Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-01-17
Judge J. is Incorporate. Upon this, Mr.. Sewer


said:
I suppose, Mr.. Speaker, if needed it, that
could obtain from you and my other acquaintan-
ces in this city, a certificate that am temper
ate man. profess to be temperate, and yet al
low me to say, although Judge ]. has lived TO
see nearly twice the number OF years which
have seen, that positively assert it as my firm
opinion, that have drank of wine and liquors
in the Of my life, twice the quantity which
he drank. Don't suppose from this statement
that was ever drunkard: l am just about as
intemperate now as ever was-I am certain
never was more SO that now am. In short, sir
know no man ON the face OF this earth, who ev
er INDUCES in drinking at all, that drinks less
than he does.
Another charge against the Judge is that he
plays cards. Upon this subject, Mr.. Sewer
says:
You must know, Mr.. Speaker, that some of
our citizens, especially such individuals as the
accuSer hmself-James Lehman, Andrew Scott,
Thomas w. Johnston, John Cook. John Taylor,
aud others, (which list includes the accuser and
portion Of his testimony have horrible, an
abonsmable aversion to card playing James
Lehman, who manifests SO much intolerance to-
wards poor card players, is only the keeper IF a
faro bank, and upon the profits Of which he only
depends exclusively for a support. This faro
bank, have understood, is always open, at
place in Little Rock called the Ferry House, ,
from 10 O'clock, A. NJ. till the ringing of the
breakfast bells next morning, provided always
the cash or credit of the betters holds out. AT
this fashionable resort, when in town, knew of
no gentlemen who could be fund there more ire
uucntly than the very individuals whose names
have Just given.
Yes, SIR, these aforesaid individuals, who seem
to consider card playing such prodsious sin,
oniy omit to play themselves when cash or credit
is wanting, or when they have no opportunity
from some other cause. Sir, this hatred to card
playing in Arkansas seems TO be becoming very
prevalent and universal. Last fall, sir. the edl
tor IF an anti. Seuisr "spaper, and Who ia pref
ty much under the control aud guidance of this
same concern, gave your humble servant heavy
proatside upon the subject Of card PLAYING. And
hsw did respond to it? Not bv denying It,
assure you, sir. thank God | was rather too
smart for that. Twas not disposed to make up
an issue with such rigid moralists. knew, ~hs.
ther had ever seen card or not, that 1t 1t were
found that such a charge would affect my stand
my in the community, that witnesses wontd not
be wanting to prove it fully. | knew they had
materials in their ranks out of which 10 tabricate
all that would be required; that it was ouly ne
cessary for the leaders to give the order. and II
would be promptly houored and filled. Sir.
confessed my sins, promised reformation. and
threw myself upon the mercy and indulgence OF
=. the court" and now have the Satisfaction &"
inform you that have not heard o. that charge
since. An attempt to make out Judge Johnson
gambler is really too ridiculous for q serious no
tee.
After giving the characters Of most of those
who are juiued IN the accusation of the Judge,
Mr.. Sewer thus concluded
have now said all | intended to say; | have
nothing for the private ear of the committee. |
was anxious To state publicly what | though t it
nv dnty to say, | was anxious that the people
of Arkansas might know the course "a sud on
this occasion, This they will now know IN due
time. They will also know, when the documents
for and against the Accused shall be examined,
unless am greatly deceived, that Judge Johnson
is considered here, as he is at home, amiable
Ali honest, aud worthy man; aud an officer, able,
upright, eff cient, and almost universally below
ed.
L now move that the charges, together with
the pipers in his behalf, be referred, without
reading.to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Which motion was agreed to.