The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-08-26
company for the homer conferred on
Banvard's grand Panorama OF the Mis-
sissippi river. 4 i'i47l4
The man who rode the Goat.
BY JOHN W. OLIVER.

division of the Sons Of Temperance.
Much has been said about its mysteri-
Gus mysteries; and many quizzical
story, has been told in relation to tho
antics of a certain goat said to be con-
nected herewith. eSst
1t is said that in this quiet village re.
sides among others, cute Yankee; Of
a remarkable, ingenious and curious
tuin Of mind whom, from his resem-
blance to the celebrated Pry family,
we shall name Paul. vt
Now Paul took it into his busy nod
die to "enter into the gates OF our or
der" without "riding the goat" He
therefore looked around among man.
kind for green Son of Temperance;
and having fixed his mind upon VIC
tim he started in pursuit and found his
man. After exercising his pumping in
genuty in manner too tedious to mem
ton, he found himself on the road home,
tickIed to pieces with the idea Of being
in full possession Of that mysterious
word which would unlock the Division
door and put him in possession Of
"open sesame" }s4
In the meantime Paul's design was
communicated to few Waggish spirits
of the division, and appropriate arrange
ments were made for his reception.
Meeting night came, and after the
brothers had pretty generally assem-
bIed, the O.. s. heard strange noise at
the door. like unto the bleating Of q
certain animal familiarly called Billy.
The o. S., true to his instructions, open
ed the door ajar. ~
"Bah," said Paul. 1 ~
"Bah! Bah!! Bah!!! returned the O.
S., and open flew the door. li ,5fb
Paul walked in, looking very know
ingly the while, and took seat among
the initiated. The sham business pro-
ceeded as though nothing had hap
pened. s.5 2 saAsl
"Wortby patriach,'' ? at fength saidlo
member, in solemn and impressive
manner, "the man who entered having
neglected TO turn the usual somerset
and light upon his big toe, it is very
evident to my mind that he has not
been initiated. therefore move that
we proceed to put him tbrough~ 7adt
"Second the motion" shouted a doz.
en- al once.
"I guess I'D better retire,' said Paul,
rising, and evidently uneasy--"l guess
there must be some mistake" And hs
"went for to CO." But they would
not "let him." a
.Any one who once gets in hero
must 60 through" said a blacksmith,
who stood six feet without his boots.
$50 just be quiet till we get the goat
ready" as1
The door was fastened, and all hope
Of escape was cut off. Paul trembled.
The blacksmith opened closet and
pulled out a sack. Paul turned white.
"Prepare the victim!" said the w. P.
Paul sprang to his feet and begged
for meroy-"but no mercy there was
known" He was hustled into the sack,
in spite Of all the resistance he could
make. The goat happened 10 be out Of
sorts that night, and so a wheeIbarrow
was substituted. Paul was trundled
around the room--frst backwards and
then forwards, and over sticks Of wood,
and down stairs and up stairs.
"Bah" said the blacksmith, stopping
to blow. ''s
"Please let me out" pleaded Paul.
"Can't yet," returned the blacksmith.
"Haint reached the falls OF Niagara--
must put you through the shower bath.'
And Paul wiped away the perspiration-
| Creak, creak, went the old wheel
barrow round the room again. AZ
Paul's earnest solicitation, the shower
bath was omitted. He declared it
would give him cold. ,sis
Having been otherwise .putthrough,n
Paul was liberated-a terrified man.
He started for a lawyer for vengeance.
But the lawyer told him he had better
say nothing about it-and lie finally
concluded not TO. as, 4sl.i0d
Il so happened that where Paul work
ed a number of girls were Employed
One day Paul entered the ladies' de-
partment. That morning an Irish girl
had been admitted to the establishment,
and the mischievous imps among the
girls had wrapped her up in piece of
canvass, and were wheeling her about
the floor. M .'os
i"What are you doings' asked Paul.
aBiddy's riding the goat" archiy
said the ringleader. 5i ass ssg
Paul bolted. s, ;ssp
"The man who rode the goat" is
well known in the village-and is often
pointed oat by the little boys. sa@