Show DEFENSE FOR BLACKFOOT An Idaho Officer Strikes Back at Earitus OXFORD Idaho May 171883 To the Editor of THE HERALD I notice in your issue of the 1jth inst a communication from Blackfoot over the signature of Rari tus and in justice to the citizens of Bingham County Idaho I think an answer or reference to the same will not be out of place I do not court newspaper notoriety but I feel it my duty as well as the duty of every other good citizen of this county to express themselves in regard to such a willful misrepresentation of facts as the letter referred to contains Having been assessor of this county for the past six years I am perhaps as well or better acquainted with the people and their financial status than Raritus The town of Blackfoot is rapidly growing and has a thriving industrious population It can also boast of a large number of very fine private pri-vate residences that are valuable and substantial and facts and figures will show that the people of Blackfoot pay as much taxes as any other town in Bingham county Raritus speaks of the town being all saloons etc There are four saloon in the town gambling hells and bawdy houses none that lam aware of So far as the blacklegs gamblers gamb-lers and ruffians generally as referred to by Raritus are concerned perhaps he is not sufficiently acquainted with that class of men to write understand bigly In the matter In his disrespect fnl reference to the officers of the court jury attorneys marshals sheriffs etc being bowled up to the nozzle I do not comprehend his slang phrases I do know that the gentlemen referred to are an honorable set of men being personally acquainted with most of them I also believe their official capacity would compare favorably with any person who would slander them over a nom de plume In regard to the reference made to Win D Hendricks Esq wrangling with deputies ill natured remarks being passed etc I am authorized bv Mr Hendricks himself him-self to say that there is no truth in the assertion whatever Mr Hendricks states that his relations with all the Federal officials of Idaho have been a g pleasant as circumstances would admit of that he has been treated courteously and gentlemanly and in the case of John D Jones of Malad referred to by Raritus Mr Hendricks said that when lIe pledged himself to the officers whose business it was to attend to the matter that the fine should be paid at the time specified the officers of-ficers told him that his guarantee was quite sufficient no wrangling nor illnatured remarks So far as the whisky holding out as referred to by Raritus cutting any figure in the I decision of the fate of the ten polygamy j cases he speaks of I think it is a base I uncalled for slander on the honorable court the officers in attendance on the rourt and the honorable juries Referring venerable patriarchal whiteheaded decrepit old gentleman who appears to be tottering the verge of the grave etc etc I will say he is doing quite well taking his three meals Per day at the hotel regularly he is j i getting very fat and strong and is so I well satisfied with his quarters that I understand he wishes his case continued I And now Mr Editor a few words in conclusion Federal I United officials are paid by our I i States government for doing their i duty and are sworn so to do and the I Federal officials of Idaho Territory are I good officers and as honorab and affable gentlemen have no su rior fvicftrrc I do not know who Karitus J8 neither do I care but when he learns w write the truth perhaps lie will not be ashamed of his true name Trusting iou will not be wearied with this long Communication and that you will pub bIt the same in justice to the citizens ° f Bingham County and of Blackfoot Particular the honorable court juries attorneys marshals sheriffs etc I sibcribe myself Very respectfully yours Ttlf FiSIIER |