Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-10-21
From the Frankfort (Ky.) Commonwealth
A Square Backing OF.

A Square Backing OF.
An incident occurred in our presence
during ou- late trip, which illustrates, il
very striking way. the difference be
tween buster and nerve among some o
those Democrats who are SO loud in their
propositions to bet upon the approaching
election. The occurrence may be cor
rectly sketched thus: ..
SCENE-JiHage IaUern. Sage pas.
sengers and other guests at dinner.
| Democratic passenger-( Calling to
Whig passenger at the other end of the
table III say, you'll be very far behind
with your Presidential candidate this
year" .....
Whig passenger-sI don't think so;
Gon't believe we'll be behind at all"
Democratic Why, Scott
can't get single Southern State, unless
it is Kentucky, and | don't believe he'll
get that"
Whig passenger-"Don't you think
4 DC IL gel I6unesSeeE ar
Democratic passenger-"No indeed!
Pierce will carry Tennessee by ten thou
sand. I'D like to get bet on Tennes-
see."
Whig passenger-"I never bet on any
thing, my yself; bul dom, think such a
bet W.T. uld be hard TO get. I'm sure from
what | hear that il would be taken very
quick among Tennessee Wings them
Selves S sea a#F
Democratic passenger-"No, sir; they
won't bet dollar. Mr.. = has jus,
come up from there. and could get nary
dollar bet. I'd like to bet myself on it.
Slranger-(Sit,ing opposite Wing pas.
senger, and calling down the table to the
Democrat, )-"Y ou needn't go any furth-
er, stranger; III take your bel on lennes-
see; drawing big pocket book, how
much did you say you wanted to bel!"
Democratic passenger-(E Evidently
surprised)-"r bet on the general re-
suit" ....... ...s.......
Slrauger-"One thing at time. You
said YOU wanted to bet on Tennessee.
Wen bet on Tennessee first. Name your
sum. Ill bet anything you please, from
ten dollars to two thousand" n
Democratic passenger-"Why, I'D
easily win your money. I've seen a
gentleman just from Tennessee, and he
says Pierce is sure of the State.''
Slranger--"I don't care for that. I'm
from Tennessee myself Jus, say how
much you want to bet, and we'll pu. up
the money!"
Another Wing at the table--(address-
ing The Democrat, -"When you are
done with this gentlemen, would like
to come in myself with small pile on
Tennessee. I'll bet you two hundred
dollars to one hundred that Scott gets
the vote of Tennessee.
No response from the Democrat -
Passengers rise from the table and 60 10
the stage which is waiting at the door
Stranger follows, with pocket-book in
hand, still bantering the Democrat for a
bet, and calling upon him to name the
sum.
| Democrat--"Mr. . will be-
with you" 81
Stranger r-"Well. bring him here"
Democrat--'sHe lives in -, SO
miles off; if you'll go there he'll bet
I'll 60 with you, if you'll wait till nexl
week."
Stranger-.'I never run after bets;
only take them when they come in my
way. But if you'll bring Mr.. -
to me, and he'll bet thousand dollars
Ill give you hundred dollars premium
for getting the bet."
No response from the Democrat.-
Stage rolls off. DeT ocratlc passenger
begins to talk about the crops, but makes
no further reference to politics. And WI
sit wondering how many other gassy
Democrat boaslings would collapse In ,h'
same style, if touched in the same way.