Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1839-05-04
MISNBIIA So y o U s
From the Boston Nero an,ile Journal.


rerty and not a little political consideration re-
sided. whose name VIC coll Martyr. He was a
great stichler Tor party principles, nsomuch that
he was sometimes induced by party zeal to vio-
late his moral duties. On one occasion III par
iicular, when very important election was
taking place, upon the results of which, perhaps,
the very existence OF his party depended, he was
so carried away 10y his party feelings, as to de-
posite thirteen rotcs for individual at the same
time in the ballot box, in defiance OF the 'a~,
which ,,ov;des that no to whichever party
he may happen to belong, or however worthy
NAV be his favorite candidate, shall not dePosIte
more than one ballot for any one individual for
any office!
Waite Martyr was unfortunately detected in
this eauivocat act-and although no legal action
was had in relation to the subject, yet there we're
those in the town in which he resided, who we're
unwilling to admit that excess Of party zeal was
a sufficient apology for his dereiction Of moral
duty-and tho simple act Of deposi,ing thirteen
votes for candidate, at one time IN the ballot
box, although palliated and excused by some OF
his warm political friends, was severely censured
bv others. This occurrence furnished subject
of conv ersation among the worthy citizens OF
the town for everal weeks--at the end OF which
time il gradually died away, but was not forgot
ten.-Poor Mr.. Martyr was doomed to hear the
words thirteen potes occasionally repeated by his
political foes in the most indignant manner--evi-
dcntly with the design Of disturbing the equa-
nmity OF his feelings. In this they succeeded
but too well. These words, so harmless in them
selves, or when applied 10 others, It addressed to
Mr. Martyn or ever uttered in his hearing, seem
ed to possess the power of magic cabata, so
wonderful, and so instantaneous the effect
which they produced on the appearance and con-
duckof that gentleman. Tho moment thirteen
cotes reached his ear, his features were clouded
with frown of ndigna ton-his eyes were light
cd up with a most unholy fire-his hands invol-
unfairly grasped tho nearest weapon of offence
within his reach, and his voice, naturally ~'--~
and sonorous, wa. changed into deep and I'M
earthly mutterings, resembling the sound of dis
tant thunder, or the rumblings of the pent up
Volcano Indeed tho effect produced on Sir
Piercie Shafton, by the sight Of the budkn, as
related in the Monastery Of Sir Walter Scott, was
not more sudden and terrible than the effect pro-
duced on Waite Martyr, by repeating the words
"thirteen votes" His weakness on this pom
was proverbial, and wicked youth OF the wi
lage, now a very worthy and respectable lega
practitioner in the city of Boston, once mad
Martyrs infirmity the means of playing off
mischievous and cruel practical joke, to the grea
Amusement, Of the bystanders.
Mr. Smith, the young gentleman to whom W
alludc, being one day at the village tavern, er
tered into conversation with genteei io"kin
stranger, while the landady was preparing som
refreshment, with winch TO recruit the exhauste
frame and spirits of her guest Inc converse
ton turned the difficulty of pronouncing som
Of the names Of places of Indian origin, who
are so frequently met with IN the N. Engan
States In the midst Of the colloquy, Mr.. Sml,
saw his political opponent, Waite Martyr, con
ing down the road He was certain that Watt
would pop into the tavern, and in the spur OF tn
moment. laid his plans accordingly.
"What you say sir,'' said Mr.. Smith, "respe
ting those jaw-breaking names, is perfectly CO
rect--I agree with you entirely, and am muc
gratified to make the acquaintance of gen'l
man of so much taste. Blu, my dear sir, the
are familiar English words, and combinations
words, which, although they may not be very di
cult, TO repeat For instance it is almos, impo
sble for any not familiar with the practie
to pronounce the words thirteen rotes, ttirte
roses, thirteen rotcs, for any length of time, wit
out making the most ludicrous mistakes"
"Thirteen votes! thirteen votes! thirte
votes" repeated the stranger. II do not see al
difficulty in that. could 60 repeating 4
words thirteen votes! thirteen votes! thirte
votes! until tomorrow morning."
at is far more difficult, my dear sir, than y
imagine" replied Mr.. Smith. in his blandest ma
ner. 81 am not much in the habit of bettin
but for the curiosity Of the thing, am willing
bet you the price of a dinner for yourself a
horse, that you cannot repeat in rapid successic
tho words "thirteen votes, thirteen votes, tn
teen votes" fifteen minutes, without makil
some egregous blunders"
Done," said tho traveller-who rejoiced
'ne ioea OF paying the landlords charges SO ca
y-"and will begin at once" So saying,
took out his watch and noted the time-th
planting himself firmly against the wall, with |
iacs towards tho door, he assumed a look of gre
determination. as if he had undertaken an u
pleasant job, but was resolved TO go through wi