The Northern Star, And Farmers' And Mechanics' Advocate

Mr. Editor,
Sir—I wish to know whether it would not be proper to take measures to stop, if possible, a set of unprincipled fellows, who are constantly in the habit, in the silent hours of the night, of annoying our peaceable citizens, by visiting lumber yards, cooper's shops, wood piles, &c.; removing door steps, together with various other misdemeanors of a similar kind, to the no small annoyance of our citizens?— That this is a fact, many are willing to substantiate. Experience, that best of schoolmasters, teaches lessons that cannot be forgotten. That there is a remedy for such nefarious transactions, I am well aware; and I would recommend its being put in full force. Whether the evil be remedied by appointing a committee of vigilance or otherwise, I submit to the candid consideration of our citizens. I leave the subject, hoping, that those particularly interested will devise such ways and means, as may seem most good and proper.
There are another class who are far more destructive to the peace, happiness and welfare of society, than the above-mentioned. It is not the murderer, who severs the ties of kindred and friends—sending the individual to the other world, with all his accumulated guilt on his head. It is not the deadly assassin that stabs in the dark; nor the midnight robber who presents a pistol to your breast, demanding your money or life. But it is the SLANDERER—who studies to keep himself just clear from the clutches of the law, and then assails your reputation, and with half uttered sentences, a shrug of the shoulder, a malicious grin and nameless other manoeuvres, says that half has not been told. And with the poison of Asps and her thousand tongues, they appear as fierce as ten furies and as terrible as hell! Their deeds will hardly bear a parallel to the cruelty practiced on the unfortunate victims in the dungeons of the inquisitions! More anon.
A. B.