Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1868-11-06
Communication.

MN EDIToR:-ln one Of your late issues
there appeared Communication over the sig
nature Of "Pomonkey," relative to the action
Of certain portion of the people of Nanjemoy
district upon what is known as the "New
Road Law," now in force in our county. To
this article a reply has been made by some
one bearing the soubriquet of "No. g." To
this, again, "Pnmonkey" has published a re-
jninder characterized by ease of expression
and Gr0e ofsreasohing upon all the points he
thought, proper to discuss. There are several,
however, in the communication Of "No. 8"
which he has not noticed, deeming chem,
doubtless, unwurthy Of serious 'refutation as
indeed they are, considered within themselves,
and only merit observation because of their
probable effect upon the minds of those in
disposed to weigh the force of their meaning.
1t is to answer these points that thus arro-
gantly interfere in this matter. hope, there
fore, that be, will pardon me for interposing
in an affair which seems purely his own.
assure him | am actuated BY no want Of con-
fdence in his ability to deal triumphantly
with his adversary, and should not dare in
tYude aword had he not babe him ''final
adieu. Even as il is, feel that am trans
crossing the rules of propriety and subjecting
myself to a reasonable charge Of rudeness in
thus thrusting myself into controversy un-
invited or unchallenged. But rest my vim
dication upon the ground that the, question
under discussion is exclusively public one,
upon which every man has an undoubted
right to express an opinion. And trust,
Mr.. Editor, that you may view the matter in
the same light, waive ceremony and kindly
give place to wat have to say. 49,,
Aud here, also, make humble apology to
"No. 5" for. the unprovoked attack l shall
make upon him, and if Indulge in some rehec-
tions upon his mode of argument and style of
expression, beg him to imagine that speak
by the fancied authority of an insulted law.
] scarcely arraign him in his ncognito, least
of all, in his proper person, but merely as an
opponent to what deeply concerns us al-the
smooth and peaceful execution of popularity
constituted law, Neither do wish to be un
derstood as the cham pion Of "Pomonkey," but
simply a defender Of his faith. If, ia the
course ofthese remarks. reiterate some of
his illusions it will be because their strength
es1atles chem TO bear repetition and because
they are necessary to tile thread of my argu-
ment.s = I,must again xpress my misSivings
as to the propriety of engaging in this contro-
vefsy, @under the circumstances, and again
plead its public character in my justification.
More especially do hesitate to enter into
discussion with a cores pondent such as t'No.
3" has shown himself to be, and but for the
Importance of the question at issue aud the
probable consequences that hung thereon, l
should not venture word. Not that know
bin, in his proper person, to be unworthy of
respect or that should not be free to accord
il were bis mask Iremoved; but because he
has already, violated the proprieties Of dis
course BY descending from the argument in
point to the argument iu, person. When
disputant departsI from the line Of discussion
and takes up the club of ridicule and person
al 1isparagemeut he forfeits all claim to ac-
knowIed sementp But, when he .seizes, that
weapen and blunders in its use he wounds
himself with the blow that he aims at Others.
A fearful effort has, indeed, been made at
wft, riaicple and sareasln, but it was the most
delicious mofssl of, failure ever set before an
intelligentl reader. With this part Of the ar
gument, however, have aothing to do, as it
wis 6dt Aifeeted itosme. oI shall only notice
1t in defence Of the law, which, through it,
was sought TO Be degfaded.L There has been
no lack sofS soun.ly but to what was it ansecho?
There was 20 lack of emphasis, but Gpon what
was it exerted There has been wonderful
effort at ease and. freedom ofiexpresson, but
at What q saerifice q. grace and dignity! The
Indian word Pomonkey, BY which certain
section of our county has long been known.
has been twisted, and distorted, aud corrupt
ed INTO divers shapes and sounds that it might
be made to furnish a modicum Of wit. >, Vain
attempt &; The obstinate word remained as
stsrnsapd unyielding as its aboriginal authors.
1t even eretnrted upon its persecutor. for, n-
stsadof wit, il sent forth "a little murky stream
of obscenity' and slang with which it covered
rs t6rmentsr, as the pricked and insulted ele-
Phant 'soiled The work of the waggish tailors.
After AT its barbaroQs and Indigenous treat
ment Pomonkey is still an Indian name, bar
rem of wit in the awkward untutored hands
of"No.3 g." ouldthelroai Law speak we might
imagine it to pour forth its joyous gleer oyer
this failure somewhat 10 this strain !. 10 sye
shades Of Swift. sRabelais, Jerrold, look down
upon thy little imitator.'is. s,pss bae !is9 o.
my aatq urges, weep or suile, mi, ''a :.
Weep, to behold thy literary tastes prostitut-
ed! Smile, to see how awkwardly thy lite
JaSy manners have been aped. sYes,i dped. ~
thank thee, Jew, for that Word. "' !: Z = :
And how lame and impotent is this species
Of con, position applied to purposes of argu-