MUTILATION OF LETTERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 918, 25 September 1869, Page 3

MUTILATION OF LETTERS.

To Hie Editor of the Taranaki Herald. Sir, — I was exceedingly sorry to see our old friend, your contemporary, the News, start on its journey under its new management with suoh glaringly false and illogical premises as exhibited by its disreputable extra of Thursday last. It is a thing, to say the least, to be ashamed of. However, I do not purpose notioing further that weakly scurrilous production, but shall at once proceed to examine the two letters signed "Somebody Else," and "Old Settler," which appeared in your issue of the 18th instant, the paternity of whioh is claimed by Mr. C. D. Whitcombe (vide the News extra of 23rd instant). And I would first remind that very clever gentle* man that something more than smart writing is required to produce any effect on the minds and opinions of those who are in the habit of using judgment in the concerns of life, and that if his mind is liable to get into the "jumble" he so elegantly describes, and he does not know " whioh is whioh, and who is who," he may possibly be able to write smartly, but is as utterly and completely incapable as an infant of forming a correct judgment as to the merits or demerits of the respective candidates for the Saperintendenoy. Next to this, his most prominent trait seems the fancy to throw dirt enough, " some of it will stick." " Somebody Else," whoever ke may be, via., — Mr. C, D. Whitcombe — would doubtless be very thankful for even half the salary he growls at Mr. Kelly for getting, to say nothing of that other " unknown amount," which seems to have ooeed out of his brain like a mist from a swamp. Passing on to his letter signed 11 Old Settler" (which by the way is a misnomer), I call on this said Mr. C. D. Whitcombe to substantiate the following expression, " besides, I think too strong a feeling in favour of principle and rectitude exists in this community to allow any probability of a person so utterly destitute of both as Mr. Kelly has proved himself in his dealing with Mr. Bichmond, commanding the suffrages of any considerable number." Bursting as Mr. C. D. Whitcombe donbtless is, with virtuous iudignation, he oan now earn the thanks of this community if he will only maintain his position, and prove (mind, not merely assert) his oharge of Mr. Kelly's destitution of principle and rectitude. I will now pour what little balm I can into this excited young man's mind, by assuring him that Mr. Kelly's supporters have much to complain of in the matter of curtailment of their letters, but instead of thinking it was done to support either Carrißgton or Richmond, they know it was dove that every side might have a fair field, and no favour, ** whioh could only be done by clipping" all letters. In cooolosion, I shall direct his attention to the foot-note of the Editor of the Taranaki News, whioh I shall quote for his delectation, " One or two objectionable passages in the above are omitted. The rest speaks for itself." With duo retpeot and deference to you, Mr, Editor, I sign myself MB. C. D. WfiITCOMBS'B MINIOB.