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Editorial
October 9, 1861
Raftsman's Journal
Clearfield, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
The editor of the Raftsman's Journal defends their responses to treason accusations and misrepresentations by the rival Clearfield Republican during the recent political campaign, explaining initial forbearance and post-election clarification, leaving judgment to the public.
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Raftsman's Journal
BY S. M. L. BOWN,
CLEARFIELD, PA., OCT. 9, 1861.
TO THE PUBLIC.
In one of our issues in May last, we intimated that we would not reply to charges of "treason" or "misprision of treason" which the Clearfield Republican might choose to make against us, or to any such articles as had for some time previous appeared in the columns of that paper, hoping thus to avoid all such acrimonious controversies as subsequently marked the political campaign which has just closed. Persisting, however, in their unjust attacks upon, and gross misrepresentations of the National Administration and its measures, to such an extent that "forbearance ceased to be a virtue," we felt ourselves compelled, in self-defence, and as a duty we owed to truth, to repel those attacks and make such corrections as seemed necessary. This our amiable neighbors of the Republican, whenever they found themselves placed in an untenable position, referred to as an evidence that we were guilty of falsehood, with a view, perhaps, of withdrawing attention from their own misstatements.
Whatever advantage they may have derived by such a course, or by calling us a "scoundrel," or asserting that we "would not stop at any act of villainy," they are welcome to enjoy. It is not for us to say how their veracity, honor and honesty will compare with ours. We leave the public to judge and determine for themselves.
Now, however, that the election is over, and we cannot be accused of attempting to make political capital in this way, we have deemed it due to ourself to make the above explanation, at the risk of having it pronounced uncalled for and unnecessary.
BY S. M. L. BOWN,
CLEARFIELD, PA., OCT. 9, 1861.
TO THE PUBLIC.
In one of our issues in May last, we intimated that we would not reply to charges of "treason" or "misprision of treason" which the Clearfield Republican might choose to make against us, or to any such articles as had for some time previous appeared in the columns of that paper, hoping thus to avoid all such acrimonious controversies as subsequently marked the political campaign which has just closed. Persisting, however, in their unjust attacks upon, and gross misrepresentations of the National Administration and its measures, to such an extent that "forbearance ceased to be a virtue," we felt ourselves compelled, in self-defence, and as a duty we owed to truth, to repel those attacks and make such corrections as seemed necessary. This our amiable neighbors of the Republican, whenever they found themselves placed in an untenable position, referred to as an evidence that we were guilty of falsehood, with a view, perhaps, of withdrawing attention from their own misstatements.
Whatever advantage they may have derived by such a course, or by calling us a "scoundrel," or asserting that we "would not stop at any act of villainy," they are welcome to enjoy. It is not for us to say how their veracity, honor and honesty will compare with ours. We leave the public to judge and determine for themselves.
Now, however, that the election is over, and we cannot be accused of attempting to make political capital in this way, we have deemed it due to ourself to make the above explanation, at the risk of having it pronounced uncalled for and unnecessary.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Political Campaign
Treason Charges
Newspaper Rivalry
National Administration
Election 1861
What entities or persons were involved?
Clearfield Republican
National Administration
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Response To Rival Newspaper's Political Attacks Post Election
Stance / Tone
Defensive Explanation Leaving Judgment To Public
Key Figures
Clearfield Republican
National Administration
Key Arguments
Initial Decision Not To Reply To Treason Charges To Avoid Controversy
Compelled To Defend Against Misrepresentations Of Administration
Rival's Accusations Of Falsehood To Distract From Their Own Errors
Post Election Clarification Without Political Motive