Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1911-09-07
An APOLOGY.


ed to make humble apology to the
public for some editorial utterance
in this paper last week, In reply
to a heinous charge l was led to
retaliate in matter and language
not consistent with dignified
journalism. For this ebullition of
not unnatural resentment | tender
my apologize the public.
But there was provocation!
About seven years ago, the
Arcadia Valley Enterprise began
publication, under the auspices
and management of a local Re-
publican %coterie, some of whose
members were late corners, with
regulations as shady as the groves
of Valambrosa. OF course, "Re-
form" was their watchword-a
passing good slogan and a favor
ite with characters beyond re-
form.
With the initial number of the
paper began personal onslaughts
upon men whose sole offending
was that they were Democrats and
knew a hypocrite when they were
thrown in contact with him. "For
more than thirty years. the edi-
tor of the paper asserted, "a DEM
ocratic ring has ruled this county
with a rod of iron, administering
its affairs regardless of public well
fare and with only the most selfish
of interests in view" From the
first issue of the Enterprise until
its last-under all its transient edi-
tors, now scattered to the Lord
knows where-its columns have
teemed with false charge and libel
GUS insinuation. An audit of the
books was howled for, the cry
springing from the hope and part
izan desire that it would develop
official criminality. The citizen
who doubts the incentive govern
ing those fitting patriots and their
sponsors ought to be treated for
the simples. Yes, an audit of the
books was demanded until the ex-
animation was made-two exami-
nations, in fact-on the plea that
there was a great mine of crimi-
nality and rascality concealed
within their "kivers." The result
of these examinations has exoner-
ated our Democratic officials and
put their loud accusers to shame.
But it is all for nought, SO far as
the accusers are concerned. AS
Stunning a virtuous and lofty air,
the Rev. DR.. says, 1--WE again as
sert that our actions in regard to
the financial conditions have been
without malice or personal feel
ing" Surely! The story told at
Jefferson City that Treasurer
Jones was $4,000 ''short'' was born
of sympathetic sorrow. The pub
LEGATION Of the Hays report with
big, discriminating headlines was
based on goodwill and in kindly
feeling. A warm heart trumped
up the War Debt Fund episode
and SO on. These Iron county 'tre-
formers are as tender-feelinged
and compassionate as any corsair
who sever cut a throat or scut-
tied ship" ! must confess, how
ever, that I cannot understand the
kindliness which urges one to con-
clude, without a scintilla of corr
roborative evidence, that his
neighbor is O thief. The editor of
the REGISTER has been charged
with wickedly aiding and abetting
the alleged hooters of the county
treasury, and in trying to cover up
their nefarious transactions. If
there was "no malice or personal
feeling in this infamous charge,
God save the community where
''malice' and personal feeling
lend their aid TO discriminating &C
cusation!
But the eliminating charge
and which would have reused
the ire of a saint-was that the
egg-throwing at the Baptist
church was resultant upon the
REGISTERS course in the lament
able contest at hand. Some Of
the remarks ! made in return were
not strictly in accord with imper-
sonal journalism, and somewhat
pointed by indignant protest.
For this ! apologize-to the pub
lie.
Thos. Hill, formerly Of Iro-
county, wishes to inform the pubn
lie that he 10 now running q livery
and feed stable at Bismarck and
win always be glad to serve them
ID any way he can.