Democratic Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 November 1886 — Baseless as the Fabric of a Vision. [ARTICLE]

Baseless as the Fabric of a Vision.

Rensselaer, Nbv 15 1886. Editor Sentinel: Last week the Sertinej reprinted from the Kentlaud Democrat, under the captioa “How it this, Mr. Thompson*/”an article in reference to the undersigned. I know nothing of the origin of the report nor of its circulation except as printed in the “Democrat” and “Sentinel ” It may have been a mere echo of a wicked wish. Some minds mistake a minor or echo for reality. The re« port i-* as basoless as the fabric of a vision. The “Democrat” and “Sentinel” both apologetically sav there is no truth whatever in the report. My observation teaches me that publication unchains slander and libel. Vile reports are fed and kept alive by reiteration evon if accempanied by refutation. I was, on July Btli, 1886, nominated by t:e Republicans for an office to whioh the lega l voters on November 2d, 1886. elected me by a clear majority or 318. Durmg the campaign those who opposed my election, severely, and often unjustly criticise 1 my life and conduct from my youth up. Until the close of the campaign I bore in silence the many false state ments, invented and circulated for belief. As a candidate I desired every man who voted for me to be fully persuaded iu his own mind without myself bearing witness. The campaign is now over. I desire to serve all the people in the office to which they have fairly chosen me. It is mv earnest wish that all slanderous tongues may cease to wag that all libelous pens may rest, and that all newspapers may print the truth in regard to myself ana all other citizens.

S. P. THOMPSON.