by every one, was more interesting because of its hints of future disclosures rather than because of its actual information.  One of the alleged scoundrels was mentioned by name, and then the subject was dropped.  The attention of the City Marshal was curtly called to disorderly houses and the statutes concerning them, and it was added “for his information” that at a certain address, which was given, a structure was then actually being built for improper purposes.  Then, without transition, followed a list of official bonds and sureties for which Palmer, Cook, and Company were giving vouchers, amounting to over two millions.  There were no comments on this list, but the inference was obvious that the firm had the whip-hand over many public officials.

The position of the new paper was soon formally established.  It possessed a large subscription list; it was eagerly bought on its appearance in the street; and its advertising was increasing.  King again turned his attention to Palmer, Cook, and Company.  Each day he explored succinctly, clearly, without rhetoric, some single branch of their business.  By the time he had finished with them, he had not only exposed all their iniquities, but he had, which was more important, educated the public to the financial methods of the time.  It followed naturally in this type of exposure that King should criticize some of the legal subterfuges, which in turn brought him to analysis of the firm’s legal advisers, who had previously enjoyed a good reputation.  From such subjects he drifted to dueling, venal newspapers, and soon down to the ordinary criminals such as Billy Mulligan, Wooley Kearny, Casey, Cora, Yankee Sullivan, Ned McGowan, Charles Duane, and many others.  Never did he hesitate to specify names and instances.  He never dealt in innuendoes.  This was bringing him very close to personal danger, for worthies of the class last mentioned were the sort who carried their pistols and bowie-knives prominently displayed and handy for use.  As yet no actual violence had been attempted against him.  Other methods of reprisal that came to his notice King published without comment as items of news.

Mere threats had little effect in intimidating the editor.  More serious means were tried.  A dozen men publicly announced that they intended to kill him—­and the records of the dozen were pretty good testimonials to their sincerity.  In the gambling resorts and on the streets bets were made and pools formed on the probable duration of King’s life.  As was his custom, he commented even upon this.  Said the Bulletin’s editorial columns:  “Bets are now being offered, we have been told, that the editor of the Bulletin will not be in existence twenty days longer.  And the case of Dr. Hogan of the Vicksburg paper who was murdered by gamblers of that place is cited as a warning.  Pah!...  War then is the cry, is it?  War between the prostitutes and gamblers on one side and the virtuous and respectable on the other!  Be