The Footbridge.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 570, 14 February 1891, Page 2

The Footbridge.

[TO THE EDITOR.] Sir, —Mr Sandlant says I am all wrong, and is cruel enough to bint that I have been blown off into space by that same potency whose magnetic influence has operated upon the Mayor with such a silent force that hia inner consciousness has come within the radius and resulted in hia subsidence. To take up arms against Mr Sandlant is like trying to use a crowbar to force over a big boulder—you are in danger of having the whole structure toppling back and crushing right down upon you, but you may have a chance by keeping cool, and not being dismayed by the ponderous projection of big words. I must apologise to him for having misunderstood the position he takes up in the matter. If all are agreed that there shall be a fair contribution all round, then let it be hands across at once—and money planked down. Nothing more is wanted. But I am suspicious Mr Sandlant is the exception, not the rule, on the other side. I am afraid his legal opinion would be dear even at the small price of nothing if it were acted upon. Without Mr Sandlant's direct disclaimer, I do not see how bis own words about a mandamus could be construed into anything else but a threat—he put it plainly enough that if what he wants done la not done, they will resort to extreme action. I again repeat that if Mr Sandlant’a own writings are intended to be taken seriously, either the Mayor acted in a way quite unbefitting his position, or the Councillors acted in a most boorish manner. I am glad that It is denied that any such inference was intended, but the talk about a glamor of consequence comes with bad grace from one making such denial. However, Ido not want to concern myself as the champion of anyone—the Mayor, I assume, wants no champion, and members of the Press are usually well able to take care of themselves. All I wish to do is to give a friendly warning of a possible future development. I do not think I need even give the Editor a pat of butter, and I certainly would not admit that he is willing to give fairplay if I were also to accuse him of publishing reports that are the outcome of toadyism.—l am, etc., Borough.