The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1873-08-29
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE.

L understand that there has been some
correspondence between you and B. F.
Underwood, with a view to debate be-
tween Mr.. Underwood and Rev. /. ID.
Driver in this city, and as there is some
difference of opinion between the friends
of the parties respectively in relation to
this, you will, am sure, crafty both
sides by publishing all correspondence
relating thereto. Yours truly,
JOHN b. GARRISON.
Certainly. We have no objection to
publishing the facts, so far as we are ae-
quainted with them. We have not con-
ferred personally with Mr.. Driver upon
the subject, but have learned through
several sources that the report is current
that Mr.. Underwood declined to debate
with him probably from fear that he
(Underwood) would come off second
best. Such report does not concern
US; neither do we know whether our
correspondent Is q personal friend Of 1
Mr.. Driver, but as the idea has gone
abroad that we have figured in the ehal-
lenge, we consider it our duty to let the /
public know to what extent.
On the afternoon of the Sth Of August |
we met Mr.. Heroy, well known in this
city, who asked where Mr.. Underwood |
could be addressed, or words to that ef- |
feet.
We replied that the morning papers
said that he had gone to North Yamhill
or Lafayette. We also said that we re-
GREETED that the clergy should leave
their lambs unguarded while inroads
were being made upon the flock; that
1t was the duty Of ministers to attend
these meetings and prepare themselves
to meet the arguments, etc.
Mr.. Heroy said that Mr.. Driver would !
like to meet Dir. Underwood in debate,
and that il tVe would write to Under
wood, he would find Driver and arrange |
for q discussion.
We Immediately went home and
penned and mailed the following letter:
PORTLAND, August s, 1878.
Prof B. +. UHdert0Ood-Sir:-I to-day |
met Mr.. Heroy, prominent and relia-
bic Christian gentleman Of this city, |
who informs me that Rev. 1. d. Driver |
is willing to meet you in debate.
hope that you will be inclined to favor
the proposition.
While 1 do not at all believe in the |
materialistic doctrines that you teach, I
am not Of those who fear to investigate
them, neither do believe that truth
has anything to fear from the most
thorough scientific researches.
Hoping to hear from you at your ear
liest convenience, am,
Very respectfully, etc.,
Mrs. a. J. DUEIwAY.
We have not had opportunity for
speaking with Mr.. Heroy since the let
ter was written. Our columns are open
to him for any explanation which he
may choose to make.
Following is Nr. Underwood's reply,
giving his side of the story:
SALEM, Oregon, August Is, 1873.
Mrs. A. j. DuniUGy-Dedr Madam -
Yours Of August sth, addressed at La
fayette and re-mailed to me here, did
not reach me until yesterday.
You say that Mr.. Heroy says that
Rev. /. D. Driver says that he DRIVER
is willing to meet me in debate, and
wishes to know whether 1 will discuss
with him.
In answer to your letter have to say
that 1t is customary with me, before
pledging myself to engage in public
discussion with an advocate Of Chris
tianity, to satisfy myself, if possible,
that he il man of some attachments
and, above all, a gentleman. From the
best information have been able to OBJ
tain, 1 am convinced that "Rev.n
Driver is neither the one nor the other.
Christians and Free-thinkers alike have
represented him to me as q man Of very
|, little education, and better fitted by dis
J position and former pursuits and habits
J for street brawl than for courteous,
!, dignified and instructive discussion on
scientific, philosophic and theological
! subjects.
Nearly two years ago at Eugene City
"Rev." Driver made q violent and un-
scrupulous attack on my character. 1
had never spoken to him, nor even seen
him, and at the time was many miles
, from the place. Without the least foun-
dation for his statements, and with no
/ provocstion from me, he publicly ac-
, cused me of falsehood and perjury, and
declared that he would no sooner touch
I my hand than he would touch the hand
) of an imp from hell.
This occurred about the same time
: that "Rev." Driver was arrested ana
fined at Eugene City for violent and
, abusive language and disorderiy con-
, duct on the street. These facts L pre-
; sumo neither he nor his friends viii
} deny; II they do, they can be easily
proven.
: Now ought to permit myself to de-
bate with q man who has shown such