AN UNMANLY ACT

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2154, 29 November 1875, Page 2

AN UNMANLY ACT

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Sik, —In your issue of Saturday lasfeta letter appears under the heading "The dictation of the Clergy to Romaji Catholics " signed "Viator." I presume the writer or author, of this letter must have seen in your paper recently some letters having reference to some of our local schools with that norn de plume. Why your correspondent referred to should have adopted the

same and affixed it to his letter, although I; cannot tell the reason, nevertheless, I can discern the nature of the act, and have no hesitation in characterising it as it deserves. First I will mention to the general reader, that newspaper correspondents as a rule, by some distinguishing mark affixed to their letters, or correspondence, take care that such will not be confounded with those of other persons ; or in other words, any person in writing -' to a newspaper puts'his own signature or norn de plume to his letter, and is Very careful not to adopt that of any other writer who has immediately preceded' him. In violating this principle,' I suppose that your - correspondent of Saturday desired to do me the honor of " grafting" his letter on to mine, which" i appeared previously with that signature j affixed to each of them, or otherwise, he hoped to compromise me with the public j by malting it appear I was the author of- • that letter, and that the sentiments it contained were also mine. To be sincere I repudiate with the greatest, contempt any connection whatever with the letter, the author, or his motives. He may plead iignorance of knowing that he was doinc^ wrong, or was so " innocent" that he wa^B sure he was doing-right; but his^ letter belies either plea, and certifies literally that it was written through sheet knavery for the purpose of electioneering corruption. There is one thing he reminds mc of which I have always observed through life,that.the layman who is generally preaching about .faith and religion in- * variably is found' to have the least respect either for religion or its J*gititaai«ministers. Mr Editor, I am surprised that you allowed the letter in question .' with the signature attached toitfto pass unnoticed by you, as it undoubtedly implicates yourself in the disgraceful attempt at this deception of the public. To " AntjHumbug" I will reply in good time,—l' am, &c, Viator. Grrahamstown, November 28th/1875. .