The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-08-31
FROM THE NEW ORLEANS DELTA.
The Virtue of Ventriloquism,
Or sIick Murphy and the Ghost.

An incident occurred in the hotel of one
of the picturesque marine villages which
skirt lake Ponchartrain, on certain oc-
casion last summer, that effectualIy served
10 dispel the listless ENNUI too prevalent
IN such cases. Among the guests there,
for the time being, was one Michael Muir
ply, an eccentric, good natured soul, from
what used 10 be PAR EXCELLENCE the land
of potatoes, but which now may be cal
led the poiatoless land. He had been on
a"big burst in the city, and went over
The Lake 10 dispel the fumes Of his de-
bauch, and take salt baths and soda water
at the same time, for
IN sooth he was shameless wight,
Sore given 10 revel and ungodly glee,
Few earthly things found favor in his sight
save concubines and carnal company,
And flaunting wassaiers of high and low degree"
All this became known 10 a ventrilo-
quist wko paid flying visit to the place,
and who had such command over his
voice that he could make it do anything,
speaking Of pig under the gate, to the
DftDSIUg Ol Il inOcklUg OlIu.
Believing that Michael was just about
that time in an impressible state-in re-
formatory mood-he thonght he would
through the medium of his art, endeavor
10 effect favorable change in his morals.
With this view he booked his name for
bed in the room with Michael, and about
j 2 o'clock at night-tlat hour to supersti-
tious minds so fraught with terrors-he
'pitched his voice" outside OF the door,
saying in a kind of trombone tone
"Michael Murphy! Michael Murphy,
are you asleep!"
"Who's that!' said Michael, much
startled at the sepulcharal tone in which
the query was put, and the time OF put
ling it.
"Ask me not, but answer" said the
venlriloquist still continuing his ghost like
accent.
"Well what have you got to say" said
Michael.
"Much Of what | want you TO take no.
tice;" said the ventriloquist, or rather said
the voice.
80 clear off," said Michael, "or. else
III give you your tav."
"Better had you continued 10 take tea
tllan break the pledge as you have done'"
said the voice outside the door.
What's all this noise about!' said the
ventriloqist speaking from the bed.
'.Some dirty blackguard that is outside
the door there" said Michael, ''interfer-
ing with what's none of, his business"
"Why don't you drive him from it 2"
said the ventriloquist speaking from the
bed.
81 wish he dare" said the voice Of the
venlriloquist speaking outside the door.
''Be japers I'll let you see dare;" said
Michael jumping up, seizing his hickory
aud hurriedly opening the door, ready, on
sight, to knock down the annoyer.
"Give him h--l' said the ventrilo-
quist from the bed.
"Be gor, believe its the Ould Boy
himself was in it." said Michael, "for |
don't see a sowl here.''
"It's very mysterious" said the ven
uiioquist from the bed.
Il wondlher," said Michael, "if there's
any evil spirits in this country -
IL don't know" said the venuloquist,
.but they say the ghosts of departed In
dians haunt the place"
90, that was no Indians ghost said
Michael, .for he spoke as good English
as do myself"
And liule better Michael" said the
voice as if proceeded from one standing
by his side.
20, the Grass O. Christ about us" said
Michael; "what aset you; at all. at all -
NO evil spirit bu, your guardian ge-
nlUs, said the voice,