Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1882-11-04
"A.J0URHAL LIE EXPOSED"
&c., Absus MIR. Graves shown
q. Up I'm Ita True Light.
[From the Kansas CITY Tim

-gl lSIOIu Tue AansaS City llue6.J
LEx1kefoN. Mo-, Oct. 2a.-In the Kansas
City Journal efthe End inst. . communication
appe.red aver The signature of ''Mason. ~ In
which the writer stated that he had been in
formed By q ''most undinchlng democrat
that Mr.. Graves, democratic nominee for con-
sress. was = prominent leader In know moth
ing msb which attempted the demolition Of the
Catholic church in the city Of Lexington. Mo-.
during the administration OF Mayor Silver. aud
wsuld have accomplished its entire destruction
but for the prompt and brave Interference OF
Mayer Silver. The writer calls upon Mr..
Graves 70 -snswer and set himself right in this
maiter. Th above coming to my notice deem
It my right 70 make the following answer:
z '1--4r. l0ravss fret landed In Missouri and
ssttled st Lexington July 4. 1863. -.
2-Silss Silver. former mayor Of Lexington,
died In 1852 or '6s.
a-At the time Of the know nothing trouble In
Lexington Mr.. Graves was q stndent at Dan
yills., KY. ~ 1 am Informed by those who
know him, best. and was about eleven years
old; he had never been in Missouri and had not
eysa 3 relative In the state.
4-Since 1863 there has not been the le st
movement by any party or parties against the
Catholic church in this place.
The above. 1t seems TO me, would serve as
complete answer to the charge made by this
| ''most undinching democrst;" bus as the man
| ifest intent OF the said informant and purpose
Of the report 10 70 lnure Mr.. Graves in the esli-
nation OF Catholic vsters Of this district, SIM
pie justice requires that 1 should state what
know Of Mr.. Graves and his attitude toward
our church and her people.
Mr.. Graves 10 . Protes tant-a member of the
old school Presbyterian church OF his city In
politiss hs - and always has been An outspoken
denOcrsts but while nrm and earnest In his
own convictions he 10 y man Of broad and liber.
| II We've. and accords to everyone the same
freedom OF choice. In both religion and politics,
| which he claims for himself. The Catholic
| church Of this place has been unfortunately in
velved In several law suits in the last few years,
and Mr.. Graves has always been our leading vt
| toraey and has always given entire satisfaction.
These suits, involving large interests, have been
| 40 ably, fairly, and successfully managed by
him ~ 70 win our admiration, and his dealings
| toward US have been most liberal and satisfacto-
~. He Is, beside, the legal advisor and sttor-
ney for nearly all our people in their private le-
gal anairs. He has not been our choice because
OF any leaning toward our faith. but on account
Of his ability y lawyer, his a1abiity as q gem
tieman, bis hberslity ss = citizen. and his free
dom from prejudice against any because of dii-
| ference sf religious opinions.
Although my calling restraints Lie from taking
| any very active public part In politics. yet in
| this connection 1t will not be amiss for me to
| say that more efficient, unbiased. liberal and
| manly representative than Mr.. Graves cannot
be chosen by the people. he they Catholics or
Protestants. As Q confirmation Of the above
statements refer TO Andrew O'Malley, Sr..
Patrick Waters, Patrick Carroll and other men,
bers of the Catholic church who resided In the
psrish At the time OF the know-nothing mob re-
ferred to. and who yet reside here and are con-
verssnt with the whole affair.
| . JOHN J. Lilly
Priest in charge OF the Catholic church n tn,
city OF Lexington, Mo.