Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1882-11-24
EDITORIAL Rooms
TERRITORIAL ENTERPRISE,

To THE EDITOR
DEAR SIR: On Nov. 8, 1882, James E.
Anderson, the editor of the Eureka Leader,
was shot down in the streets of Eureka by
G.. j. Reek, Principal of the Public School
at Ruby Hill.
As a member of our profession has fallen
while in the discharge of his legitimate
duty, l respectfully submit that it is be-
coming in us to use our influence towards
bringing his SLAYER to justice. The cir
cumstances of that deplorable tragedy are,
no doubt, familiar to you. Ny own infor-
nation and the opinions 1 formed after a
very careful examination OF the testimony
introduced before Harmon, the Justice of
the Peace in the case, have led me to the
conclusion that because of antipathies,
reasonable or unreasonable, entertained
in Eureka towards the deceased Journalist,
a conspiracy was organized to clear Reek,
and thus defeat the ends of justice. In
this conclusion you may not agree with
me-. But l think we can at least agree in
the opinion that the question of Reek's
guilt is one that ought to go before a jury,
and that the interests of our profession de-
mand that this particular case be prose-
cuted to the utmost extent Of the law.
Anderson, / have been given to under
stand, died penniless. His stricken widow
has taken his remains to indianapolis for
burial. Public opinion in Eureka is di-
| vided as to the merits Of the case. No one
there appears willing, thus far. however,
to espouse the cause of the dead; and, so
far as we brethren of the Press are con-
~cerned-THE CAUSE OF H LIVING. Unless
some concerted sotion is had by us it is
| very improbable that justice will be done.
My object in addressing you Ia to pro-
pose such action on our part. l I'm sure
there arc enough newspaper men in Nevada
to take this matter in hand. My plan is
| to collect by subscription a sum sufficient
to defray the cost of employing special
counsel TO collect and arrange the evidence
for the State, and to assist the District At
torney of Eureka County in conducting
the case of the People against Reek. A
small contribution from each OF us will
raise the requisite amount of money. l
shall head the let with $40, and Mr.. Full
ton Of the Reno Gazette has promised to
contribute $50 toward the fund. If needed,
l shall, before the trial comes off, give more
as my means allow; but meanwhile it ia
essential that some skilled detective be set
to work to collect all the evidence required
to convict if conviction is possible-and
some means are necessary to begin the
work. Any SUM-, however small, will be
acceptable, and l earnestly and respectfully
invoke your aid in this behalf.
had no acquaintance with Mr.. Ander-
son during his lifetime. / desire to see
only justice done. To persecute Reek is
far from my intention. A principle i'm
portant to all OF us is at stake in this mat
ter, Unless we band ourselves together
for mutual protection on this occasion.
our own lives, in the lawful pursuit Of an
honorable and arduous calling, are at
stake. A blow struck al one Ia struck at
all. Let this man Reek, like any other
individual charged with murder, answer
for his alleged crime.
have unearthed one witness, . gentle
man who Ia now in San Francisco, who saw
the whole affray and who was within twenty
feet Of the parties when it began, AT the
proper time that witness will be forthcom'
ing. and he will testify that Reek was the
aggressor and fred the first shot. But, in
the interest Of justice, this fact must, fol
the present, remain our common secret.
Treat this communication with oont
dence and answer it at your earliest con
venieuce. To your discretion. however,
leave the question az to the propriety o
communicating the oontents Of this lettel
to any friend interested in bringing thu
offender to trial or who may be willing t.
Assist us. You are also fires to treat thi
letter NJ sn open one addressed to you
professional associates. Any suggestion
you may be pleased to offer will be CRATE
fully entertained. | am, yours fraternally
HENRY G. SHAW.
Editor Territorial Enterprise.