Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-02-20
THURSDAY MORNING. FEBRUARY 20. 1915.
FLOORING AN EDITOR.

4
located toward the interior OF Mississippi,
was infested by gang Of bIacklegs, who
amused themselves at times, when they
could find nobody else to pluck, by prey
ing upon each other. A new importation
OF these sporting gentry excited some
alarm among the inhabitants lest they
should be overrun: they determined
therefore upon their expulsion. A poor
country editor who was expected by vir-
tue Of his vocation TO take upon himself
all the responsibilities from which Others
might choose to shrink, was peremptorily
called upon by HIS patrons--thal is, th Sc
who paid him two dollars year for his
pepper, and therefore presumed they owned
him soul and body, to make on effort to-.
wards the exterminatlon OF the enemy
The unfortunate editor, like most editors,
being gifted with just about as much
brains as money, scull and purse both
emply--sad at once that he would indite
"crusber," one that would undoubtedly
drive the obnoxious vermin into some
more hospitable region. And when his
paper appeared II was "crusher' sure
enough. Ia the course OF his observa-
tons he gave the initials Of several of the
fraternity whom he advised to leave town
as speedily as possible f they had the
slightest desire to save their bacon.
The next morning, while the poor scribe
was comfortably seated in his Office. list
lessly fumbing over ameagre parcel ofex.
changes, he heard footsteps on the stairs,
and presently an individual, having ac-
complished he ascent, made his appear.
ance. HIS first ssIutaton was slightly
abrupt:
"Where's the editor of this dirty lying
lpaper?"
Now, aside from the rudeness of this
opening interrogatory, there were other
considerations that induced the editor &c
1 believe there was trouble on foot. The
lpersonage who addressed HIM bore a
cowhide in his hand, and, moreover, seem.
ed to be exceedingly enrageG. This was
MT al-he recognized in him distin-
guished leader of the sporting fraternity
with whose cognomen he had taken very
irreverent Liberties. 1t was, therefore
without the slightest hesitation, that hi
replied to the introductory
81 don't know"
''Do you belong to the concern"
"No indeed, but presume the editor
will soon be ill.,"
"Well," said the visitor, al will wal
for him." and suitng the action to tb'
word, he composedly took chair, picked
up paper, and commenced reading.
"If NEE: him." said the frightened
knight OF the scissors and quill, 81 will tel
/ him there is gentleman here who wish
es to see him."
AS he reached the foot of the stairs, ii
his hasty retreat, he was accosted BY
another person, who thus made h:msel
known.
"Can you tell me where can find tn,
sneakIng rascal who has charge of THU
villsnous sheet?" producing the las
number Of "Freedom's Echo and the Bat
tie Axe of Liberty"
Yes" replied the editor, che is VI
there in the office now, reading with hi
back to the door,"
"Thank you, exclsimed the stranger
as he bounded up stairs"
'l've got you, have | p he CALCULATED
as he made grasp a, his brother in mi
guilty, and they came crashing to The
floor together.
As the combatants notwithstanding tn
similarity Of their vocation, happened t
be unacquainted with each other ga pref
ty quarrel" ensued. First one was at tn,
top, then the other-blow followed blow
kick followed kick, oath followed oath
until bruised, exhausted and bloody, witt
faces and features resembling Deaf Burke
after "two hours pugaistic encounter,
there was, by mutual consent, cessation
of hostities. AS the warriors sat on tn
floor contemplating each other, the frs
conner found breath enough to ask
"Who are you-what did you attacl
me for 7"
"You abused me in your paper, yo'
scoundrel."
"Mel I'm not the editor, | came her
to fog him myself"
, Mutual explanations and apologies en-
sued and the mistaken gentlemen re,ire'
$40 bind up their wounds" As the sio
ry comes to US. the distinguished indivld
ual whose vocation II was to enlighteI
the world by the aid OF the great engine
the public press, escaped scott free
Crescent City.
A most estimable citizen of Rhode Is
land, Joseph Clark, after having held fo
forty five years the Office Of Treasurer o