Lexington union. (Lexington, Miss.) 1838-18??, 1838-12-22
THE u MO N !.
DECEMBER 22, 1898.

Wing, contained an article, stating that
the "town of Lexington was swurmcI with
gamblers" and Wills, the "Standard was
flying, things were kept decent" in this
village. How far the Standard conlribu.
ted the preservation ofdecency or morals,
and what agency that press cAerted in the
prevention Of gaming in this place, during
its publication, is not for me to determine.
Candor requires me 80 assert, that am
hot conscious the Standard effected any
reform in relation to that particular vice.
IF that paper did, however, cndeayor to
ertirpate the gaming fraternity, surely its
conductor deserves the commentator of
the community; AT least, merits that Of the
lovers Of good order and morality. IT'S
not my purpose to descant upon or weigh
the merits Of that journal, which preceded
the Lexington Union, or to negative the
paragraph 10 which reference has been
made above, but simply to correct a
charge, Gndirectly preferred It's true,) but
evidently intended for the editor of the
Lexington Union, in both his public and
individual capacity. The Wing does as
sert, "thngs were kept decent while his
friend Smith conducted paper here, bnt
that since his ABDIcATI n, vice has reap
neared reinforced. 1t is painful for any
man to feel himself under the necessity OF
repelling an attack through the public
press. derogalng, or intended to derogate
from him, even should he be thus assailed
by gentleman. How unpleasant, then,
must it be for me, who have for life OF
81 years, studiously avoided difficulties,
q be called upon TO answer an indiiec,
assault from so sqnalid, so filthy source,
as that from whence originated the SANDER
in the Wing.
1t is well known that | am a judicial
officer, sworn to support the constitution
and laws Of the state. That all my inter
90. aud property (bur iiurie II Is Irue) are
centered ia this town-alI its citizens
know foil well, to, that | never have fire.
quented, nor do now attend those places,
OF which the various games Of sportsmen
are exhibited, and though they may no.
be aware the fact, yet my own character
is such, that when>I assert my opposition
to every species of gaming, they will give
full credence to the assertion. 1t is with
no little regret, feel 1t due to myself thu.
to notice the poor attempt to inflict
sneaking injury upon me, or the paper
with which | am concerned; yet it is a
duty to myself, a duty to every citizen of
Lexington, who have patronized and as
sisted me, to man. And whilst am
cheered and buyed up, by them in my
humble yc. honest exertions, fool would ]
be. to harbor the remotest apprehension Of
injury, when conceived, and offerd by
mercenary and miserable interest, who
leaves no trace of himself, save the stercus
and slime which belong to that reptile
even though it be endorsed bya concern"
much more respectable than the Manches.
ter Wing, ever has, or ever can be. But
enough of this--I have been told that dur
ing the races, much gaming existed here.
saw many individuals unknown to me,
as we'll as were their avocations; were
they gamblers? | care not; were they
here with a view of witnessing the sports
Of the turf? Ills unimportant TO me. II is
usual for sportsmen Of every character to
attend race course; no man, at least ]
will not deny the unhappy influence the
vice Of gaming exercises over the health
fulness Of society; none more willing for
its prevention than myself. And pardon
me, Mr.. Stevens, and also your informant,
when you are told that means for the
prevention of this crime, is always at hand
10 the Revised Code, chap. 60, sec. ii,
page 323, can be found harsh, severe
penalty for the offence, above alluded TO,
under which all such violations of the law
must fall, If the proper means are used for
enforcing it. arm Gas aforesaid) an Off
cor of the peace. Do you, Mr.. Wing, or
your informer, or any other individual,
present to me breach Of the law within