authorizing him 10 do
the work Of compiling This work wasso much
sought after that a number Of resolutions were
introduced In Congress providing for a more
generous public distribution Of the volumes.
But. while most OF these resolutions were side
tracked md failed. somebody secured an amend
ment 10 the Sundry Civil Appropriation bill. in
1897, authorizing the Public Printer to make and
deliver 10 Congressman Richardson. without
cost TO him. duplicate electrotype plates Of the
book. The estimated cost Of these plates to the
Public Printer was : 5000 Congress good ma
turedly granted this extraordinary request.
and THE T. says that a Arm. made up Of Con-
gresham Richardson. Ainsworth r Sponord.
Assistant Librarian OF Congress, and James s.
Rarcus Of Terre Haute. Ind. IL now selling the
book TO the public for its own profit. and adver-
tising that II a private publisher were to under
take to publish il the volumes would cost not
less than n million dollars 10 produce. THE
SuS adds that the agents Of Mr.. Barcus pre-
tend TO represent Congress in the distribution
Of the book. The whole story reveals a very
serious condition Of affairs az WASHINGTON. and
raises a question as to whether the interests Of
the public or the personal interests Of member
Of Congress are first being considered by the
law makers Mt Washington.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

Gresham who represented my distr'c! p'aov'
my name on the list. and I was awaroeo = oo.a
plimentary set OF these books. being oen','e.
10 me a. published. About the time l reooi'o'
the Last volume. | was waited upon oy Iep'..
sentative Of Richardson. sponord' barcus :.
I s A." who very politely informed mo ""a,
Mr. Sporo-d had given him my sooreS' an'
had req ested him TO coll and see me. anu y.
cure nv name and cooperation IN TINS S'o".
work You can imagine how TINS inpneeSe"
me. from the fact that Mr.. Sponorn o'o "o.
snow me from A side Of sole leather. nut ! az
once saw that 4, was simply the first in,roduc-
ton NJ a willy book agent: he had MS nt'ie spo'y
Of how cheap the work was, viz. thatit was oe-
livered TO sub.cribsrs at exactly the costo OF pro-
ducing It. and 40 on and so forth. ana ai'er no
got through. I politely Informed him ! was al
ready In possession OF the work
He then asked me II I had the Index. when
at that time had not been published itoio
him I did not have II. and he then requested my
subscription 10 the Index at q price Of ABOUT 70
asked him II the Index were not included IN
the original grant 10 me OF the books. etold
me decidedly II was not. However. ] put hlm
on and told him | guessed ] would not SUD-
scribe and in about a week the Index was de-
liyered TO mo by The Government TO complete
the set.
A few days after. the same agent called upon
me and was rather taken aback when l told aim
/ had tho Index In my possession. He then
AK ed me 10 I would give him tn" names OF a
few OF my friends who I thought would like the
work. This, ! am sorry to say. ! did. The next
day he called in and asked me II l would Do
kind enough to sign his book, showing nat al.
ready had the work. a. he thought the use OF
my name would assist him In securing subscr1p-
tions. 1t was a very foolish act on my part. but
I did sign the book. Tho result was hat THIS
agent took the opportunity to 60 among my
friends and Others. stating I had subscribed TO
the work through him. that | was more than
pleased with It. and endeavored In this way TO
secure new subscribers. 1t might have been
three months after this man called upon me
that another party camo in representing the
same firm Of Richardson. Sponord. Barcus 4
U.SA" He went through the same story. and
being disgusted with the matter ! gave him tho
cold shoulder. and that was the last ! saw OF
him. W.
BOSTON. May II.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

