The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1888-05-03

OH lHS tACuaHbr ISL II paFeI L4ial
will resort to such dcspicable means
TO "get even" with contemporary
for disagrecing with or criticising it i'll
any way, is not worthy Of the self-as-
sumed role that combination Of Pc
culiar circumstances allows the Ne10s-
Ob5eyVer to play in the affairs of the
State. 1t would be more manly to
defend itself, by argument in its own
columns. against a wrong accusation
or dislodge itself from any false posi-
ton in which it might be placed by
misinterpreting it in any way. But
the MrzOs- O65c,0er it seems Judged
by this and half dozen similar cases
does not trouble itself by resorting to
any such fair and honorable means,
when it suits its purpose better to drop
from its exchange list such naughty
sheets as do not accept its enuncia-
tons as complete and final and swal-
low the whole thing at a single dose.
But an enlightened, lIberty-loying
people whose proud boast is a free
press and free speech, sooner or later
viii denounce the spirit of oppression
and tyranny sought to be exercised by
the Nezos- Observer, the one Infallible
paper whose position it would make
believe is Impregnable-at which no
criticism must be directed the
NeuOs Observer, the only Embodi-
ment ola Perfect Newspaper Gin its own
estimation) in opposition to whose
wishes no expression Of opinion must
be given, is above criticism or censure,
and the paper that dares to do such a
thing is accommodated forthwith.
Was ever more despotic power or i'll
temper displayed?
1t would have been bad enough to
cut US off if the News- Observer had
been coming to this Office as an ex-
change, an even swap for the GOLD
LEAF-but it did not. The price of
the subscription to that paper was paid
for in the publication of its ADVERTISE
ments in our columns, though on two
occasions perhaps the "courtesy was
reciprocated" by The Neys Observer.
Still, Capt Ashe would have US
think he had loaded US down with
favors by sending the paper to this Of
fee, and as soon as the GOLD LEAF
should appear SO unfriendly" as to
comment adversely upon It in any
way, we are to be punished as a
naughty child by taking our play thing
(exchanee) away from US. Very we'll,
Capt. Ashe, you have treated US no
worse than you did the Tarboro South
e'Ner, Battleboro Headlight, Winston
Sentinel, Wilson Aayance and perhaps
others, for similar offences.
The GOLD LEAF does not misrepre-
sent any one Intentionally, but it is
not afraid to speak plainly when it
believes it is right and as to its being
prompted by any unfriendly spirit"
toward the NsWs- O5serger, we dis
claim, although there has been much
perhaps that 1t ought to have held it
to account for in the past, but we
could not allow petty local issues, base
ball disputes, &c, to influence the
GOLD LEAF, even if the NeGU5- o.
5c5zrcr could. But as these matters are
fresh in the minds Of our people it is
not our purpose 10 discuss them here.
However, the NfO5- Obsc,vcr will be
fortunate after this last display of bad
temper, this mean cut at the champion
of the rights Of a generous people
among whom it finds many readers, if
not admirers, if some requests do not
come from the other end Of the line
demanding that It's visits be discon-
tinued to more addresses than one at
the Henderson postofhce.
The NEzUs- Ob5er0er laid itself LA
bic to criticism, and the GOLD LEAF
saw fit TO give it. For committing
this high otfense in the sight of the