The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-08-16
Mr.. Riddle ard the Cleveland Herald.

Mr., Riddle ard the Cleveland Herald.
We publish in a supplement- accompany
ing this paper, n personal statement Of Hon.
A. G. Riddle, and bespoak for it u candid
perusal.
We have no taste for personal controvor-
sizes, especially among members of our own
party, who should be friends, or, at least,
fair aud generous opponents; and would
take no part in this ono, did not justice seem
to require il.
Wo appreciate tho natural and commend.
able spirit which resents as public indignty
any wrong that may bo done to tho sold.
iers who have volunteered to defend our
country in tho hour of peril. For ono, we
do not approve tho unqualified censuro OF
tho press upon tho mass of tho Grand Army.
for the retreat from Bull Run; and, did We
believe Mr.. Riddle guilty of cruelty to u
soldier, We could not justify or defend him.
But, whatever may havo been the indis-
erection of Mr.. Riddle. or any of his friends,
wo have never doubted that, wore tho
whole truth known, IL would fully vindi.
cate his character. His statement, while il
throws new light upon the occurrences OF
the 2lst OF July, and is apparently complete
in every particular, is sustained by weight
of evidence which oven the Herald does
not question.
Tho entire course of tho Herald in regard
tn this matter, evinces an intense hostility to
Mr.. Riddle, which nothing could appease but
the destruction of his reputation. That a
journal so old aud influential as the HerGd,
should, day aftor day and week after week,
devote its columns to the qualification of such
a feeling, would be incredible, were not the
proof before us. Ifany have supposed that,
in it's criticisms upon Mr.. Riddles letter, it
has boen actuatod solely by desire to pro-
mote the general welfare, they have but to
notice its course since the publication of
that gentlemsn's statement. Without copy
ing the statement, or directly controvorting q
it's facts, which are sustained by unimpeacb-
able witnesses, il gives fresh evidence OF
motives ii has mover denied, by attempting
to detect immaterial verbal discrepancies
betweeu the letter and the statement, and
by rc-publishing the most Objectionable par
sgraphs in the former, which, unexplained
by the latter, as it we'll knows. does Mr..
Riddle gross injustice. And why all this
Is it to benefit tho soldier ? Can il possibly
benefit the Republican party, or conduce to
union and harmony? Does it subserve any
good purpose?
Had the Herald been less inimical to MIR
Riddle, II would have pursued very differ
ent course. II impelled by q sense of dut,
to criticise his letter, it would have done 8,
more in sorrow than in anger" expressed
regret at it's existence, and embraced th,
first opportunity 10 exonerate the write
from undue odium. But no; IL was evi
IDENTITY delighted at the appearance of tn,
letter, and. in it's enthusiasm, even tho poo,
slave was forgotten, save to be rdiculod in
poetry for his thick lips and woolly hair
Wo have written plainly. yet we trust in
no spirit of unkindness. The truth is the
| best yindicator; and we doubt not that,
when it shall be fully known. the people,
who have no personal motives to crafty,
will do justice aliko 20 MIR. Riddle and the
Herald II is for their interest and credit.
as wcl as bis own, that the reputation of
their Representative shall not unjustly suffer
detriment
Fellow. citizons of Geauga, YOU have ever
known Albert G.. Riddle, aud ever delighted
to honor him. Can you be mistaken il
your estimate of his character q: Here
where he has passed the best portion
Of his life, he has always been es
l teemed as one Of the most sensitive, gener
Gus and sympathetic Of men. Has he beel
suddenly transformed into demon =
When, by your votes, and iu spite of tn
determined opposition of those who now g
bitterly assail him. you secured his nomina
: ton for Representative, you wero strangel
infatuated, or he cannot be unworthy G
your confidence.