Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-10-10
aIND WHAT DID THEJURY DO?'

,f,,-or Richard NJ Taylor yesterday
.,o out a letter addressed to the
n,b1ic. in which he defends himself
sssiust the accusations made against
hin, recently by the special grand jury,
osioh indicted cx-Alderman John NJ
K3ae The Mayor explains his official
.r+s and claims in terms that the grand
49, criticised him because it could find
lining else to Go. He had no verbal
.,-,,,,llts 30 make as TO the letter eS-
INT "a say mat he had been thinking
over ;Ae aavisability of giving it out for
several days.
The document is as follows:
To NY Fellow-Citizens:
The special grand jurors. after months
n investigation having altogether failed
n discover anything except the alleged
5e~sIictfon Of John Nj. King, which itself
rod already been discovered and pre-
eortad TO them in complete shape by
others. have thought it sensible and be-
coming 70 try and mitigate their hui
.n:}iatfng failure by accusing me. They
charge that there IS a want of cordially
between me and the other city officials.
sn5 that ] have stated that I would
nav 10 attention TO fumors unless some
snorj,5ed charge should be made by a
CITY Official or a responsible party, the
latter under OATH
A SHAFT OF SATIRE.
AS to the lack of cordially OF which
an accused. it is perhaps sufficient to
ssv that it would be amply justified on
NV mart by the showing OF the grand
trr7, itself. could ] depend on it, for the
whole tenor OF its report is a strong in
sjruafion that many or our officials are
pf doubtful probity; SO that. If l am TO
trust what it would have our citizens to
infer. II would not be consistent with
5ge regard for my character or OF the
interests of the city for me to be over
familiar with such disreputable persons
,s II is suggested these officials are.
In point of fact in my speeches and
sublic documents, ihave taken pains 10
commend most OF the city officials as de-
serving of my highest consideration Tor
ability and faithful service, and stiil
hold them in the highest personal esteem
i'll regard TO the blame put upon me Tor
refusing 10 take notice OF rumors ana
me stories of irresponsible talebear-
Prs unwilling to father their accusations,
but seeking TO make me sustain their I'M
7-ova bic charges. ] must profess my pro-
fcrnd astonishment that gentlemen pre-
gumably acquainted with the element Oh
common sense and simple justice Shoulo
cersure me for exercising prudence
which in every other person similarly sit
mated has always been held TO be most
Draiseworthy Even the mayor Of a city
mould not be expected 10 have the braz-
n audacity to charge q woman with I'M
hastily or q man with dishonor with
2ut substantial evidence. The grand jury
4self has not done this in dealing with
he runors brought to its notice.
CONSPICEOUSLY FAILED
Ii has listened - nothing not told by
responsible persons. nor by them unless
under oath AND though armed with i'm
1uensely greater powers for investi%a ton
thar. are bestowed upon the mayor, it has
most conspicuously failed 10 verify any
OF the rumors, and is reduced TO the shift
Of making an injurious insinuation
against a corporation, which from some
hidden motive it does not name, ana
leaves the public to single out as best
Il can with the risk OF doing serious hurt
10 innocent parties, and crowns its in
consequential efforts by stigmatizing me
for not doing what it does not and cannot
10 itself
The assertion that ] do not heed dis
bonorins accusations which are baseless
and which no one is able to maintain,
though uttered against me in condem-
nation. by a public body which for its
own credit and III Justice TO those whose
conduct it assumes to judge should
speak at least thoughtfully. l shall not
oast aside as an ilI-considercd aspersion.
bu; shall cherish as a valued testimonial
10 the honorable and considerate regard
try TO show whenever l am called upon
to deal with the character and reputa-
hon CT my fellow-man
The good name Of every citizen. no
matter how humble is priceless heri-
Lage-it is my sacred duty as well as my
highest pleasure TO guard and defend it
ana so long as | shall live. l VIII not by
Needless word or act do aught to destroy
It.
Very respectfully,
RICHARD NJ. TAYLOR,
Navnr