The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1873.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 100, 26 April 1873, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 1873.

Me. Elliott has been making use of some strong language -with reference to a letter that appeared in the Evening Mail on Wednesday last. That part of his '•speech with which we have to do is as follows :— " He," (Mr. Elliott) " could not say who the writer was, but with tbe editor of the Mail, — a brother-in-law of one of the opposing candidates — rested the disgrace of its publication ." We admit the responsibility, but demur to the " disgrace." We had not intel-ded to take aDy part in this contest, but since we have been called upon to justify the publication of the lettet which appears to have created such a storm, we at once say that we admitted it because it expressed a feeling that iB very widely entertained with reference to Mr Elliott's candidature. To put it plainly, there is a very general impresaion abroad that certain circumstances connected with what Mr. Collins euphemistically described as " a large speculation in the sheep line" are not calculated to inspire the electors with sufficient confidence in Mr. Elliott to induce them to return him as their representative. The letter, of which cpmplaintis made*, suggested that it would be far better for Mr. Elliott and all concerned that these matters should be allowed to remain, in obscurity, which most certainly could not be the case did he insist upon coming-forward as a public man. We were of -the same opinion and so we published •'Sa' ; " ■',■'"'.-•■■.'■.'■'• " ■'. *

The insinuation that the letter was admitted because the editor of this journal is a connection of one of Mr Elliott's opponents may be taken for what it is worth. We have only to say in reply to it that had a candidate whom we considered a fit and proper person come forward in Mr Elliott's place he would have received our support.