The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-05-05
Correspondence of the Blade, Corvallis, Or.
Brother Banks Ably Defended by
''Old Friend"
Judas L. AstOrian's Correspondent De.
mOlislled.
JUDAS I. My Beloved Sir:


SANDER about reverend gentleman, who
was formerly minister in charge, here. An
energetic laborer in the vineyard of the Lord,
a devotee by nature to Gods holy work has
been assailed by ''the enemies of God and
friends of the devil"
1t is pleasant duty for me, to rise in de-
Tense of the down-trodden. When the pure
human is beslimed with gall by villainous
viper, it is, indeed a most acceptable oppor-
tunity to empty the cup of bitterness down
the throat of the wretch. trust, dear Ju-
das, your stomach will be able to retain
these Introductory lines; as it must be so
corroded with the defamation of character,
that it can retain great portion of the poi
son of hell.
The patrons of the church at Vancouver
have taken very decided steps in this mat
ter and have adopted the following resolu-
tions:
"Whereas, An article appeared in the As
toridn, and was copied by several journals
assailing the moral character of Rev. L. A.
Banks, pastor of the NJ. Z. Church at Van
couver, w. L. Therefore, be it
Resolred, That we, the members of his
church and congregation do hereby denounce
those charges as basely false and do hereby
pledge ourselves to stand by him in the tenn.
perance reformation he has undertaken"
Now, dear Judas I'll examine your charges,
singly, against brother Banks, and l trust,
that I'll be able to show you beyond any
reasonable doubt the innocence of the &C.
cused. That the charges are base fabrica-
tons manufactured to blast life of useful
ness, l have no doubt, but will establish
First charge: "He was kicked out of a
ball at Philomath by his father
IL H.. IL
given at Felger's mill. Brother Banks at
that time was not a minister; he was only a
leader in prayer, a sort of deacon. His ia
Their didn't so unceremoniously GUST him.
The deacon walked out rery fast ahead of
the parent; the parent raised his boot unus-
ually high, but he was in agreat hurry. So,
dear Judas, your charge one, vanishes into
thin air.
Second charge, "He gambled at Albany"
This never occurred at all 1t is true that
-he played 'little draw" at The Dalles, but
you see, dear Judas, the habits and customs
of the people in that wild town are different
from those of the quiet valley towns. Didn't
the Savior go out among the outcasts of So
ciety and bring them into the true fold? The
brother, in following the example of the
meek and lowly Savior fell among thieves,
who ilched him of his coin, wearing apparel,
loose jewelry, etc., but, dear Judas, you
surely know that thieves plumber any one,
so, where's the crime? The brother never
gambled for gain, because he gained nothing
Another point to be considered in THIS con-
nection, and Ipressits significance upon your
mind. These gamblers had wives and child
rem to support. Brother Banks, being lit
erary and athletic gentleman, could earn a
livelihood with his pen or muscle; a few dol.
lars to him was but little concern.
Third charge, "He swindled publishing
house in the East, failing to pay over pro.
ceeds of book sales"
Now Judas, bear in mind, this is only q
debt, and | assure you he'll pay it when he
pays his other debts.
Fourth charge, "That he bilked furni-
ture man and con,mitted(?) suicide"
i Never was accusation more false. Brother
Banks returned the furniture after using it
only three months. 1t was not returned to
! the furniture man, however, but to other
parties, to whom the brother was Justly in
debted for house rent, etc. The furniture
was not injured, and allow me, dear Judas,
to inform you, that if the furniture man
wished to accommodate the brother, it is
none of your business. Now, brother Banks
never committed suicide; he simply wished
the girl to think 80; but she didn't believe
IL, ana no narm was d0ne.'
Fifth charge, "That he is fraudulently
claiming to be graduate of Philomath col
lege."
l know positively that brother Banks went
through Philomath college. He doesn't care
about toting diploma around; he much pre-
fers, no doubt, to haughtily remark as a
great American statesman did, 81 possess
not the ability to be classed graduate of
Dartmouth college"
Now, Judas, am content. Your charges
all vanish to thin air. 1t is an easy matter
to present accusations, quite another to SUBJ
stantiate them. have met you on every
specific allegation. The reading public will,
no doubt, exclaim ''Old Friend came, saw,
and conquered"
Dear Judas, I'll present to you some of
the good qualities of the brother, that are
admired in this community. l cannot close
this defence without doing so. Be patient.
Brother Banks is a very positive man; in
no manner is he negative. To illustrate: A
public nuisance in person of squaw Emma
was confined in the county jail, awaiting the
arrival of the U. s. Marshal Several gen.
tlemen were extremely interested in having
her released; she might probably be prose-
cutting witness in case entitled u. s. rersus
whiskey vending to Indians. This pesti.
atty must be sent to the tegfei or kdiies; her
evil influence was being severely felt. Bro
Banks took the benevolent task of liberating
this community from such baneful influence
No one has ever accused brother Banks of
receiving over 800 for his trouble.
This was, indeed, poor compensation. The
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