The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-05-18
OPINIONS COME UNASKED
He Will Not Cease Journalistic Work
Unless Forced to do So.
'nOr YET INCOMPETENT OR UNfAlTHfUL'
With a Fair Chance and an Open Field,
Could Hope 10 Stand For While Longer
for The Truest and Best Thingsfor
Dear Old North Carolina"


To the Editor: The proprietors of the
Messenger sent me this:
I'VE will say in this connection. that
for years past the editorial page of the
Messenger has not been satisfactory, not
only to us. but to a great many friends
of the paper"
That was rather surprising after more
than eleven years of faithful, unbroken
service. 1t is thirteen years this may
since | began with the Messenger After
this how could any one with the sensi
bilities, pride, self-respect and manliness
of a gentleman continue with those who
so stigmatize his best efforts and pro-
longed toll? But this is incidental, for
/ am not contrary with any one.
| wish to lay before the public some
extracts from letters received within
few days from friends. | have letters
from Charlotte to Elizabeth City. They
are from gentlemen of character educa-
tion and influence. Some are from per-
sons of distinction for learning, ability
and position. / publish extracts from
only part emitting some of the most
eminent. The opinions come unsolicited,
unexpected, but uncommonly appealing
and comforting to me under the peculiar
circumstances. l must beg pardon of my
highly esteemed friends for copying ex-
tracts from their private letters to me.
| assure them of my most profound graft
tude for their kind words, so cordial and
appreciative.
Rev. Dr. James Carmichael, the learn
ed rector of ST. Johns Episcopal church,
Wilmington, in a letter of marked ele-
gance, among other things wrote: THE
newspaper (the Messenger has been a
great success, because your brains, your
exquisite culture, and your moral integ
rity and perception have given it the
highest tone. despite many adverse sur
rOundings. l trust you are not
going to fold your hands and retire from
the battle of life, but that you may find
q way where your mental gifts and your
Christian fidelity, may continue to be a
guide and blessing.
The efficient Superintendent, Prof.
John j. Blair, of Wilmington High
Schools, writes in part:
ITO me your department was the most
instructive, dignified and interesting of
ALL number of times recently, / have
wanted to thank you for your utterances
in behalf of the educational interests of
the State Sometime ago you wrote an
editorial of Badger Ruffin, Graham and
others. / can not begin to tell you
with what keen delight l read your ref
erences to the great men. You
have done much to dignity and elevate
the press of our State, and your pres
ence will be sadly missed from the field
of journalism
Judge H. G. Conner, of Wilson, who is
held in high repute, writes:
81 have enjoyed and been edited by
reading after you for so many years
1 feel your retirement is "a per-
sonal loss
Edward Gillian, Esq, of Charlotte
the gifted writer and able ex-editor
wrote of me with very high praise in the
News of that city. So l take nothing
from his letter to me- In his article he
said in part, as the whole appeared in
the Dispatch, it being copied:
Easily the most gifted and accom-
plished scholar among North Carolina
Journalists his sound convictions, his in
dustry, his plainness of speech, his man.
illness and courage in the Sanctum have
given him first place among his brethren.
1t is sad reflection that one so accom-
plshed and so Industrious has spent his
life in profession that yields no compe-
tence for old age, but requires unceasing,
lifelong labor for subsistence
Mr.. Andrew Joyner, the faithful Spe-
cial Press Correspondent at Greensboro,
n. c., wrote most pleasant letter in
deed. He is very kind and compliment
airy. We give few excerpts:
Since my earliest recollection you
have been my ideal of pure and re-
freshng literary guide, an incompatible