Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-09-15
MISCELLANY. Y
A Scene i'm the Missouri Lee
GislatNre.

While the Legislature of Missouri was
in session few years ago, green fellow
from the country came to Jefferson to sell
some chickens. He had about two dozen,
all of which he had tied by the legs to a
string, and this being divided equally, and
thrown across his shoulder, formed his mode
of conveyance, leaving the fowls with their
heads hanging down, with little else of them
visible than their naked legs and promls-
cuous pile of out-stretched wings and !ut-
fed feathers. After several Intellectual ef-
forts to dispose of his load, wag, TO whom
he made an offer for sale, told him that he
did not want chickens himself, but perhaps
he could sell them at that large stone house
over there (the Capitol,) that there was
man over there buying, on speculation, for
the ST. Louis market,and no doubt he could
find a ready sale.
The delighted countryman started, when
his informer stopped him.
"Look here" says he, "when you get
over there, go up stairs and then turn 10
the left. The man stays in that large room.
You'll see him sitting at the other end of
the room, and is now engaged with num-
Der of fellows buying chickens. If a man
at the door should stop you don't mind him.
He has got chickens himself for sale, and
tries to prevent other people from selling
theirs. Don't mind him-but go right a.
head.n
Following the directions, our friend soon
found himself at the door of the Hall of
Representatives. To open it and enter
was the work of moment. Taking from
his shoulder the string of chickens, and CIV
ing them shake, to freshen them, he COM
menced his journey towards the speakers
chair, the fowls in the meantime loudly
expressing from the half formed croac to the
harsh quark, their bodily presence, ,and their
sense Of bodily pain.
II, say, sir,"-EIere he advanced about
half down the aisle, when he was seized
by Major Jackson, the doorkeeper, who
happened to be returning from the Clerk 5
desk.
"What the devil are you doing here with
these chickens; get out sir, get OUT whls-
pered the doorkeeper,
mo you don't though, you can't come
that game over me, you've got chickens
yourself for sale, get out yourself and let
me sell mine. I say, sir, (n louder tone
to the speaker) are you buying chickens
here to-day? I've got some prime ones
here"
And he held up his string and shook
his fowls until their music made the walls
echo.
"Let me go SIR" Ito the doorkeeper) let
me CO. say. Fine large chickens-to the
speaker-only six bits Dozen"
"Where's the Sergeant alarms" u" roared
the Speaker, stake that man out"
''Now don't will you, | ant hard to trade
with. You let me go-to the door-keep-
er-you've sold your chickens, now let
me have a chance. | say, sir,-to the
Speaker in louder tone-are you buying
chickens to-
$50 ahead" cat him again." "that's
right" whispered some OF the opposition
members, who could command gravity e.
nough to speak, cat him again" "He'll
buy them" "He only wants you to take
less-at him again."
81 say, sir,-in louder tone to the speak
er-cuss your pictures-fair play-two at
one amt fair--to the Speaker and Sergeant
at-arms-let me go say, sir, you up
thereto the Speaker-you can have 'em
for six bits won't take cent less. Take
'em home and eat 'em myself before | take
that--Drat your hides, don't shove so
hard, will you? you'll hurt them chickens.
and they have had travel of it to-day any
how. | say, you, sir, up there'---
Here the voice was lost by The closing
of the door. An adjournment was moved
and carried, and the members, almost fran
tic with mirth, rushed out to find our friend
in high alteration with The dcor-keeper
about the meanness Of selling his own chick
ems, and letting nobody else sell theirs, ad-
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