Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 December 1886 — MANNING DEFENDS HIMSELF. [ARTICLE]

MANNING DEFENDS HIMSELF.

Our Minister at Mexico Denies the Charges Made Against Him. [Now Orleans telegram.] A morning paper prints the following letter lrom Minister Manning, dated at the City of Mexico on the 13th inst., and addressed to Mr. Percy Roberts: My Dear Sir—Revolting as the subject 1* to me. I can not permit my friends and the public to bo deceived and misled by the slanderous misrepresentations that have lately filled many of the newspapers. The crusade against me began with accounts of what was said to be a magnificent banquet given in my honor, at which were a largo number of distinguished men, and where I, in plain terms, was said to have got drunk. The actual facts, which will, I trust, by the kindness of the New Orleans press, be generally dissominated, are as follows: Mr. tiuiraud, a former resident of New Orleans, knowing my desire to meet some of the business men who were engaged extensively in the industrial development of Mexico, invited two—only two—of them to meet me at break-* fast at his house. They were Mr. Braniff, an American long resident of this country, and Mr. Sebastian Camacho, a Mexican. Both of them are largely interested in the railroads and in mines; Mr. Braniff in a cotton factory, and both capitalists in the very front rank of those brainy, practical, progressive men who have done so much already to develop their country, and who are looking hopefully forward to. tlio accomplishment of greater results. The party consisted of those two gentlemen, our host, and myself. The con vernation at the table was entirely occupied by a contrastive description of the country—as it was and as it is—and with details of what was in progress now and in preparation for the future. I gained a mass of valuable nnd interest ng information from them that I could not have obtained from books. With so staid a party and wita such subjects for discussion it is hardly reasonable there would be extraordinary hilarity. Wine was drunk, but in moderation, and at the end of the breakfast I went to the legation and remained until 4:30 p. m., transacting the business of my office. I inclose Mr. Eranilf s statement about the breakfast. It was telegraphed from here some time after this—why, I don't know—that I had delirium tremens, as was evident from the noises proceeding from my room. Fortunately for me, a gentleman of the highest character had his room next to mine. He refers to the Mexican minister at Washington for information as to who he is. His name is Thomas MucManus, and his statement is forwarded. The chief of the diningroom in my hotel has kindly tendered his statement, which is herewith inclosed. The hotel has no bar-room, as in the States. All liquors are furnished in the dining-room. 1 do not wish to make this letter longer, but as my confinement to my room from an attack of pneumonia has been circulated with malicious industry as a pretense, I add at this point a sentence from a statement made by my physician. Dr. Parsons: “X began attendance on Judge Manning Nov. 25, and found him suffering extreme pain in the region of tho heart, and, on examining the -rtmgsf found ■that ~the**bswer lotw-of-the right - lung was affected with pneumonia. His convalescence was protracted owing to the heart difficulty, which I attribute to the altitude of Mexico, and to tho inability to proeuro a fire in the Judge’s room. Judge Manning had previously consulted with me in reference to the effect that the altitude and Extreme cold weather had upon him, stating that he had not been comfortable since his arrival. I have noticed that all Southerners who come here during the winter months suffer with colds, catarrhs, etc , especially when a northern wind has been blowing in Vera Cruz, as has been tho caso for the last two or toree voeks. "Dated Dec 0,18%.” Under continuous subjection to a wretched cold, catarrh,* and sore throat, I have not, save on three occasions, been out of my hotel at night for seven weeks, and when symptoms of pneumonia supervened I was enjoined to use the greatest precautions. During that period Mr. Marischal, the Ministe# of Foreign .Affairs, gave a diplomatic dinner, and I accepted his invitation, though prostrate at the time, hoping I should bo well enough to attend when the dinner, which was a week ahead, should come off. Whet my physician learned what X had done he energetically prohibited my attendance at the dinner, declaring he woiild not answer for the consequences. The telegraphic correspondents who-had concocted the previous ■ dispatches threatened, I am advised, tnat if I did not go to the dinner they would make it lively for me. You know probably by this time "into what new forms of traduction this lively invention has projected itself. I do not. Very truly yours. T. C. Manning. The statement of Mr. Braniff is dated at Mexioo, December 9, and is as follows: “I hereby certify that I was present at the breakfast given by Mr, Guiraud, at which Judge Manning also assisted. The only guest besides the Judge and myself was Mr. Camacho, director of the mint and of several railways. The breakfast was at the usual hour, between 12 and 1 o'clock, and wine was drunk, but with moderation. At the conclusion, about 3 o’clock. Judge Manning left us for the legation. He was not in the least under the influence of the wine, and we were much surprised here at hearing that statements contrary to the above had been made. Thomas Braniff. ’ The statement of Thomas MaeManus, who occupies the room next that of the Minister at the Hotel del Jardin, says that he has been In constant intercourse with Judge Manning and has never seen him under the influence of liquor. XfJJjere had been anv noise in the Judge's room MaeManus says he would have board it. Manuel Ruiz, in charge of the dining-room at the hotel, states that Judge Manning drank very little liquor or wine and was never intoxicated. - * The sting of a bumble bee contains only one-fifth part of a drop of poison, and why a boy jumps up aira down and takes on so about it is more than medical science can explain.— Detroit Free Frees. • . ’ • V ‘ . ■ ~~T