Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-03-25
Flogging an Editor.

Flogging an Editor.
Some years ago, populous town, located
towards the interior of Mississippi, was infest-
ed by gang of blacklegs, who amused them
selves at times, when they could find nobody
else to pluck, by preying upon each other. A
new importation of these sporting gently excit-
ed some alarm among the inhabitants, lest they
should be completely overrun they determined
therefore, on their expulsion. A poor wretch
of a country editor, who was expected, by vir-
tue of his vocation, to take upon himself all
the responsibilities from which others might
choose to shrink, was peremptorily called upon
by his 'patrons'-that is those who paid him
two dollars year for his paper, and therefore
presumed they owned him, soul and body-to
make an effort towards the determination of
the enemy. The unfortunate editor, being
gifted with just about az much brains as money
skull and purse both empty-said at once
that he would indite a flasher, one that would
undoubtedly drive the obnoxious vermin into
some more hospitable region. And when his
paper appeared, it was flasher sure enough
In the course of his observations, he gave the
initials of several of the fraternity, whom he
desired to leave town as speedily as possible, if
they had the slightest desire TO save their ba-
con.
The next morning, while the poor scribe
was comfortably seated in his office, listlessly
fumbling over meagre parcel of exchanges,
he heard footsteps on the stairs; and present
ly an individual, having accomplished the as
cent, made his appearance. His first saluta-
ton was slightly abrubt
Where is the editor of this dirty lying
paperp
Now, aside from the rudeness of this open
ing interrogatory, there were other considera-
tions that induced the editor to believe there
was trouble on foot. The parsonage who ad-
dressed him bore cowhide in his hand, and ,
moreover, seemed to be exceedingly enraged
This was not all he recognized in him dis
tingnished leader of the sporting fraternity,
revereDt liberties. 1t was without the slight
est hesitation, therefore, that he replied to the
Introductory query
Il don't know
DO you belong to the concernl'
mo, indeed, but presume the editor will
soon be in
'Well,' said the visitor, Il will wait for
him. And suiting the action to the word,
he composedly took chair, picked up paper,
and commenced reading.
IF meet him, said the frightened knight
of the scissors and quill, 4 will tell him there
is a gentleman here who wishes to see him.
| AS he reached the foot of the stairs, in his
hasty retreat, he was accosted by another per-
son, who thus made himself known
Can you tell me where can find the sneak
ing rascal who has charge of this villanous
sheet? producing the last number of Free
dom's Echo and the Battle Axe of Liberty
Yes replied the editor. he is up there in
the office now, reading, with his back to the
door,
Thank you,' exclaimed the stranger, as he
bounced up stairs.
I've got you, have IL calculated he, as he
made grasp at his brother in inquity, and
they came crashing to the floor together.
AS the combatants, notwithstanding the sim
ilarity of their vocation, happened to be unac-
quainted with each other, a yery pretty o,.r
rel ensued. First one was at the top, then the
other blow followed blow, kick followed
kick, and oath followed oath, until, bruised
exhausted, and bloody. with faces and features
resembling Deaf Burke after two hours pn.
gilistic encounter, there was by mutual con-
sent cessation of hostilities AS the war
riors sat on the floor, contemplating each other
the first conner found breath enongh to ask
'Who are you! What did you attack me
for1' a
You abused me in your paper, yon scoun
drel.'
Me | am not the editor l came here tt
fog him myself!'
Mutual explanations and apologies ensued
and the two mistaken gentlemen retired tt
blind up their wounds AS the story comes
to US, the distinguished individual whose vo
cation it was to enlighten the world by the ait
of that great engine the public press, escapes
scot free-Aruine.