Markdale, May 25, 1886

/To the Editor of the Standard./ Sir,--I notice, in last week's issue of _Standard,_ an article attested by Johnson Wilson. He states he carried the rifle, he loaded it, he fired, and the result. He states he did not know rifle was broken, but there was a missing part, the ejector, which it is impossible for any one who has seen a rifle, not to observe, and which caused cartridge to burst. The piece taken from Alf.'s eye is about a quarter of an inch long, and corresponds exactly with with space left open by missing ejector. He does not state how he got rifle. It was obtained without permission of owner, who had prohibited any one from using it, for above reasons. He also states trigger was filed and he started from the shop. Now, he filed part of trigger himself, and did not start from the shop till after the accident. I will also state that Alf. was not one of the party, but was working in the shop, and followed them to the door; also, he did not coax or urge Wilson to fire, but he admits saying, after the rifle was loaded, to "aim at a post," which other two witnesses corroborate. He states shooting took place in an adjoining shed. Now, it took place about 3 or 4 feet from our saw table and casting mill. The whole letter is evasive and though I do not admire writing about the affair, I am compelled to write, as it appears he wishes to shirk all responsibility, and put the whole blame on Alf. who has to suffer the consequences of the accident. I am sorry any one should think the shooting intentional as "Truth" in Flesherton /Advance/ supposes from statement in _Standard._ I would also state that Johnson's letter is the first apology he has made so far. I would just here remind Mr. Wilson of the good old maxim, "Do ye unto others as you would that others do to you." Thanking you for above space, T. L. Moffat. [The above was crowded out last week.--Ed. S.]