Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 March 1893 — To Propitiate Mr. Shields. [ARTICLE]

To Propitiate Mr. Shields.

Nubbin Ridge, Ind. March 21,1893. Editor Republican:—l notice in the Sentinel, that D. W. Shields complains because The Republican “attacks” him because of his personal appearance. Mr. Shields says “I am not responsible for my personal appearance and owe no one an apology because my Creator did not form me after editor Marshall’s ideal.” Let us see. If Mr. Shields was to be appointed or elected to some high office, he would claim that he was a self made man, and God would get no credit for the job. If he gives God the credit for the job, he virtually accuses the Lord of making a botch of it Now if he is not a seif made ipan and the Lord did make him I have no doubt he did the best he could with the material on hand. Why didn’t David give vent to his feelings in the columns of the Pilot? I think I can account for it; he knew that ‘‘Uncle Jimmy” McEwen is very soft hearted and knowing the Pilot Company, of which David is a member, had done much to try to lessen the circulation of the Sentinel; yet if he went to him and cried real heartily in his lap (the Sentinel) Uncle Jimmy would forgive him and he (Davy) would feel relieved, oh so much. David should not think of cowhiding any one. No, no, go at it like Sullivan or Corbett or like Robinson did James. That is the manly way to punish a ‘parasite.” David should not take a pessimistic view of things. Remember you have been giving it to Marshall

and several other Republicans pretty strong for many months, and that truth or argument counted for nothing, but when a little ridicule was brought to bear, yo Q g O t red in the face and figuratively, blubbered like a school boy. That sounds boyish, even childish. David, we, of this region, have known you many years, as a youth, a school marm, a newspaper correspondent, (Grape Island), as a candidate for Township Assessor and County Recorder. Of course, your name was not “Eli,” but you Can yet be a good man if you will. Go to school; get knowledge and wisdom, get married and vote the Republican ticket and the people will forget about your failures and your appearance and will learn to love you because you are wise and good. From your old friend and well wisher. Ida May .