From the Rochester Post
THF SuN has done n fine piece of work in
bringing TO light the record Of Congressman J.
d. Richardson. the Democratic leader in the
House. in connection with the publication and
distribution of n valuable work known as
Messages and Papers" which contains al
the messages and the more important minor
papers of all the Pres dents from Washington
down TO Mckinley. II 1t does not establishya
case OF pr ,va'e thrift at the e1 pense Of the Gov
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

means exhaust the List Of expedients that
may be tried for keeping the onion crop OF
the big scioto marsh and other windy
regions OF the West from quitting It's natural
element and soaring of into space. They
are put forth. such as they are. to stimulate
suggestion and experiment as to the renedy
finally TO be adopted.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
eminent. II has estsbllshed q case that demands
a thorough Investigation and ventilation.
Once was Enough.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SrS-sir' Your
timely articles have directed attention to what
Ia little less than a public scandal. Tho under
signed isa victim. having subscribed several
months ago to this publication. the subscription
being brought about by false representations
Since then he has bsen called upon twice by
agents Of the s~o-called Committee on Distribu-
ton and It Ia very evident he il about to be
favored with another call. II Was time tho pub
lie was warned against this scheme. W.
NEW YORK, May 5.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
col. watterson's Contriuon and Reform.

An esteemed contemporary speaks profan ely OF the
Courier Journals double loaded; double column
editorial fulmlnationS" Not on your lie, You lub-
ber! We do confess to some delinquenctcs when the
disease hrst struck the yellow journals. But when
every skiprooster in the business began to trick out
his stale, IA, and Improbable Stupidites in the e.
%pandIng shirt front N the double column Iackass,ry,
damrhooiSm. bad grammar and all " thought Il
tmr Tor sensible people 10 Iult and We quit!
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Barcus Endorsed by Richardson

TT|"T w VT"HTTVTVN TTWFF,
Though n Republican. Rarcus has the good
fortune to be Endorsed by the Hon. James d
Richardson. the prospective Democratic
Speaker Of the next House. as IAN honorable
and trustworthy man
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
No Different standard In Cuba.

The test Of the honesty and eflciency OF
any branch Of public administration. in Cuba
or elsewhere. Ia in the prompt discovery OF
wrong-doing when 1t has occurred. and In
the rigid punishment OF wrong-doing when
II has been discovered.
One OF these conditions has already been
fulfilled in the case Of the alleged embezzle-
ment in the Cuban postal service. "A TO
the second condition. namely. the prompt
pursuit and conviction Of the guilty. the
War Department. the Department OF JUS
tee and the Post once Department seem
TO be running each other pretty hard to ac-
complish that duty.
man may turn thief under tropical skies
as well az In the temperate zone. Weakness
may yield to the temptations Of opportunity
on an island "a well as on the mainland. II
the custodian Of postal funds in a Central
or Western State had been detected In
dishonesty. nobody would have attempted
TO draw premature conclusions concerning
the inability OF this Government TO ad-
judged the Administration by the prompt
ness and thoroughness OF its investigation
and the vigor Of its prosecution Of the Of
fender or offenders.
That Ia precisely what all fair-minded
citizens Of the United States and citizens Of
Cuba will do in the present instance. 1t is
the undetected rascal that Is dangerous. 1t
is the detected but UNPUBLISHED thief that
blots the fame Of the Administration re-
sponsible for his appointment TO office.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
A veteran Favors Fatigue Uniform for Parade.

To THE EDITOR or THE SvS str 'Doush
boy" objects To parading on Decoration Day In ialigls
uniform and says that the men want IN parade r.
their dress uniforms, I have my doubts shout this
last statement, except possibly in the case ofaw
crui. who makes his nrst appearance In the parade oD
May 80. as that day is likely TO he vatm. As =
veteran OF the civil War ran say from experience
that the comfort Of the men on all occa >lous IS thr o'
ject u be attained. hardly think that the T. 4 Y
viii take offence at being escorted hy the various
National Guard regiments In fatigue Gri'lrn
Fatigue uniform IL far more Seryceahlc looking thai
fancy dress uniforms now In vogue, and the m"n looF
much more sodierly.
saw the Seventh Regiment marching M FIN av'
nue. on It's return home from >ervicr NJ ths tru'lu
Dam strike In all my experience ! 10 not th'ha J
ever saw = more soldierly looking lot NJ men, clad 90
Their serviceable gray uniiOi ms and Win M r'"
palgn equi pmrntS. They looked. every man ~ then,
Ike soldiers, ready Tor any work that might emo
along.
II IL certainly mote pleasing to thr mon ~ - 'rs'"
their escort u1ifofm'd as they them selves w"'" 'o-
four long years, ready for service and SoldIer'F a"
appearance, and not looking like = lot ~ drr>S'i %
show ngufrS. THOMAS Il PRrruNNN.
Late Fifty NTH Illinois Volunteer ll'tniy
NEW YORK, May ~.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

