The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-10-19
GALES, SAUNDERS AND TURNER.
Something of Three of the Greatest Editors North
Carolina Has Produced.
(By DR.. T. B. Kinsbury.)


was finally contaminated in 1876, under
the mastery, inspiring and splendid
campaigning of Iebulon 2. Vance Mr.
Turner's services in those trying, gloomy
days should not ke forgotten His
brave, elf-sacrifiaing and thorough
work in reconstruction days should be
held in remembrance. rhis particular
writer was close TO Mr.. Turner during
some years, and by reason of editorial
connection with him saw the character
and efficiency of his work His edi-
torials were we'll nigh all of personal
character attacking the robber vicious,
black Radical gang. / had to help on
the good work, having practical manage
ment of the paper at one time.
wrote many articles extending
over a wider field than politics while
doing no little writing in the time
necessary to support that of Mr. Turner
himself, who was properly the chief ac-
credited editor. My own contribute nns
to help in the blessed efforts so much
needed then to redeem the State from
the bummers and rogues, were very
numerous. For one. two or three weeks
at time Mr.. Turner would be absent
attending the courts, generally, and then
the entire editorial work fell upon me.
But the main and important personal
work, exposing scoundrels and plumber
ers by name, was by Mr.. Turner, and
it was accomplished under frequent ex-
posures of life. He was attacked more
than once by Radicals. and at one time
was set upon by seven burly DULLES,
armed, no doubt, and he held them at
no
the usurper and tyrant Holden. This
writer had the distinguished honor Of
being informed by the usurper, through
his organ, the Raleigh Standard. that
if he did not hold up in his criticisms
upon him he would put him in
Wake county Jail. Since then he has
been threatened with like punishment
by a latter-day specimen of Radical
judge.
l recur to all this because it is already
ancient history" to four-if of the
voters in 1902. There is not the slightest
purpose of undertaking the faithful and
most important services rendered by
Col. Saunders. / would rather magnify
his important work than to rob him of
one feather in his splendid plume. I
would be glad to see a monument to his
memory erected Of North Carolina
granite, typical of the solid merit of his
own granite character. 1t is only those
who lived through the great war WAC
can properly understand it. 1t is only
those who passed through the gloomy
and barbaric days of Reconstruction
after the terrible war had ended, who
can truly appreciate the services, and
rightly estimate them, of the men who
Their stood by the dear Old Mother,
when forsaken and prosecuted by scores
OF her ablest sons who deserted her
and them all for pelf, and sold them
selves to the enemies Of their race and
people for the loaves and fishes.
Col. Saunders had sarcasm and wit and
loved fun. He ridiculed finely. No
doubt his most permanent work.
and that which in the end will
be the most useful, is his
careful, faithful editing OF the huge
Colonial Records of North Carolina. a
work of the most important character,
that compels all colonial history to be
rewritten. His study of these very ex
tensive records was pursued with great
care and interest. and made him thor
oughly acquainted with the events CT
that important formative period of our
State. l regret to have to confess mat
l have not given much time to the study
of the Records for want of opportunity
as 1 have never seen yet but a small
part of a complete set.
Col. Saunders died when ne had CON-
pleted but little more than half, l be-
lieve it is, of the laborious and event
full work Most fortunately for our peo-
pie the unfinished work was put by the
Legislature in the hands of the best man
in all North Carolina to complete it
judge Walter Clark 1 think he has
brought to a conclusion the great duty
assigned him and the State is thereby
vastly blessed.
Col Saunders was most genial and
delightful as a companion. He had an
acute and logical mind of rare clearness,
and he loved to prick the bladder of
sophistry and conceit with his supreme
raillery and caustic wit. l never know
a man who was so much like the boz.
In Wordsworths borrowed sentiment in
the we'll known line-"The boy was
father to the man" At forty or fifty he
was the same genial, hearty, kindly,
humorous, noble man that shone forth
In MS DOynOOQ.
Col. Saunders was a native of Raleigh
and his birth occurred on Both July, 1886
He was the son of an Episcopal clergy
man. Rev. Junius H. Saunders. He
read law but never practiced it, or but
little He settled at Salisbury, but when
the bugle sounded for battle he yolur-
teered as a private in the Rowan Rifle
Guards He was made captain in 1862,
and major in the same year. In 1868,
he had risen to the rank of lieutenant
colonel, and in the next year was APP
pointed colonel He was often in Tie
fire line and was wounded twice-on g
at Fredericksburg and once in the deadly
Wilderness two years later. The last
wound was severe, and more or less
afflicted him for life. He was with the
5000 other North Carolinians who sur
rendered at Appomattox, l think There
We're but few more than 5000 muskets
surrendered, and quite half or even
more were in the hands of brave. faith
full North Carolinians who were in the
fight to the finish. And so the great
drama of blood quickly came to close.
North Carolina had no more loyal, man
ly, noble, brave son than William l..
Cy-