Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-06-26

The fact that one preacher in Louisiana
ruined young lady, and that another
preacher shot and killed him for 1t,
is by no means conducive to the growth
of christianity in that State, inasmuch as it
proves conclusively that the two men re-
ferred to did not believe in the religion they
taught. But there are bad men among
preachers, as there are in any other profess
sion, and though they disgrace their calling
and hinder its effectiveness they do not dis
prove the truth of its teachings. Neither
does the fact referred to show that religion
in the South is different from that in the
North, for the daily newspapers prove that
there are wolves in sleeps clothing in the
North as well as in the South, and just as
many of them.-Aler. Gazette.
We do not think the Gazette is right in
saying that the acts of these ministers
''prove conclusively that they did not be-
here in the religion they taught" 1t only
proves that they did not practise the relig-
ion they taught. 1t is said that Satan be-
lieves and trembles; but his belief does not
make him practice religion. If Borden is
guilty OF the crime alleged against him, he
deserved worse fate than death, and Jen-
kins, though minister, will be justified in
popular opinion for taking his life. If it is
not right for minister thus to avenge a
wrong, it is not right for layman to do So
1t may not be right for either; but if popu-
lar sentiment sustains the one, it should
the other. The young lady was the Aft
anced of Jenkins, and Butler was Presi-
dent of the Female College of which she
was pupil. If Borden be guilty, there is
no palhstion of his heinous crime, and Jcn-
kins, though violating the law, did deed
| for which few will blame him.
P. S.-Since the above was written, we
find thee following published, which, if
true, relieves the character of Borden of
heinous criminality but not of a great Of
| fence.
Immediately after the shooting of Borden
by Jenkins District Attorney Hall wrote to
John s. Butler, father of the young lady
whose name is involved in the matter, Civ
ing him the particulars of the tragedy, the
alleged cause being the ruin of his daugh-
ter. Mr.. Butler replied under date of June
18th, saying: ''There is not word of
truth in the charge you refer to. l regret
very much Mr.. Jenkins took up such an
idea. My daughter saysSshe said nothing
to MIR. Jenkins that he possibly could infer
anything of the kind
Miss Butler has made the following state
ment:-
81 hereby deny having made at any time
a confession to Mr.. Ben. t. Jenkins Jr, to
the effect that Mr.. Borden had in any man
ner illtreated me, only so far as shall be ex-
planned. When asked by Mr.. Jenkins if Mr..
Borden had treated me badly told him yes
He then asked in what way. l told him Il
CAM tell, but you can think any way you
wish The only indienity ever offered by
MIR. Borden to me was.in the library, about
ten days ago, when was there for some
books, when he approached me and at
tempted to put his hands upon me, and
Immediately left the room and was never in
his presence alone again during the remain
der of my stay at Mansfield. This treat
ment of Mr.. Borden to me was never men
toned to any one but my mother
1t may be stated that Miss Butler has a
father and two brothers to protect her hon
or if such protection had been necessary
She is IS years old, handsome and unusually
intelligent. A younger sister was at the
| Mansfield Seminary with her. Jenkins
seems to have been suffering from halluci-
nation Of mind when he fired the fatal shot