To THE EDITOR OF The SUN-Sir: From vour
recent remarks it would seem that the Hon.
James Daniel Richardson's abilit, is not limited
to representing his constituents in Congress.
THE SrN has rendered a valuable service 10
the American people in explaining what was a
profound mystery 10 almost everybody.
GRATEFUL RPADRR.
PHILADELPHIA, May ~.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
The Farce OF Pretended Copyright,
From The CAicaQo Tribune.

The p~retence Of copyright In this case means
absolutely nothing II brought to a legal test. 1t
Is merely one Of a number Of pretences con-
nected with the Committee OF Distribution
enterprise. This raises the query whether the
copyright IL not being abused In other ways
and whether it has not been allowed to lapse
into a farce. The present Librarian Of Congress
recently stated that many Of the books claim
ing to be copyrighted were not entitled to the
claim. because all the provisions Of the law
were not complied with; yet nobody has ever
been punished for abuse OF the copyright
privilege. Congressman Richardson & example
Is not Of a kind to encourage respect for thelav,
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Barcus Says II Is All Legitimate.
From the washington po.,

TTVW NV " HHHtNpfnn TOst,
Speaking Of his connection with the yolume.
Of Messages. &c. Mr.. Barcus said the prin,ing
and the sale Of the books had been pushed hy
his hrm along the same lines as might bs
adopted by any other nrst-class publishing
house.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
lEcnevoIehS, Abused.
From me Hartford Couraut

From me Hartford Courdni.
We suspect that Mr.. Richardson NJ Ten nessee.
Democratic leader, regards as wholly uncalled
for the curiosity displayed by THE U about
the private book business in which his brother
congressman so benevolently set him m.
A Boston Mans Experience with the IndeI.
To THE EDITOR or THE SrN-Sir. I have
been very much interested In the editorials on
Richardson. Spoford. Barcus 4 L. SA.''
which have appeared in FIJI SuN. have had
a little experience in this direction, which
think may interest you
Al the time this work was published, the Con.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
The Accredited Leader of the Minority.

From the Cincinnati Commerc'dl-Trtbuns
THR NEW YORK SrN has been letting the
revealing rays OF It's sin-exposing refulgence
shine upon the dark places OF abuse in public
document publication under private contract
This, incidental to showing up the very
adroitly manipulated profit procuring private
enterprise on the part Of Richardson. Barcns
& Co. When it is recalled that Richardson Is the
accredited leader In Congress OF the God and
Morality party. Brynn-purifed, silver-embossed.
the appositeness Of THE SUNS expose Is at once
apparent. In view OF the very questionable
misuse Of Congressional prerogative by this
political purifcationist II Is the opinion OF THE
Sun that henceforth all public documents.
published by the Government and paid for ont
OF the Treasury Of the United States, should
be distributed to the people through the
regular channels in the old way. No scandal
like that into which the Hon. James d., Rich
ardson has managed TO drag Congress in the
matter OF Messages and Papers Of the Presi-
dents should be possible after this melan-
choly experience.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

Last year Col. BRYAN was imported into Ohio
TO use his voices in behalf OF the Hon JOHN
Roll MCLEAN. Now MIR. McI,RAN's news
paper says YEARLY that the Democrats are
tired Of being the catch. basin for irregular.
impure. impairment and indefensible streams
in politics." and begs the Democrats TO pre-
serve their dignity whether their standard
bearer shall be WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN or
some other Democrat distinguished for intel
lect and honesty the Hon. JOHN Roll
MCLEAN for instance. o, sharper than q
serpent's tooth. o. marble-hearted lend!
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Operations In Wisconsin.

