The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-01-16
Tn. Lipels Of the Times Local.

The Libels Of the Times Local.
The readers of the LIGHT will be aware
that the local of the Times has INDUCED in
series of maliciously false attacks upon me
personally and in my official capacity as local
Of this newspaper. These are written by a
man named Kendall, who in writing them
states what he personally knows to be false,
and who, if they were true, should be the last
man to assail me. / am not an oversensitive
man and am good humored enough to be able
to give and take chit as well as any man,
but he has exceeded the bounds of fair criti-
cism, and has stepped far into the confines Of
the libel law, as he may find to his cost. l
have previously noted the personality of these
attacks and attributed them to improper mo-
tives. The Times repudiates this and yet it
that I commenced them, and that their re-
marks were simply resentment for some al
legged insult to their representative, Kendall
They forget that it is none the less personal
or improper, if their view be accurate, and
that the whole matter is one that should never
have found newspaper vent.
Who is this man Kendall? He was my
friend in England, and it was
chiefly at his instigation that ! gave up a
lucrative business, and came here to settle
among you. We made the voyage together,
intending to be partners on arrival, but he
went elsewhere, paying no regard to my
wishes or interest. He failed and returned.
l forgave, sheltered him, and provided food
while he was out Of employment, treating him
in every way as a brother. When he got work
he acted so Extensively to me and mine that
was obliged to ask him to amend his conduct,
or leave my house. He could not do the
former, so he did the latter, and since he has
left, this system of attack has been going on.
It first began by picking out trifling occasional
omission in the local matter, for which I am
responsible, such as at least can be found in
almost every issue of the Times, and then the
attack become more direct: he questioned my
ability to do the work I have undertaken,
when he is we'll aware that the high credentials
bring from England and the personal testi-
mony Of those who have engaged me main
tain my efficiency. He endeavored to envelop
my sketches with the air of fiction, being
aware that they were true and
can be substantiated by correspond
ence received in England, and even since
my arrival in this city he quotes my name in
inverted commas, with sinister motives, and
above all, he is mean enough to assail, without
warrant, the honor of my mother and myself,
knowing that we can claim legitimate connec-
ton with one of the first families in England.
There are other points have not space to no.
tice, these are sufficient to condemn him. II
it were stranger there would be some excuse,
but for an old friend to write so falsely, even
though prompted by envy and malice, is un-
1t is only fair to say that since Kendall has
left my house he has written, on December
10th, 1881, Offering to pay the cost of his ex-
pense to me as soon as he can afford it, but
this, suppose, cannot cancel his obligation.
In the same letter he writes
"Still have to thank you for several kind
nesses done in the past, and, if need ever re-
quires it, to return them, I'll try and remem-
Der them"
His memory is very short, for in less than
fortnight he is found libeling the friend who
has so we'll served him, and abusing his posi-
ton by endeavors to disparage that friends
character, and to prevent him earning live
lihood for himself and his family. He fails
of course, as all such efforts do fail, and earns
we'll merited odium for his-felly.
OF his ingratitude need say no more, but
would point out that he also passes as a
fighting bragadocio and disgraces his sheet
by public intimation of his folly in this re-
spect. He well knows that am in no way
afraid of him, but that l value my character
too highly to involve it in street brawl, and
rave too much respect for the law to break it.
The absurdity Of the proposal condemns it,
because if accepted it would not prove which
Of US was right, but which was the strongest or
more skillful of the two.
I have endeavoredto act fairly and friendly
to all, more especially to my professional
brethren, knowing that we must frequently
meet, and can often serve one another, and
I can confidently appeal to them and to my
friends generally for favorable verdict of my
conduct as a gentleman. have no un-
friendly feeling towards Kendall, other than
those occasioned by his ingratitude and un-
jasti6able conduct, and if he were willing to
make the amende honorable, could forgive
and forget, receiving him at least on terms of
civility, if not of friendship. have no desire
to be the judge of my wrongs and their extent.
An arbitration of four friends-two selected on
either side-could decide that after l have
proved the statements herein contained, and
by their decision am willing to abide, but
do not propose to notice any more personali-
ties from the same source. He has made his
statement, have made mine, and the public
can decide who is in the right.
H. RYDER-TAYLoR.
-Ifyo watch stops take it to Emerson.
Emerson has practical matchmaker.
Plenty of cash, cash, cash, at Emerson's.