Evening journal., 1914-12-10
CRAY STANDS BY
FRIEND sullivan
Says Barefoot Walk inWash-
ington Park Was to
Cure Sore Feet
DID URGE BRYAN
TO GIVE HIM OFFICE

John G. Gray, one of Delaware's best
known attorneys, today replied to the
attack made ON John Mark Sullivan,
his friend, and present minister to Sonto
Domingo. Mr.. Gray fully explains his
connection with Mr.. Sullvans appoint
ment and indicates that the newspaper
assaults on the diplomat may be inspir-
ed by enemies of Mr. Sullivan
Mr. Gray's statement lis in reply to
statements concerning Mr.. Sullivan,
James H. McGuirc of Syracuse, n. ",
and himself. given the New York World
by William S. McGinniss, former as
sistant chief of the Railway Mail Ser
vice.
Mr. Gray said.
Il do not know William S. Nc
Ginniss and never have heard his
name before. I did advocate Mr..
Sullivans appointment as minister to
Santo Domingo, but did not deliver
'sheaf' of written endorsements for
him.
81 note that McGinniss states Sui
livan showed him 'sheaf of en-
dorsements from James X. Mcclure,
Of Syracuse, n. Y. and John C.. Gray.
Of Wilmington. Why he should make
! this statement ! do not know. ] never
sought to obtain written endorse
ments for Mr. Sullivan and delivered
none such. did speak to Secretary
Bryan and advocated his appointment
heartily.
MY acquaintance with Mr.. Sullivan
began in this city several years ago.
at a Robert Emmett celebration, at
which he made an address and 1
acted as chairman of the meeting. He
frequently came to Delaware TO make
speeches during political campaigns,
and my acquaintance with him ripen-
ed into friendship.
"In the spring of 1913 he informed
me of his ambition to be made min
lister to Santo Domingo and asked my
support l was also asked by the
! President and a number of members
of the Irish-American Society in this
city. who we're warm friends of Mr..
Sullivan. TO assist him in obtaining
the appointment.
"In giving him my assistance I did
il without the request or suggestion
of any others except those named
and at the time of doing so, | knew
not a single individual who had any
business connection in the Dominican
republic OF who was seeking 10 es-
tablish such connection.
"The article seems full OF extrava'
cant statements, prompted from de-
sire TO make mischief rather than &c
reveal any wrong that has been done
as the result of Mr.. Sullivan's appoint
ment. can see no mention OF any OF
ficial act Of his that adversely reflects
upon the conduct of his office. Th'
dragging in of Mr.. Sullivan's watkins
i'm his bare feet in the park in Wash
ington is a simple incident which has
been mentioned in criticism Of hin
ever since his appointment was be-
fore the committee of foreign relations
of the Senate for confirmation and
the using over and over again OF tn'
same little criticism seems to indi-
cate that the same critics have beer
pursuing him from the start.
Back Of It all think will, IN the
end. be unearthed the scheme OF some
interest that was opposed TO Mr. Sui
livan because it could not use him in
Santo Domingo.
Was on Park Trip.
ITO show what mischievous inven-
tion has been al work in these
> charges. let me state that while | was
never present at any Of the meetings
that Mr.. McGinniss enumerates, and
4 he doeg not so allege. but I was with
Mr. Sullivan on Nhe evening when he
I. walked barefoot in che park, and II
( may he Of interest "a know how little
] there is in this. He is q very large
man. heavy on his feet. The weather
had been exceedingly dry and hot. and
he complained that the soles OF his
feet had been burning him painfully
for several days A shower OF rain
had lust occurred and he stated TO ms
that in ireland the old remedy fol
burning feet was to walk in the We
grass barefooted Immediately after Z
shower. I suggested that II there
was any relief to be had from II, We
call a carriage and drive over 10 tn'
park, where he could try It. lie tol
lowed the suggestion and | rode ovel
with him.
"The cab driver ! recall because o
his short engagement and commente
on il after our return 10 the hotel. Tha
simple incident has been repeatedly use
against Mr.. Sullivan in newspapers Z
make it appear he was either intoxicat
ed or demented. It is tiresome TO ex
plain any such fabrications, and yet, the,
represent in kind, so far as | have bee
: able to discover. much of the critieisr
I , of Mr.. Sullivan"