The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-05-13
COMMUNICATIONS.
MEssRs. Howard g. CowEs:

/
| In No. $40 Of the Chronicle you published
an anonymous article signed "Stockholder," !"
charging Mr.. EATON Of incapacity, &C., &c.
We deem 1t but justice to Mr.. EATON that
the rest Of the Stockholders in this county
should hear something from the other side,
therefore, we respectfully request you to pub
lish the following article written by one of the
Directors Of the Central Ohio Rail Road Co.,
and published in the Zanesvile Courier:
To The Editors OF The Courier:
The columns Of your paper have been open
to the attacks of anonymous writers against
the competency Of Secretary Euton, Of the
Central Ohio Road, for the post assigned him
by committee Of the Board. Neither of the
members Of that committee have thought pro-
per to reply to charges made by persons who
have not the moral courage to nflix their pro-
per signatures to base and slanderous articles
against a gentleman who 10, in every respect,
qualified to act as Secretary to the Company,
and who, from his known capacity, and un-
firing energy, and industry, and legal knowl-
edge, will render him lin the opinion Of the
committee, as also that Of the board) valua-
bic officer to the Company. This fact is known
personally to those who have business at the
office, Notwithstanding the opinion Of anony-
nous scribbcrs in Belmont or GAINESVILLE.
What opportunity has either Of these writers
had to ascertain the competency of Mr. Eaton!
Is it not fair to infer that those who have
had daily personal intercourse with tie Sec
retary ever since his appointment, must have
a better knowledge Of his capacity than Shiny
politicians, whose end and aim is to make
political engine of every interest for the ac-
complshmen: of vile purposes, and to drag
into the political sewer all who will not sink
to the same level as themselves!
1t is useless to disguise the fact, as it is
perfectly apparent, that Mr.. Eaton's offence
is no more or less, than he happens to be
Democrat in principle, and took prominent
part in politics in Belmont county. Mr.. Ea.
ton never applied for the situation; it was
thrust upon him by the committee, who desir
ed his services, and knew him to be peculi-
arly adapted to the position.
Such attacks upon strangers, who are in
vi,ed into our midst, are base and malignant,
not supported by the facts, and unworthy of
reply, only upon the principle that lies, ad
hered to perlinaciously, without contradiction,
will bear the semblance OF truth upon frequent
repetition.
Besides all this, what have Mr.. Eaton's po-
litical principles, or the attitude he thought
proper TO assume in regard to the Rail Road
Directory, in locating the several competing
lines of the road through Belmont county, got
to do with his competency as Secretary Of the
Company! Has he not right to his opinion
on question that vitality affected his, as well
as the interests of the citizens of St. Clairs-
vile! He was, it is true, an ardent advocate
Of the middle route, and might possibly, in the
heat and excitement Of the contest, have vent
ed his Indignation in rash expressions, as
many of our citizens have done before him;
but what of this! Rail Road Directors are
inscnsibe to assaults, especially from those
who skulk under cover of anonymous sigma
lures. This mode of warfare is dishonorabe
in itself, and only recognized by political saw
ages. 2
"A Stakeholder" also attempts to convey
threat, in his last communication, that the
committee of the board, especially Jewett aud
Gallagher, who recommended Eaton to post
that he fills with so much credit 20 himself and
advantage to The interests Of the Company,
are to be turned over to the tender mercies
of stockholders like himself. Why, my dear
sir, you could not find more than one more
! like YOURSELF and he resides in Belmont, that
practises the same species Of warfare that you
do. l would have you know, sir, that stock
holders in rail r, ads are generally very intel
ligent, honorable, high minded men, who
would scorn to attack strangers in the man
ner you have done, and with so little provo
cation.
1t is strongly suspected that either yourself
or the Belmont echo, or some OF the relatives
of either, want the post, and have made use
of both of you as the feeble instruments in
| in the uncalled-for and unjustifiable assault
against Mr. Eaton and the committee Of the
Eboard.
As for the committee, who are thus threat
ened-and onlyIspeak for myself wish to
inform you, if your mind is not already dsl-
bused on that subject, that If you think you
are comforting any special favor on me by
electing me to the responsible post Of Raj
Road Director, please to make yourself u:
calm as circumstances will permit, while
inform you that regard it in different ligh
altogether. l claim that you are under deeI
obligations to those who attend to your bus
ness and consent to stand in that responsible
position, to be shot at by skulking savage
for discharging their duties honestly and con
scientiously for the best interests of the Com
pany.
Good bye, Mr.. Anonymous. We shall prob
! ablv consult you on the appointment of tn
next car greaser we may want on the Centru
Ohio Road, although you lack one qualifca
ton, and that is, moral courage to affix you
proper signature. w. GALlGHER.
MEssRs. EDITORS: