Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1839-06-20
MISCELL A N f gu 5.
From the Boston Mercantile Journal.
The Thirteen Votes or the Wager
A TRUE STORY.

TRUE STORY.
Inn town in the interior of the Granite
c,ate. not many years since q gentleman Of
some property, and not a little political consid'
erntion, resided, whose name we shall call Mar
AVN, lie was great stickler for party princi.
nIes. inasmuch that he was sometimes induced
Nv party zeal to violate his moral duties. On
one occasion, in particular, when very impor-
tant election was taking place, upon the result
of which, perhaps, the very existence of his
party depended, he was so carried away by his
party feelings, as to deposite thirteen votes for
one individual at the same time in the ballot
box, in defiance of the law which provides that
no man, to whichever party he may happen to
belong, or however worthy may be his favor
tie candidates, shall not deposite more than one
ballot for any one individual for one office!
Waite Martin was unfortunately detected
in this equivocal act--and although no legal
action was had in relation to the subject, yet
there were those in the town in which ne resi-
ded, who were unwilling to admit that excess
of party zeal was q sufficient apology for his
,direection Of moral duty-and the simple act
Of depositing thirteen votes for one candidate,
at one time in the ballot-box, although paliated
and excused by some of his warm political
friends, was severely censured by others
This occurrence furnished subject of CONVEX
saton among the worthy citizens of the town
for several weeks=-at the end of which time, it
gradually and partially died away, but was not
forgotten Poor Mr.. Martin was doomed TO
hear the words thirteen uOteS occasionally re-
peated by his political foes in the most signif-
cant manner-evidently with the design of dis
turbing the equanimity of his feelings. In
this they succeeded but too we'll. These words,
SO harmless in themselves, or when applied to
others addressed to Mr.. Martyr, or ever utter
ed in his hearing, seemed to possess the power
of a magic cabala, so wonderful, and so lnstan'
taneous was the effect which they produced on
the appearance and conduct Of that gentleman.
The moment thirteen votes reached his ear,
his features were clouded with trown OF IN
dignation-his eyes were lighted up with
most unholy fre-his hands involuntarlly
grasped the nearest weapon of offence within
his reach, and his voice, naturally clear and
sonorous, was changed into deep and unearthly
mutterings, resembling the sound oil distant
thunder, or the rumbngs Of the pent-uP yoIca.
no. Indeed, the effect produced on Sir Percei
Shaf,on, by the sight ofthe bodkln, as related
in the Monastery Of Sir Walter Scott, was not
more sudden and terrible than the effect produ-
ced on Waite Martyr, by repeating the simple
words "thirteen votes" His weakness on this
point was proyerbal, and n wicked youth OF
the village, now very worthy and legal Prac-
titioner in the city of Boston, once made Mar
tyn's infirmity the means of playing OIL mis-
chievous and cruel practical joke, to the great
amusement of the bystanders.
Mr.. Smith, the young gentleman to whom
we allude, being one day at the village tavern,
entered into conversation with genteel look
ing stranger, while the landlady was preparing
some refreshment with which to recruit the
exhausted frame and spirits OF her guest
The conversation turned on the difficulty Of
pronouncing some Of the names OF places OF In
dian origin, which are so frequently met with
in tie New England States. In the midst @
the coloquy, Mr.. Smith saw his political oppo
ponent Waite Martyr, coming down the road
lie was certain that Waite would pop into the
tavern, and in the spur Of the moment laid his
plan accordingly.
"What you, say sir" said Mr.. Smith, "res
pecting those Jaw breaking Names, is perfectly
correct-4 agree with you entirely, and an
much gratifed to make the acquaintance of 6
gentleman Oh 50 HutH ldstS' Dut, my uedr SIT
there are familiar English words and combine
tions, of words, which, although they may not
be very difficult to pronounce, are exceeding
difficult TO repeat. For instance, it is almost
impossible for any one not familiar with the
practice, to pronounce the words htrtee" Uotes
thirteen potes, thirteen voteS, for any length Of
time, without making the most ludicrous mis-
takes"
"Thirteen votes! thirteen votes! thirteen
votes!" repeated the stranger. 81 do not sec
any difficulty in that. could go on repeating
the words thirteen votes! thirteen votes! thlr
teen votes! until tomorrow morning"
alt is far more difficult, my dear sir, than
you imagine, replied Mr. Smith in his blandes
manner. 81 am not much in the habit OF betting
but for the curiosity Of the thing, am willing
to bet you the price ola dinner for yourself ant
horse, that you cannot repeat in rapid success
sion the words thirteen votes, thirteen votes
thirteen votes, fifteen minutes, without making
some GORGEOUS blunders."
"Done," said the traveler--who rejoiced a
the idea of paying the landlords charges 81
eeaslly--"and will begin at once" So say
ing, ne took out his watch and noted the time :
then planting himself firmly against the wall
with his face toward the door, he assumed
look OF great determination, as if he had un