Some New York man has been having fun at the expense of the editors of that city. Knowing the eagerness with which republican editors publish letters from democrats who have turned republican, “A. C. Pettibone” wrote a letter to a republican paper in which he said he had been a life-long democrat, but had left the party on account of its free trade policy.
The letter was given a prominent place in the paper, and the editor probably chuckled to himself as he went home from the office that night at the thought of how the opposition would be knocked flat the next morning at the sight of that declaration against free trade.
“But O, what a difference in the morning!” The first paper the republican editor picked up was a democratic rival sheet, and the first article he saw was signed “A. C. Pettibone,” and told how the writer had been a republican from his cradle up to the present year, but that he couldn’t swallow the force bill [to protect Black citizens’ right to vote in elections for the U.S. House of Representatives], hence he had become a democrat.
Mr. Pettibone’s identity has not been discovered, but two editors are on the lookout for him.
Is A.C. Pettibone a practical joker out to get the lamestream media—or a savvy politician putting together a winning coalition of racists and protectionists? With major elections coming up on every continent except Antarctica in 2024, just this once, I give you permission to not look to history for inspiration when crafting party platforms.
Did you click through Facebook or Twitter? We got lucky—don’t let social media algorithms keep you from seeing a post! Save yourself a click, and subscribe to have stories delivered to your inbox as soon as they’re published.
Disclaimer: The modern era is far from the first to grapple with rampant “fake news.” As I am neither a historian nor journalist, I make no claims about the accuracy or lack thereof of the above sources. I assert only that they make for a good story.
Welcome to Second Glance History! This blog seeks to uncover the people and the stories forgotten by history and give them another read through a modern lens. Join me every week as we examine the differences that divide and the common threads that connect the then to the now.
…or he had a petty bone to pick with both newspapers…
Consider it picked, Mr. Pettibone!