The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-07-26
c o M M UWI Tro ws.
For the Spirit Of Democracy.

| my hands in which find communication over
the signature of one Alexander ShatDi Of a most
libelous and vIainous character, charging me with
having sent by mail for a copy of the Journal Of
the House of Representatives, of the State of Ohio,
of the last session, that might learn the course
pursued by certain member upon the militia
law. This charge, pronounce destitute of the
least foundation of truth. did send for the Jour-
nal, as had right to do, without the advice or
consentlof Mr. Shaw; but it was for my own con-
venience, and for information upon some more
important question than the militia question. This
sage writer has seen fit to issue political bulletin,
supposing that he has in charge the political NOR
ais or affairs of the day. defending the representa-
tive from this county in the last Legislature, upon
question that care nothing about. | did, and
do, object to the course pursued by our late repre-
sentative upon another and important measure, viz
the Wooster bank bill, and feel it my privilege
and duty to oppose any man who would vote
for such loose and unrestricted bill. After pratt
ing upon the subject of truth and justice, lie
proceeds to state that injustice has been done our
late representative, and yet the mscreant acknow-
lodges that favored him with the journal that he
might examine it for himself, (supposing that he
could read,) and he even goes to state the page
in my journal on which the final vote is recorded,
(page 524,) which vote, from Shaw's communica-
ton might be inferred, was the only one that our
representative gave upon the militia law. Why
does he not refer the reader to page 500, upon the
journal, where our representative voted against
Mr.. AIexander's amendment to reduce the labor on
the highways to one day instead oftwo, and on the
same page where he voted for the engrossment of
the bill? for he saw both those votes recorded in
the journal. That was part of the truth that did
not suit this lover of justice to notice. here
charge him with wilful and wanton misrepresen-
ton of the matter, as will be evident to any one
who will examine the page on the journal have
mentioned and his communication. - ~
He further proceeds to affect a holy horror for
the political slang of the day, and TO deplore the
course pursued by political aspirants to attempt
to ride into office by caumniating their opponents.
Let US see which of us occupy the position OF
political aspirants. now assert that have never
occupied that station, and it is well known to every
one in the community the ground Shaw occupies
and has occupied with regard to that matter.
leave the public to judge Of his honesty and truth
with regard to that matter, and let justice be done
though the heavens should fall. -
have deemed it necessary to say thus much,
and to set the matter in its proper light, although
detest newspaper dispute, having always con-
sidered it small business, but could not well
say less to dispose of this small subject. was
dragged into it, and feel it my duty to see the
matter through, and to hurl back the vile slander
where it properly belongs, and leave him to revei
in his own per6dy, SO Characteristic of the man.
If his sef-importance and political influence have
gained for him any capital in the minds OF the
community, he is welcome to it, and any office it
will command But he may rest assured that he
will not domlneer over me, for he has remarked
to me personally that have not resided long
enough in the county to take part in the political
affairs of the country, consistent democrat, Tor
demagogue should have said) have lived in
the State for some years. and if that does not give
me the privilege of participating in our political
affairs what would' think he had better join
the Native American party. for his principles
would be in perfect keeping with that party.
shall hold myself in readiness to defend the
position in any shape or form that have here
taken, and upon all occasions to expose fraud and
villainy whenever it is in my power. i1H3
aa JOHN HAMPTON LEWIS