Year: 1866




with such an insignificant share of official
patronage as humiliates me even to allude TO
in this connection. But that may be regard
ed as in part my own faulk for while l was
fighting the battles and helping to win party
victories others with more leisure were laying
their plans and organizing their efforts to g.
cure for themselves the fruits Of victory, and
it could hardly be expected Of human nature
that men elected to positions Of influence
should neglect the claims Of . clamorous
crowd who pleaded their personal services in
behalf Of the successful candidate, to reward
one who labored only for the good of the
party or the public. Rejoicing then in the
GOOD aimed to do, in the conscious integri-
ty of purpose with which have sought to
discharge my duty to the public, and in the
partial triumph OF the principles and meas
ures | have advocated, can but crave the
kind forbearance Of the public and Of my
readers for the many errors they have noted
in the course and conduct of the GATE CITY
hitherto.


And to my brethren Of the press in Iowa,
all of whom are 80 much younger than my
self, return heartfelt appreciation of the kind
ly regard which they have manifested for me,
and tender them my earnest sympathy in the
arduous and responsible position they occupy.
And bespeak for them more generous and
cordial appreciation on the part Of the pub
| lie. There are doubtless enough things to
Erl <sr ~ nd -
equally true that there are enough, too many,
persons to find fault, and few. oh how few, to
manifest q cordial friendly appreciation in
words of kindness and encouragement, even
when an EDITOR is pursuing course they ap-
prove. An editor, if worthy Of the vocation,
is laboring for the public good, and is fairly
entitled to the friendly counsel encourage
ment and aid, as opportunity offers, of all
who feel an interest in the public welfare.


In retiring from the GATE CRY leave it in
the hands of my nephew, Colonel A. W.
SHELDON, who served his country in the..ranks,
as we'll as in other positions during the war,
and who is young man of sound principles
and correct habits-of much energy and busi-
ness capacity-of ample means and strong
backing. Young. enthusiastic, hopeful and
| full of nerve, he will make gallant fight to
perpetuate the Government which he helped
to defend from destruction at the hands of
traitors, and to wrest ii from the power Of
those who would re-commit the Adminstrn-
tration to those who have waged q bloody
war of four years to destroy it. With some
experience acquired by previous connection
with the Office and some advantage of person
al acquaintance with our citizens, Colonel
SHELDos's s energy, honesty Of purpose and
earnest enthusiasm in the cause will make up
for his lack of familiarity with the business.
For the present Mr.. CLARK, who has written
great portion of the editorial of the GATE
CITY for some Sme past will retain his posi-
ton and render increased satisfaction to its
readers BY more exclusive attention TO ito
columns.


We have pride in as well as an affection
for the GATE CIrY, and in leaving it we would
remind our fellow citizens that its character
and fame for good or evil is indissoluby con-
nected with that Of the city of Keokuk, and
their interests and their honor is involved in
giving it such ample support that it may be
worthy emblem and advocate of the city
wherever it may go.


Mr.. DELAPLAIs became interested in the
establishment in January 1863, after having
been employed in it q great portion Of the
| time since became the proprietor Of it, and
since he obtained an interest in it has had en-
tire charge of the mechacical and business
department of the Office. He has managed
well and faithfully TO my satisfaction, aud !
| trust to that of the public also. Next to
myself he seems to be part and parcel OF the
GATE CRY, and although he has parted with
his interest will remain for the present under
the new management to post them up in is
mysteries. To him, and to George SsiTH
and TIMOTHY MooRE, who have been faith
ful employees in the Office for dozen years. |
feel under many obligations for thA interest
they have manifested, in its affaj in pros
perity and adversely, and to them and the
other employees in the Office with whom my
business relations are now closed, | tender
nv best wishes and bid them kindly fare
we'll.


4 And now having lived, moved and breathed,
thought and felt as it we're in the public eye
through the columns of the GATE CRY for SC


many years, will not withhold this last to-


ken Of confidence, but CRAFTY whatever o.
friendly interest or curiosity there may be tc
know the motive Of my retirement 1t is fol
no li5ht and transient cause that vocation
should be thrown up after twenty years unre
mitting and exclusive devotion, by one vel
advanced in life, and not specially qualified
, for any other pursuit But with large fami
; ly cannot depend on the uncertain proceedl
Of my interest in the GATE CIyy for their sup
port, and am constrained regretfully, almos
! tearfully to bid q painful farewell, on this an
niversary Of the Nations Independence, ant
the day which also marks the lapse Of half
/ century since my own birth, to my reader
and to the somewhat public calling | hav
4 followed and seek more remunerative employ
3 ment, or less expensive place to live,
+ b. HOWELL.