Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1908-03-12
A Reply to an Unfriendly Criticism.

DEAR DR.. GHIsELIN-Your letter
shows such an utter MISREPRESENTATION OF
the spirit and the letter OF last weeks
editorial in the REGISTER that the edi-
tor is inclined not to publish it, for this
and for other good reasons. But our
paper has never been monopolized as a
personal organ, and We are willing to
have is used even by those who are too
blind to see the evil results OF the IL
quor saloons In Shepherdstown.
We concede that there may be dif-
ference of opinion as TO whether or not
the editorial referred to does credit to
our usual good sense and kind heart, !"
lust as there may be difference upon
these same points as applied to your
letter. But we cannot see how you can
saw that we have turned our batteries
from the saloons and trained our guns
upon their unfortunate victims. This
is, we think, not true. Not one word OF
condemnation or censure is printed OF
those unfortunates, and an appeal was
made to all who regard their fellow-men
10 vote against the saloon that they
might be helped. Our batteries were
not turned from the saloons. Our peo-
pie in this very article were earnestly
urged to Danish them. The whole plain
purpose of the editorial was to show the
evil results flowing from them-to d.
rect attention to the damage that Is be-
ing done by them right here at home
where our battle-ground is, and there
was not intended or expressed any ami.
mostly toward any individual or class.
The REGISTER has no intention OF un-
dertaking TO publish tie faults OF the
people-we know that editors have
their full share with preachers and
others that you name-but we contend
that calling attention, from honest mo-
tives, to the baleful results Of public
evil is not publishing individual faults.
How can An evil DO exposed unless its
effects are shown
If you knew how many things are
suppressed by the REGISTER because
they expose the fau IS and frailties OF
persons-items sent US for publication
and sad news that is printed in other
papers-you could not accuse us OF pub
fishing other peoples faults or sins.
This very issue OF the REGISTER would
contain several items that would make
unpleasant reading TO respected readers
Of our paper il we had not gladly COM
piled with requests not to reprint them.
As to the friendly warning" In the
last paragraph Of your letter, which
reads to US more like threat, we can
say that the REGISTER cannot be turned
from what it regard as its duty by the
fear OF COLLINS. In the twenty-five
years under its present management 1t
has often had to contend against them,
sometimes from one source and some
times from another, but this paper has
always stood stoutly for what il honestly
thought was right. In the many ques-
lions that have come up in our village
life the REGISTER has faithfully tried
to take the part that seemed BEST for the
Moral and intellectual welfare Of the
community. That mistakes have been
made at times we must, OF course, &C.
knowledge, but this fallibility can
scarcely by prevented. We regard it
as better to be Jealous, even with oc-
casionally mistakes, in a good work
than to sit in silence with folded hands
while q great moral battle Is being
fought We will always feel that it is
better to fight with and for those who
at much sacrifice carry on refor ms than
to fight against them while they are
doing or after they have done their best.
Very Truly,
II 7, g