Daily Los Angeles herald., 1883-10-27
OPPORTUNITY DECLINED.
An Offer to Become Book Agent
Rejected Cogent Reasons AS
signed for the Declination-Jus-
tice Ling Announces His Political
Aspirations.

The following letter from Judge K. A.
Ling explains his reasons for declining
to become book agent;
Los ANGELES Oct. "a, 1888.
A. l.. BANCROFT & Co., SAN Francis
co, CAL. L.--Gents Your letter enclosing
circular duly received, and | hasten to
reply; and in connection Herewith, al
low me to briefly state that nearly one
year ago, and at the time the great DEM
ooratic tidal wave awept over this grand
and glorious country, it bore upon its
crest great many hitherto obscure men,
and amongst Others, your humble SER
vant, and | am now, and suppose will
be, occupied in the present position.
that Of City and Township Justicc Of the
Peace Of the ''City of the Angels"
Now, great many men would not envy
me this position, but can most respect
fully assure you that it discounts the
laudabIe position Of book agent, light
ming rod peddler or third-rate minister
Of the gospel.
Since l have been dispensing justice to
the law-abiding citizens of this growing
city, am free to tell you that | am con-
stilutionally opposed to either OF the
thres avocations above recited, as the
prison register Of this county will show.
"Book Agent:" No gentlemen, not at
the present. Of course l forgive yos
this time, and | hope you will not re-
peat tho dose. And more, / suggest that
ii you do, l shall extend the jurisdiction
of this Court beyond the limits of the
city of San Francisco and citation for
contempt viii be the result.
Great minds are subject to violent
change, and if my future political pros
poets should from any cause become
blighted, may, of course, then be ex-
cused for retracting this declaration
against book agents, etc.
| expect to be a candidate for the
high and important Office OF "Chief JUS
tice of the Commonwealth. in the event
Of the death or resignation Of Judge
Morrison. But in case don't secure it,
and cannot longer iasten my political
talons upon the aforesaid 'aCity of the
Angels" l will let you know, aud GER
tilted check for $4,000 for one years
service will be acceptable to me I DO
this out OF consideration of the fact that
such eminent men as A. L. Stewart,
Cornelius Vanderbilt aid Charles Crock
er started in life in similar mauUer, ac-
eoriing to Bancroft, historian Il mean
nothing personal by this referencs.)
Yoa say in your letter if | can
not accept this position Of hon
or and trust, to hand it to
some friend or neighbor. OF course,
under the circumstances, cannot do
that, SO far as the friend" is concerned.
only had one, that was an expert in
that line OF business. Poor fellowp
He has long since left this vale Of tears.
Gone to Join the endless tbrong of book
agents in the realm below; died in great
agony, with corns and hunions on his
feet, and broken heart Peace to his
ashes and reverence to his memory. As
to my neighbor-Well. yes; l can and
will accommodate you. have one who
think will fill the bill in every particu-
lar. He has mistaken his calling, aud he
has often told me that he longed for
Fields green and pastures new" And
il can make him believe that, and get
him the job, you will never know what
load Of responsibility have shifted on
some one else, and with what peace and
gusto l can finish my declining days. ii
he addresses you letter in red ink, on
a hlotting pad, you must not think him
peculiar. 1t is only his saving qualities,
and you are at liberty to use my name
as his reference for sobriety, elegance of
carriage, and, in fact, anything except
his liberality. Hoping have not tres
passed upon your time and patience,
remain your obedient servant,
r. A. LisG.