Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-12-29
Personal Explanation,

lidon E. Ross, which is personal expla-
nation of his position. This letter ap.
peared in the Rutland Courier extra OF
Monday morning:
RUTLAND, SATURDAY, Dec. "a.
Editor Rutland Courier
1t sometimes happens that mans char
acter is painted so black that it is we'll tc
expose it to the clear light of truth and
see if there be not some redeeming poin,
some little oasis in the Ethiopian desert
do not seek notoriety; never had lit
erary aspirations; never desire to rush
into print. But in view of the tempes,
now raging in the social atmosphere Of
land,-obscuring the mental and NOR
| al horizon of many Rutlsnders,-in con
sequence of the late liquor prosecutions
| and the action of the landlords in closing
their hotels; and inasmuch as the Rever
end Charles Woodhouse, M. d., has seer
fit publicly to declare in the Coarie7
office IA strange place for the DR.. , that
have written letter after letter urging
him to prosecute the aforesaid hotel keep.
ers for violation of the prohibitory law, !
deem it incumbent upon me to make a
plain statement through your paper OF
what I know upon the subject, not only
in justice to myself, but to set the public
Alright, stop conjecture and correct some
of the many rumors flying through our
streets, gathering momentum and volume
as they go, but without foundation in
fact.
venture to say that have not enjoyed
an exalted reputation in Rutland for So
briefly, and no one can regret more than
myself that / have pulled an oar in the
already overerowded boat of intemper-
ance.
Last winter l became O member of the
very worthy order of Good Templars; in
the spring fell from grace; sometime dur
ing the summer determined to try it
again, and was reobligated into the order.
About that time DIR. Woodhouse request
ed me TO call upon him at his residence
did SO, and, at his solicitation, informed
him that I had obtained liquor at the no.
tells and various other places in Rutland.
He expressed his determination to prose-
cute, and l assented thereto. He then
made a complaint to the Grand Juror,
but after little calm reflection l wrote
him letter requesting its withdrawal,
and through my exertions it was with
drawn.
On the 18th of November-that being
the third and last day of a spree-being
somewhat under the influence of whisky,
and animated with those .'''~ e'oS tool
IS 81 ssios, ruge and penitence, which
are occasionally experienced by the devo-
tees of strong drink, wrote DR.. Wood
house letter expressive OF my willing
b., 7 - l.
tanned liquor, in case he would prosecute.
This letter L delivered in person, be max
ing a memorandum Of certain places saw
him two or three days afterward, since
which have had nc conversation with him
whatever
The story iudustriously circulated
about town that the Doctor had hired or
induced me to go the rounds Of the hoeeis
for the purpose of testifying against them
is too absurd to be credited. Those who
know me and the bad habits | had, will
readily believe there was no necessity for
that Nor do [ deem it necessary to deny
the charge that l expected to derive Pc
cuniary compensation therefrom, for that
is simply ridiculous.
Time passed on five weeks had elapsed,
and hearing nothing of any complaint or
prosecution, | hattered myself that there
would be none; for. after sober reflection
upon the matter, deeply regretted my
course. However much might deplore
the open sale of liquor, was hardly pre-
pared to make martyr of myself. And
here solemnly affirm that the subpoena
served upon me was totally unexpected.
that l had become firmly convinced no
;nta ID u,
testimony was given most unwillingly.
do not seek in this communication to
palliate my conduct in the least ask no
-.aan to n4aLo an e&ouso "a apology for
me although l regret, | am not ashamed
of my part in the transaction what l
have done or said | am willing to abide
by my shoulders are not broad, but they
will bear the burden rightfully resting
thereon, and l want the Rev. DIR. Wood
house to stand up like man and carry
hiS-not try to lie himself through ii knot
hole and shirk all responsibility by throw.
ing it upon a man who has quite enough
resting upon him and don't shrink from
it, bat who don't propose to become pack
horse for the Reverend gentleman.
| trust the Dr.'s well known scruples
of delicacy will not deter him from pub.
fishing all my letters to him, should his
inclination run in that direction.
am opposed to rum drinking and rum
selling 1 believe the statute in reference
to Intoxicating drinks should be either
enforced or repealed, and very many
people think it hardly fair that the law
should be enforced against the small fry,
and the large fish left to monopolize the
stream.
The DR.. evidently feels u little shaky,
and the public are entirely indebted for
this communication to his cowdrdly at
tempt to dodge the issue.
Respectfully submitted
T. f. Ross.