Washington telegraph., 1851-05-07
AN EDITOR IN A TIC hit PLACE

A writer in the Philadelphia Sunday
Despatch is giving some interesting re.
miniscences of the press in that city. We
take the following leaf from his history
of the Esprit of the Times"
There were SO many persons who visit
ed the editors with design to discuss in
a rather summary manner the subject OF
their grievances. that these little embel-
lishments seemed somewhat indispensa-
BILE. 1t does not appear. however, that
they were ever called into active use, a
sight of them usually answering a very
pacificatory purpose. One day. when
they were out of sight. tall, stout,
athletic person entered the editorial room
very quietly. aud perceiving the gentle
man present whom he especially wanted.
he carefully closed the door, locked It,,
and de posted the key in his pocket! The
editor. who was engaged i'll writing.
looked up. eyed these notes OF PrePara-
ton with some anxiety, and. placing his
hand in his coat-bosom, awaited the result
The visitor. after assuring himself that
there were no eaves-droppers, took d seat
opposite the editor, and for a moment
they gazed calmly and silently upon each
other. The one, as we said, was tall,
round. wel-built and solid figure OF man
hood. The other was short, slim. appa-
rently active and strong, aud evidently
disposed to take some prompt measures
OF defence, if suddenly called upon. The
visiter quietly said:
I'VE are alone, think?"
The editor merely nodded an assent.
You are unarmed, | see!"
To this there was nc reply, but sort
Of sneer passed over the face of the gentle
man of the quill.
mo matter, sir. am twice your size
have reason to wish your death. The
key Of your door is i'll my pocket. There
is 70 one within call. for looked in every
room as l came up -
The editor still said nothing. but kept
his eyes fixed upon lis visiter.
81 am desperate man, and accustom-
ed 10 scenes Of violence. Now, sir what
is lhere"-he said this rising-"to pre-
vent me crushing you here beneath my
feet at once, and putting all end to one
Of my worst enemies!
The editor quietly drew pistol from
his pocket and cooked it-but without
removing his eyes from the face OF his
vister
Very good. l see you are provided.
1t looks like a useful article. too. But
put it up. l didn't come here to murder
you, or | might have done it when l first
entered" And he reseated himself.
May l politely inquire your name and
purpose, now that we appear to have
come to better understanding" said the
editor
My name is Wood. lam professed
thief"
"Sr!" said the editor. spfingng to his
feet.
Don. be so impatient" quietly added
The vlslter. Il did not come here 10 rob
you And even if it were in my way. :
looking carefully around. "there is rot
much here that would repay the risk"
"Ah! well-go on. Mr.. Wood"
Il am thief. sir"'
That's candid enough. at any rate.
Mr.. Wood"
Il understand your sneer. sir. But l
am neither pickrocket nor highway
ioooer am burglar, sir, by profession,
and well known to most of the police.
Don't you think, sir. could as con-
venlen'ly listen to your confession with
The key in the door,"
You mistake me again, sir" said the
Vislter. Il had no intention to carry off
your Key" But have something to say,
70 Which am determined you shall listen;
snd you'll excuse me if seem rather
inpatient, and singular in my way of
uo'ng the business. for l don; choose to
De interrupted"
Eo on. Mr.. Wood" said the editor.
Ano ne threw himself back in his chair.