To THE EDITOR OF TIE SUS-Sir: THE SrN
Is doing a great work in exposing the conspir.
ators who concocted the scheme TO bleed the
public by selling public document at a high
figure. I was taken In. too. by one OF the
smooth men Of the Committee on Distrib,i-
ton. A set OF the work had been placed 10
this city. given to our County Judge by Senator
Mitchell. l was anxious to possess the set. and
when an agent appeared fell an easy victim
] was busy at the time the gentleman called
He Informed me thai a few sets had been set
apart for this Congress district and that l
could have a set at a price that would cover
the cost of printing and binding. II occurred to
me-, II that was so. where would his pay come
from. but the thought passed out OF mind while
listening 10 his talk about the value Of the
work. and hat now was my only chance 10
secure the work. and I ordered a set.
MERRILL, Wis, Mayo. c. ". JOHNSON.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

" ovv Jrtends WAo ysvoy ~ ~rn monse''pss lo'
solicitation vsA 10 Aac yUsetd arf'els''euv"so my
-sst IN all eassi send "a m,s for nat psrpoW.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
A Thorough Invesusauon Demanded.
From the Syracuse Journal.

From present indications Richardson's pro-
ceedings In the matter are about a. fine a speci-
men Of colossal impudence. to call them by no
stronger name. as we have any knowledge Of.
II Is to be hoped the investigation will be
thorough and that tho demands Of justice may
be satisfied regardless Of who Ia hit.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Is Mr.. Richa rdson Getting Cheated?

To THE EDITOR or THE SUN-Sr: I notice
with great appreciation the warfare you are
waging on James u. Richardson and his fraudu-
lent Committee on Distribution" Their cam
paign Is just on IN the West and they are reap
ing n rich harvest here. You have, however, 80
far overlooked one great feature Of the Mes
sages and Papers" which Il included without
extra charge - the 81 40 per vol. covering IL, no
doubt viz the frontispiece OF the entire work
Ahead Of all the Presidents. Of the Government
buildings and other features Of the Capt.
tai, we have the portrait Of that great
friend OF the people. enemy Of monop-
oily and general all-around philanthropist. the
Hon. James ID. Richardson. With character
istic modesty he places 1t in the post OF honor
In the Government document which he is dis
tributing" to fortunate citizens at s34 per dis
tribute
II you had seen a set Of the books and criti-
cauy examined them. | hardly think. however.
you would place so moderate nm estimate AZ
81 per set on the profits Of the ommittee. True
to his political faith in ffty-cent dollars the
Hon James has eschewed gold leaf because, no
doubt. 1t smacks Of the metal money OF
the money power, and substituted Dutch
metal for the gilt tops Of his books. and
to protect home industry he uses stained
sheepskin which the enterprsinH Barcus
heralds 10 the world as levant morocco.
II IN. printers get more than half OF the
s3l they are robbing this good friend OF the
people. and Congress should at once investigate
and II necessary order the work done for him in
the Government Printing Ofic &c at absolute cost.
or. better still, free Of charge. on the same
basis as the electrotype plates.
RED OAK, la May II. I'd. Murphy.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

Mosque No. ~. near Grand Hotel, ana
xiosaus No. 10, Boulevard dos Capueines.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
still at work.

To rHs EpIroR OF THE sUN-Sv: l have
been greatly interested In your expose OF the
Committee on Distribution" am In receipt
this morning Of the enclosed letter. I judge
this IL from the Same crowd. Your efforts In
laying bare schemes OF such people are appre-
ciated by readers Of THE Sun all over the
country. WILLIAM II CRosBY
BrPYAtO, y. Y, May 10.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14

To HE EDITOR OF THE UN-Sir You have
done a great public service and demonstrated
the power of a great newspaper In holding UP
to the public the greatest confidence game Of
the century.
Jack Sheppard and Dick Turpin pale into
mere novices beside that scheme.
The only mystery Is that a man with Honor
able" before his name should have had the
audacity 10 attempt II unless that prefix got
there by an accident. JoHS PRoBAsco.
TRENTON. May2
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
Somebody Is Getting . Good Deal.

