Year: 1875

The following communication, addressed ITO
| the Public" by Jos. L. Killgore We have con-
sented to publish. He is candidate for the Re-
publican nomination for Mayor, and desires this
hearing before the community -
For over one year, I have been the object OF
the vilest and most cowardly attacks My name
has been traduced, my reputation blackened by
fearful accusations and no word could be found In
the category of crime sufficient to express the hid
eousness of my alleged offence. The (self con-
stituted) guardians Of the peoples liberties
searched in vain for anathemas strong enough
to hurl at one who had 30 grossly outraged their
rights, while ghtoned, honorable s9entlenen
Ironically met in secret conclave to Bvise ways
and means to rid the community Of character
30 dangerous to its peace. Murder, arson, ev-
cry offence recognized as capital by our code OF
laws was virtue compared to the great crime
with which l was charged. And like starved
vultures, eager for their prey, a horde OF polti-
cal cannibals rushed to feast themselves upon
my good name


was arrested, arraigned, and convicted without
a trial No word of defence was made for me,
but bound aud gagged was brought to the bar
Of public opinion and executed. But at the bar
Of my conscience stood and stand to-day inno-
cent and acquitted.


My enemies and accusers may say the picture
is overdrawn but say to you honest, fairminded
reader. look at the cases of capital crimes COM
mitted in this community within the last year
and tell me has there been one hundredth part
as much said against them as was hurled at me.
say this not to create a sympathy for me but to
point out the discrimination. I ask no mans
sympathy in the battle of life, simply fair-play,
for no one but a coward will strike fallen foe,
or take advantage of his misfortunes. From
boyhood up have fought my own battles, and
God being my helper l propose still to fight
them, though the odds be heavily against me.
There is no man, woman or child that lives who,
can truthfully say that I ever intentionally
wronged them, yet there are within the city of
Wilmington to-day base excuses for men, who,
some for pay, few to crafty a political ambi-
ton, and others to carry into execution threat
made nearly three years ago, have labored with
dearest hopes and leave my future life and that
of my loved ones a terrible blank with nothing
to hope or wish for but DEATH


AT the close of the war located in this city
intending to make it my home for life, and seek
to make myself respected and good citizen,
not to be the bad man they have sought to make
mo. Not to bring in dishonor to the grave the
grey hairs of fond father and devoted mother.
Not to blast the young life Of the finest and beet
woman that ever lived, and have the world call
her tho wife of 2 man worse than thief. Not
to "go back" on my friends, and not for few
paltry thousand dollars sell my name with my
prospects and ambitions for the future.


am innocent of the charges made against
me, and in the sight of Heaven stand an OUT
ragged and wronged man. There has been no
searching for truth but an untiring hunt for
something to m sconstrue against me misre-
presentation and falsehood have held high revei
about me- 1 deny the charge that am de-
faulter to the City of Wilmington, in any
amount either for my 1st or End term as City
Treasurer and that l owe them not one cent
either morally, legally or equitaby.


was in no sense a defauter to the Board OF
Public Education. Bnt the entire conduct Of
a few members of the Board (at the time WAS
so charged) was void Of every principle OF
honor.


was never in arrears to the Oxford Car Co.
for one penny; on the contrary they are indebted
to me.


There are a host of other petty gossipers,
charges that are false from first to last and
which do not deem it necessary to particular
ize.


had originally intended to say nothing until
/ spoke in a court Of justice and let twelve men
decide the question. have consented to break
the Silence 30 long maintained only at the earn
est request of a number OF my friends. I fear
no legal investigation where justice will be given
me and little truth at least told


have sought no safety either in concealment
or flight and propose to seek none, but remain
here and contend with my enemies to the last.
do not intend to yield my hard earned name with
out struggle. l am an innocent man cruelty
wronged and the world will yet see how unJustly
have been accused. Yours, &c.


J. L. kuIaORE-