The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-11-29

It is safe to say that every friend OF
ldecency and justice has had cause to
think we'll of Hon. Isidor Rayner, at
ltorney general of Maryland, within the
past few weeks at least. This gentle
man has, in his capacity as counsel for
admiral Schley, exhibited so many
brilliant professional quilities, we do
not need at this late day to compliment
him on that score. The whole country
has watched his course with vigilant
lsolicitude. The whole country now
pays tribute to his high ability and his
magnificent devotion.
The American people, however, will
be glad to hear that MI. Rayner has
refused to accept one single cent of re-
lcOmpense for the faithful and brilliant
lservices he has rendered. They will
Ibe glad for more than one reason. It
is always a fine thing to subordinate
ones purely personal interests to a
lchivalrous sentiment; but what splen-
did significance attaches to this Incl
ldent from another point of view-that
Iof the hold which Schley has evidently
Established upon the imagination, the
noble impulses, and the deep feeling OF
honorable men! Mr.. Rayner's admi-
lrable generosity speaks for itself. Moth
lug more beautiful and excellent was
ever DONE. In this sOrdid age of give
land take, and by established standard
of payment with usury for all service.
Mr.. Rayner'S remuneration shines like
a amo in the gutter. But the cpl
sod is even more mOmentOuS, for 1t
leads us to examine into Mr.. Rayner's
inspiration, and it suggests to us the
Thought tina he. like nine-tenthS of the
american people, regards Schley as the
victim of an infamous and cruel perse-
lcution.
MI. Rayner will receive the plaudits
of the whole country, and he deserves
them all. The chances are. however,
that he has acted without thought Of
thanks or Observation-Disclosures
Post.
Rear Admiral w. S. Schley has pre-
lsented Mr.. Isidor Rayner, who so ably
represented the admiral in the recent
famous hearing before the court of in
curry. with a handsome souvenir as a
token of his great esteem and affection
for the distinguished Maryland lawyer.
Mrs. Rayner has also been remember
led.
A special dispatch to The Sun from
Washington states that two beautiful
IpISScillS were IeCeltly SSII OuI
that city by Rear Admiral Schley. One
was a valuable gold timepiece and the
Iother a magnificent brooch of diamonds
and pearls.
The watch came to Attorney General
|Rayner and the brooch to Mrs. Rayner
with expressions of the highest regard
from Admiral and Mrs. Schley. MI.
jRayner last night declined to say any,
thing about what he regarded as a
personal matter, and Admiral Schley
pleaded that nothing be said Of the
matter.
1t is stated that both the watch and
the brooch are beautiful and valuable
samples of the jewelers. art. They
came. it is understood. as a complete
surprise to MI. and Mrs. Rayner.
Rear Admiral Schley had written to
Mr.. Rayner asking him to name his fee
for service rendered the admiral before
the court of inquiry, and Mr.. Rayner
had positively declined to accept a sin
gle dollar.
A friend of Mr.. Rayner who followed
the trial and was with him a great deal
during hat time stated that he knew
that after Mr.. Rayner had declined to
receive n compensation for his SER
vices Admiral Schley had insisted
upon paying Mr.. Rayner's expenses
lduring the three months he spent in
Washington. Mr.. Rayner during that
time had very expensive apartments at
the Shoreham and Wizards where wit
Inesses in the case met daily for consul
Itation. The gentleman declares that
Mr.. Rayner absolutely declined to re-
lceive any payment at all in the way Of
Observation-Disclosures Sun.
Federal Supreme Court
n Il