Anent The Neal Debate
Inasmuch as Norris has attempted to make an issue of the publication of the Neal-Wallace debate by the Gospel Advocate Company, we insert here the facts from the Gospel Advocate files on that point.
The reflection in the Norris charges, if true would be against the publishers. But the following letters show that the publishers were impartial and fair with Neal. These documents settled that point by Neal himself.
Winchester, Kentucky
April 20, 1933
Mr. Foy E. Wallace, Jr.,
Paducah, Ky.
Dear Brother:
I received the transcript of our debate on April 6th. After two weeks I am returning it to you in care of the G. A. by railway express, today.
The transcript in a general way was fairly accurate. On some pages it was hopelessly confused. I think, however, with the corrections it expresses quite well the arguments of the debate.
I hope it will be put in print very soon. In sending the proof sheets for my correction and approval it will be a great convenience if you will send two sets.
I hope the book will be widely distributed. I believe it will do good.
Sincerely,
Chas. M. Neal.
Winchester, Kentucky
June 27, 1933
Mr. Foy E. Wallace,
Nashville, Tenn.
Dear Brother:
I am returning to you the galley sheets of our forthcoming book. I received them on June 21 and have done my best to return them promptly.
I have corrected them quite carefully and feel that the next correction will be a much lighter matter. Several sheets needed but little correction but some required a good deal of attention and in one place the text was hopelessly confused. In this place I have taken the liberty to rewrite a short section. In doing so I have tried to stay within both the limits of space and the original thought of the spoken composition.
I like the style of type you are using and am well pleased with the way the cuts of the charts show up. I will assure you that I will do everything in my power to make the book both saleable and profitable and complete on the matter in hand.
My chapter on the addenda matter cannot be completed until I have the whole of the Winchester debate before me. I presume that the proof sheets furnished me will be set to page so that I may be able to make reference to items by page etc. Such, it seems, is an absolute necessity in order for me to write to best advantage and for me to give final approval. For this reason all the haste possible in getting this final set of sheets to me is necessary so the book may come out promptly.
I do not think of any other thing concerning this work of which I need now to speak. Assuring you of my hearty cooperation in pushing the preparation of addenda and other matters pertaining to the Book I am
Sincerely Yours,
Charles M. Neal.
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Winchester, Ky.
Sept. 5, 1933
Gospel Advocate,
Nashville, Tenn. Gentlemen
The last chapter of addenda for the Neal-Wallace Discussion of 3000 words is past due. I am inclined to think that it has gone astray. In case such has happened, I wish to call your attention to the fact that such must be examined and approved by me before the same becomes a part of the book. Once before matter intended for me from your office was sent to Winchester, Tenn. I am writing this that in case such has happened again, you might look into the matter and thus hasten the work to completion. I am sending two copies of this letter should it seem necessary you can forward one copy to Brother Wallace.
From the number or orders and inquiries I am receiving concerning the Book I believe it will be a good seller. In view of my limited stock being soon exhausted, I would like to ask your best terms to me from your office. I was told at the outset that you would make 40% discount. I think that in this case I should be able to buy the books from you at $1.00 per copy. I will be glad to have a definite proposal from you.
Hoping to have the last chapter of the addenda very soon for examination and approval I am
Sincerely, Charles M. Neal.
Winchester, Kentucky
Sept. 7th 1933.
Gospel Advocate,
Nashville, Tenn.
Dear Brethren:
I am in receipt of the copy for Brother Wallace's last chapter of the addenda. I hasten to write to say that the same has my hearty approval. I will add also, that the showing made in favor of the affirmative in the entire addenda, is very satisfactory to me.
If manifest fairness is manifested in the writing of the preface, as I trust it will be, I can add that I am well pleased with the showing for the affirmative in the entire book.
That means that I am very much interested in the distribution of the book. I wish that the popular price of $1.00 could be maintained for a longer period. I hope that you may see your way clear to extend the time of that special offer.
To hasten the publication I hereby give my final approval of all the material that has passed through my hands with "approval." I hope that no other delay may be experienced in the publication.
Assuring you my heartiest cooperation in the distribution of the book I am
Sincerely, Charles M. Neal.
* * * *
September 9, 1933.
Dear Brother Neal:
Do we understand your letter of September 7 to mean that you do not wish a proof of the addenda in your debate? Certainly we would much prefer that you see it. We will have a proof of the preface sent to you for your approval before printing the book.
The publishers, although you seem to think otherwise, are not interested in what copy is furnished for the book, and will see, like all good printers, that the copy coming into their hands is handled in strictly an impartial way. Yours very truly,
McQUIDDY PRINTING COMPANY
Leon B. McQuiddy.
* * * *
Winchester, Kentucky
September 12th, 1933.
Gospel Advocate,
Nashville, Tenn.
Dear Brother McQuiddy:
Answering your letter of Sept. 9th will say that the concession I made regarding my not reading the copy of the addenda and the preface was to help you to an earlier publication. You prefer that I see it. You also say that you will have a copy of the preface sent to me for my approval. I prefer to see the copy of both the addenda and the preface before publication. I thank you very much for your kind offer to delay publication while I examine the same. I will return the copy at the very earliest moment. If not too much trouble I would like two copies of the proof of each.
Yours sincerely,
Charles M. Neal.
* * * *
September 14, 1933.
Dear Brother Neal:
Your letter of September 12 is received, and we are instructing our mechanical department to follow the instructions contained in your letter.
Yours very truly,
McQUIDDY PRINTING COMPANY
Leon B. McQuiddy.
* * * *
That settles that. Norris climbed out on a limb of gossip and misrepresentation and the limb has been sawed off. His every attempt to justify his base conduct has been a pure fabrication of sheer excuses.