Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-01-26
LETTER FROM JOHN SMITH.
OXFORD Jan. 18th. 1876!

Mr.. EDIroR:-I would like TO eau
ton evry parent who reads the Brook
vile American. not to permit the auto
biography of p. L. Barnum to be
brought into the house. 1t is the
most STAINLESS record of systematic
lying and fraud that ever issued from
the press-the vilest collection of stale
jokes and coarse wit that was ever
printed. The moral obliquity of the
brayen-faced imposter stands out on
every page. The devil, he thinks,
first originated humbug; and yet he
glories in being called the Prince of
humbug! All his life has this pre-
cious rogue been getting money under
false pretences, and now in his palace
lranistan, he writes a book to tell how
it was done, and even goes about lec-
turing on the Philosophy of Humbug
Horace Greedy recommends this book
to his hundred and fifty thousand
readers, and the editor Of the Knick-
erbocker Magazine wishes there were
more such Eumbugs How much
money bought Greeley's paper, and
how much wine secured Gaylord
Clark's favor, it would b. hard to as
certain. Barnnm has plenty of each.
Have you read ruth Hall?" II
you haven't, get it and read it, and
pass it around. II is undoubtedly a
personal history of Fanney Fern, in
which 'nothingIis extenuated, but much
| should imagine, "set down in NAL
ice." Her brother, N. p. Willis, the
dandy-poet, figures extensively in the
story. but in a way that must be any
thing but agreeable to the fastidious
toady Of Idlewild. There isno dispu-
ting the high merit of N. p. Willis as
aprose writer; but his disgusting fop-
perry sickens his reader on every page.
If he is as mean, and il his father be-
fore him was as inhuman, as appears
from Fanny's story, they both deserve
the unmerciful treatment which they
receive at her hands. Some people
will think her unnatural in making such
revelations of a family natures but
| il a man utterly fails to perform the
the duties of father to a child, or of
brother TO a sister, he deserves ex-
posure and condemnation.
In regard to the literary war of
which made mention in former let
ter, may now say that the actual
fighting is over, but peace comes not
10 our excited combatants. A tedious
law suit followed the events enume-
rated in my last-and it was a law
suit The court was held in the COL
legs chapel-eminent lawyers were in
attendance, and extra constables were
appointed to keep order. Indignation
and wrath were excited beyond ex-
pressions-fists were flourished, hard
words flew in every direction, and q
great many intellectual and moral
bones were broken beyond the power
Of surgery. The Trustees gained the
case, and great was the anger of the
other side thereat. tits a sad unfortu-
nate occurrence, which must sever
many friendly bonds, and detract from
the social enjoyments Of our village.
John Mitchell, the Irish rebel and
pseudo-republican, has just been vis-
iting Cincinnati. The city council
rendered him the hospitalities of the
town; whereupon the citizens held an
indignation meeting repudiating the
actions of the Council. Mr.. Mitchell
is the republican who wants a planta-
ton in Alabama well stocked with fat
negroes, and who intends to quit the
United States if the Know Nothings
are not put down
Our newspaper, the Oxford Sentinel,
has made its appearance at last. II
will do verywell. The gentleman who
acts rs editor is without experience,
but not without ability. / hope il will
prosper under his control, and pay
well.
DR.. John W. Hail, the new Presi-
dent, has come on, and will enter upon
his dutiesat once. Iheard him preach
in the Methodist Church last Sabbath,
and can say that he is very able and
powerful pulpit orator Ieis cordial
ly received and will do we'll doubt
not. JOHN SMITH.