Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1852-12-15
RRAwIsG a CHALK LiNEs
or. Erssving the Right of Passage.
AZ lSclprsr rouxprp Is rAcr.

many strange things occur 10 this world
either way suits US, and amongst the strange
things which happen IN this strange world,
some are ludicrrous and some are serious =
some are one thing and some another -
Many things. too, which take place. are
shrouded in the dark pail OF mystery, and
remain unknown and iaexplicable, till some
chance of fate or fortune draws aside the
veil from our vision, and we behold objects
which before We had not thought Of thus
has it been with the present story, which we
are about to unfold. Like a sweet flower
blushing unseen, it has long remained con-
cealed But chance has given it to us, aud
we shall now give to cur readers the story Of
Dra,cing a Chaik Line. or, Reserr,ng the
Right Of Passage.
Once upon time" there came to this ci-
ty young Kentuckian, for the purpose Of
learning the science Of medicine aud surgery.
lie was tall and athletic, shrewd, apt. and
intelligent, with little sprinkiing' If wog-
gishness He was indicted into the Charity
Hospital, and room in the third story given
him as study. On entering into bis new
quarters, be was introduced to young Fsench
gentleman, occupying the room also as a stu
dent. The young Frerchman. it seems, was
very frank IN his manners. courteous, yet cold,
and he thus addressed his new companion
"Sir, | am indeed pleased to see you, aud
hope that we may prove mutually agreeable !;
but. in order that this may be the case, will
inform you that | have had several former
room-mates. with none of whom could ever
agree-we could never pursue our studies to-
gether. This room contains two beds; as
the oldest occupant, claim nearest the win
dow"
The Kentuckian assented.
Now says the Frcnchman; "lll draw
the boundary line between our territories. and
we shall each agree not to cncroach upon the
Others rights, and taking piece OF chalk
from bis pocket, be made the mark of divis.
ion, midway, from one side of the room to the
other. air." be added, Il hope you have
no objection to the treaty.
None in the world, sir" answered the
stranger, 81 am perfectly satisfied with it"
He then sent down for bis baggage and both
students sat down with their books
The Frenchman was soon deeply engaged,
willie "0ld Kcntuck' was watching him, and
thinking what singular genius he must be,
and how he might FIX hin.
Thus things went on until dinner time came
The bell was rung; the Frenchman popped
up, adjusted bis cravat, brushed up bis whs-
kers and mustachios, and essayed to depart
Stand, sir Y! said the stranger, suddenly
placing himself with a toe 70 the marx, d.
rectly before the French student, "if you
cross that linc you are dead man
The Frenchman stood pale with astonish-
ment- he Aeatuckian moved not muscle
OF his face Both remained in silence for
some moments, when ttr, Frenchman exclaim.
ed, us it possible that lid not reserve the
right of passage Z"
"No, sir. indeed you did not and you pass
this line at your peril
"But how shall get out Of tie room p
"Tbcrc is the window which YOU reee, red
to yourself-you may use that but you pass
not that doorXmy door. which you generous
ly left me-"
The poor Frencbman was iirly caught -
lie was in quandary, and made all sorts Of
explanations and entreaties, The Xentuck
ian took compassion on him, and Blinking
that going out of the third history windowwas
not what it's cracked up to he" said to his
new friend, "Sir, in order that zoe may BE-
mutually agreeable. I'll rub out that hate
ful chalk line and let you pass"
The Frencbman politely thanked him, aud
since the settlement OF that boundary ques-
tion," they have been the very best friends.
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>>>.--.
EnB BOUNDARY DIFFICULTIES seem to be
prevalent among some of the older members
Of the American Confederacy. Virginia and
Maryland are at loggerhcads about their mu
tual limits, and communications have lately
passed between the State Executives on the
subject A more serious trouble seems to
exist between Rhode Island and Massachu-
sets, the boundary between which States
was thought to be settled Commissioners
were appointed by each State, and these ran
a line. which was marked by durable granite
agreeably to instructions. The
line was acceptable to Rhode Island. but the
Coalition party of Massachusetts, took ground
{ gainst it, and directed the removal Of the
monuments, which has been according done. |
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rEy@No man is a gentleman who, without I
would treat with incivility the |
humbest of bis species 1t is vulgarity |
for which no accomplishments of dress or ad-
dress can ever atone. Show me the man
who desires to make every one happy around
him, and whose great solicitude is, never to
give just cause of offence to any enc. and /
will show you a gentleman by nature and
by practice, though be may never have worn
q suit of broadcloth nor ever heard of lexi-
con. am proud to say. for the honor of
our species, that there are men in every throb
Of whose heart there is solicitude for the vel
fare of mankind, and whose every breath is
perfumei with kindness.
s>S<s~-----
STRANGE ARTICLES RECENTLY FOUND.
A lynch pin from the wheel Of fortune
lost in trotting match over the road to ruin.
A rod of afflictiou---picked up in the path
Of adversely.
A pint Of the brine in which the rod SO
often read Of was picked.
The original invoice q consignment of the
fearful retribution. which has been in store
ever since we can remember.
The fragments of the two rounds of the
ladder of fame, which are entirely worn out