Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1854-08-08

We copy the following letter of Mr.. Wilkin with
the editors comments, from the Pioneer Of yes
terday morning. The letter speaks for itself,
We cheerfully give place, this morning, to the
following direct and manly reply Of Hon. Alex.
Wlkin, to the aspersions Of the Minnesotian. 1t is
a controversy in which we have no disposition to-
interfere; but we think Capt. Wilkin may safely
rest his case ON the following especially in this
community, where both parties are known:
EDITOR OF PIONEER The A1innesotids, of this
morning, contains two articles in which nay name
is brought before the public. desire, through
the medium of your paper, to state the facts in
reference to the matters referred to.
1t is false that l, at any time, withheld from
the Miaaesotian any government funds in my
hands, unless under the instructions of the depart
ment to which Twas responsible for my conduct as
Secretary of the Territory but on the contrary,
it is true, that advanced over $4,000 before the
appropriation was made for the printing of the
Revised Statutes, and only by the merest accident
was saved from the loss Of the money paid. The
Committee of Ways aud Means, in Congress re-
ported against the appropriation, and it was de-
feated. Mr.. Sbley afterwards rallied his friends,
and brought the subject up in the midst of Sc
we're storm, when the attendance in the House was
small. The Hon. James Brooks, of the Commit
tee of WAYS and Means, afterwards informed mo
that, but for this circumstance, the appropriation
would not have been made, as the Committee
were decidedly averse TO the appropriation. Had
it failed, / should without doubt have lost the
amount paid. was instructed by the Comptrol-
Ter of the Treasury not to pay the amount charged
for the printing Of the Statutes, but succeeded,
upon representations made personally, whils at
Washington, to have the full amount allowed
In the final settlement of my accounts / was
charged with $l08 overpaid on account Of tho
deficiency appropriation Of 1850; having paid by
that mu III more than came into my hands under
one of the heads of that bill. In regard to checks
upon Borup & Oakes, they were drawn against
my individual funds in advance of the receipt Of
money from tho Treasurer, the payment of which
was frequently delayed. When payments to cred
itors of government were refused by mo, they
were informed of the reasons, and were gener--
ally shown the instructions of the department..
In regard to nv connection with the Times
newspaper, will briefly state the facts, which,
are, however, generally known. 1t was proposed
by several practical printers, during last winter,
to start daily paper devoted to the interests OF
the Territory, and not to be party paper. These
gentlemen desired to form joint stock Company,
under the provisions of the Territorial statutes,
in which some Of the business men of this place
should be interested. Several persons were re-
quested to take an interest, and myself amongst
the number. After the arrangements had been
made, Il armed that the Democrat and Pioneer
intended to issue daily papers from their Offices.
Had known their intention before, should not
have embarked in the enterprise, believing that
one daily paper was sufficient for the wants Of
the place. About that time l started for tho
East, and was in hopes that the undertaking
would be given up. i did not return to this place
until after the material for the Times arrived, and
knew nothing Of the intention to direct il (the
materially in my name. Ny interest IN the eetsb-
lishment is SO very small as to be merely nominals
nor can with truth be called "tte bona fde," or
to interfere with the direction Of the paper, be-
lieving the person selected BY the Company e its
editor to be qualified for the post. I hsss not
made, or been instrumental in makings persossl
attacks upon individuals, through the medium o.
its columns-preferring to redress my Uievances
elsewhere. / am merely private citiieu, poe 9
proper subject for newspaper attacks; nor wiu
permit them to be made with impunity.
- q. -. ALEX. WILKIN..