Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 December 1884 — Demands Damages. [ARTICLE]

Demands Damages.

Journal. o 4 • The bouthaiiyLoueks unpleasantness assumed a new phase last evening. For several days it has been rumored that a ''-nit for slander would be filed against the senior editor of the Pharos, or the Pharos linn. The report was well grounded *as late yesterday afternoon, Mr. Loncks, through his attorneys McConnell, Magee & McConnell, put on file with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, a complaint against B. F. Louthain ilemanding damages in the sum of #lO,400 for defamation ol character. The fact that the suit was brought soon became generally known, and was the universal topic ot conversation on the streets last evening. The public is conversant with most of the facts in this affair ami i; is not necessary for the Journal to rehash them at any great length. The wnolo trouble originated from a sermon delivered by Mr! Loucks, the Sabbath morning before the reicnt eleetion. a synopsis of which was published in the Journal, and later in the Pharos. Louthain did not approve of the sermon, and his paper contained a number of articles, published editorially, which rellected strongly upon the Christian character of the minister. Louthain published several retractions but later reiterated every statement and informed the public through the columns of his paper that he was in position to substantiate every utterance he had made. At the request of Mr. Loucks the Session.of the church set on foot an investigation and calling upon Louthain asked that he put them ju possession of the facts upon which he claimed to base his insinuations. He as ked for time, ami in the next issue of the Pbaros replied to the church Session, by stating that an affidavit had been made which would, if made public; demonstrate that he had good and sufficient grounds lor his insinuations in print and statements in public. lie was. however, unable to gain possession of this paper, which he claimed was in the hands of an attorney of ..this city. An attempt was made by the; clinrch Session to secure this affidavit, but this proved impossible. Neither were they able to ascertain the the substance ot the sworn statement. Under the circumstances, and in. order to get at the bottom facts by an investigation, the law was Mr, Loucks' only recourse and to this he has now appealed.. The Journal, from now until the result of the suit is known, will "refrain frem any comment on the affair. A step has now been taken that will give to the public the true inwardness of the whole matter and seeking for the truth and pushing the investigation, no one is more earnest than the Reverend gentleman who has so much at stake on the final result. The First Pro.-byteh.ui Church people stand by their pastor solidly, and we believe he goes into the Sight backed by public sentiment.