Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1855-11-10
FROM Mr.. BARKER,
10 Tie Editor Of tic Bugls L.

10 The Edtor ~ INC buyte'
DEAR Sir. You say, in your last, that no one
has been guilty of "Q6ensire personal accusofions'
In the Bugle, but myself. | ask, did not the first
article that appeared in the Bugle, on this contro-
versy, charge me with undertaking to defend a
party, a position, and principles, which you regard
as false, unsound, and immoral? ~
Did not that article further charge me, with
basely appealing TO the anti-English feelings of
my audience 2 ~ And was not the whole article
made up of similar''o6ensiue personal dccusdtionsF'
And were not several of these charges repeated
in following articles? And do not you yourself
repeat those charges, when you give your unquali-
fed endorsement of the party who made them p.
And Is it not both an offensive, and a criminally
false personal accusation with these facts before
you, to charge me with being the only person gull
~ Of such accusations in the BugleH
And further, is it not mean and despisable; is il
not utterly inexcusable, when n man solemnly dis
claims the sentiments attributed to him, and denies
having undertaken to defend the parties and posi-
lions The is charged with defending. TO persist in
those charges? Is not such conduct tantamount
to charging q man with wilful lying? Would any
candid honorable man act thus towards an oppo-
ntHt ! IL " chuuitN ht'' - NV VIZ ''S"'
your views, or misunderstanding your positions, !
should at once say, 81 ask your pardon. Please
give me your own statement" And l should feel
myself bound IN honor and in justice to admit your
statement. For who is so likely to know a mans
views as himself? Nay more, even if you had inadver-
tently misstated your own views or position, |
should feel bound to allow you to correct your
statement. For why should l wish to charge on Il
man opinions which he disowns? Or make him re-
sponsible for parties or positions with which he
declares he is not connected or identified Such
conduct, / say, is mean and wicked. And towards
a man who has given the fullest proof that he has
courage to avow and maintain the most unpopular
opinions when he really holds them, and to identi'
fy himself unhired and unbribed with the most
unpopular parties, when he really sympathises
with them in their principles and aims, it is doub-
Iy mean and wicked, and immeasurably foolish,
as we'll. 1t betrays a lurking hate, and a secret.
sinister aim, in the minds at those who are guilty
of it.
Now m,rk, / have no ill-feeling towards you;
i have no wish to quarrel with you. | have had
reason, heretofore, with slight exceptions, to be
satisfied with your spirit and conduct. ]. of course,
have no wish to lessen your influence in the cause
of freedom, which l believe to be Gear to your
heart. Nor do l cherish malice towards Mr.. Eos
ter or your pro tenn editor, nor do | want to pro.
long this controversy. But / want justice; l want
candor; l want fairness. l have no disposition to
sit down quietly under false and injurious imputa-
tious. If | can obtain justice; or if | can see a
disposition to do justice, the controversy ends. II
i can not, l wish all appearances or pretensions Of
friendship and confidence to cease. If | can De
satisfied that what l complain of and protest
against is not the offspring of injustice, malice, OIL
selfish policy, you have my confidence, my esteem,
my friendship, my sympathy and my cooperation
as long as you wish them. If / cannot be salts
fled of this, then l go my way, and you &C yours,
and each pursues alone, the course which he thinks
best.
With regard to the charges of bigotry and exelu
siveness preferred 10y me against your society,
shall say what have to say when the presen'
controversy is ended.
Yours, Very Respectfully,
JOSEPH BARKER.