We have no idea what royalty Mr.. Richard
son is drawing. Although he was chairman OF
the House Committee on Printing when he did
the work Of compilation. and although II might
be supposed that this was part Of his work as
member Of that committee. we ace no great
harm IN paying him something In addition to
his salary. But the exclusive right over the
publication and sale Of the Messages and
Papers" Is excessive paw. II Mr.. Richardson
Is getting only a small royalty then some
budy else is getting a good deal. Mr.. Richard
son and his associates together are getting the
profits Of what looks like a Job. The proper
way Of putting the Messages and Papers
into the hands OF the public would have been
TO keep the publication Government property.
and TO sell IL at cost.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1900-05-14
An Unseemly Performance.
From the Rochester POST

PHILADELPHIA, May -.
The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1900-07-14
LINCOLN OR M'kINLEY POLICY.

The Republican national platform
promises 10 the people OF the Philippines
"the largest measure OF self-povernment
consistent with their welfare and our
duties.''
Abraham Lincoln disposed of the
Epecions plea, used in his time, as it has
been in every time, by the apologists of
government without the consent Of the
governed. In the course OF one Of his
famous series OF speeches, replying to
Douglas, the first Republican president
said:
These arguments that are made, that
the inferior races are to be treated with
as much allowance as they are capable
Of enjoying; that as much is to be done
for them as their condition will allow
what are these arguments? They are
the arguments that kings have made for
ensiaving the people in all ages of the
world. You will find that all the argu-
ments in favor OF kingcrait were Of this
class; that they always bestrode the
necks oil the people, not that they wanted
to do 1t, but that the people we're better
off for being ridden. Turn it whatever
way you will. whether it come from the
mouth OF king, an excuse for enslaving
the people Of the country, Or from the
month Of men OF one race for ensIaving
the men of another, it lie all the came
old serpent"
The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1900-07-14
THE UNION TICKET.

The delegates of the Silver R-pub-
lican, Democratic and Popuhst parties
met in convention in this place Tuesday
for the purpose OF nominating union
ticket. representing the principles of the
three parties. The contests for division
OF the Offices were spirited, but friendly.
and resulted Wednesday in satisfactory
fusion. The representation in all OF the
conventions was larger than the most
sanguine supporter OF Bryan and silver
had anticipated. and the unanimity OF
sentiment in favor OF harmonious
union showed that the friends OF silver,
the opponents OF imperialism and trus >,
were alive to the fact that our future
prosperity and freedom are threatened
by the new policies OF the Republican
party. Under these conditions, fusion
seemed to be assured from the first, and
the fact that it vas accomplished with
out leaving any sore spots, insures the
election OF the ticket. Such harmony
among more than one hundred delegates,
representing three political parties, pres
ages success for the ticket at the polls
The same determination that was mani
tested among the delegates to form q
harmonious union will be manifested BY
the people at the polls. 1t means that
the people are aroused to the fact that
great issues IRE to he settled in the som
ing election; that the money trust, the
wire trust and kindred monopoiistic cor
PoratiOns, together with the imperialistic
tendencies OF the administration, are
dangerous and un-American, and must
be stamped out il our republican institu.
tions are TO survive.
The ticket is composed OF good men
who are pledged, by the platforms
adopted, TO an economical and Just ad-
ministration OF county affairs, such a.
We have had for the past two years.
The legislative ticket is composed of
well known, incorporating Dubois
men, while several OF the nominees on
the ticket have been tried in public
office and found true to their trust.
Others are well and favorably known
for their ability and integrity, and the
ticket as whole is stronger than that
OF the Republicans. The fusion forces
have majority OF from 800 to 500 in the
county, which insures the success of the
ticket