The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-08-28
Selling Chickens to the Legislature.
While the LEGISLATURE of Miss,

W" tiiC VI
was in session, "a few years ago. green
fellow from the country came to Jefferson
10 sell some chickens. He had about two
dozen, all of which he had tied bv the
legs to a string, and this, being divided
equ Ey. and thrown across his horse or
shoulders. formed his mode of convey
ance. leaving the fowls with their heads
hanging down, with little else of them
visible, than their naked legs, and pro-
miscuous pile OF outsiretched wings, and
ruffled feathers. After several ineffec-
tuai efforts TO dispose Of his load, a wag
TO whom he had made an offer of sale,
told him he did not want chickens him
self, but perhaps he could sell them at
large stone house over there, (the Capt.
tol) that there was MN over there
buying on speculation for the st. Louis
market, and no doubt he could find
ready sale.
The delighted coumtryman started, when
his intormer stopped him.
Look here" said he, ''when you get
over there 60 up stairs and then turn
to the left. The man stops in that
large room. You will find him at the
other end Of the room, ani is now engaged
with number Of fellows buying chick
ems. II a man at the door should stop
YOU, don't mind him. He has chickens
himself for sale, and tries TO prevent
other people selling theirs. Don't mind
him but go ahead"
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. TAX
ing from his shoulders the string OF
chickens, and giving them shake 10
freshen them, he commenced his Journey
toward the Speakers chair, the fowls. in
the meantime, loudly expressing from the
halt-iormed crow TO the harsh quark,
their bodily presence, and their sense Of
bodily pain.
II say, sir" Here he had passed
nearly half down the aisle, when he was
seized by Major Jackson, the door keeper.
who happened to be returning from the
clerks desk.
what are you doing here with these
chickens get out, sir, get out, whispered
the door-keeper.
mo You don't though you can't come
that game over me; you've got chickens
yourself for sale. get ont yourself, and let
me sell mine. / say. sir,' he continued
in 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" to The door-keeper, :. let me
go. say. Fine large chickens" to the
Speaker. "only six bits Dozen"
Where's the Sergeant -at-arms 2"
roared the Speaker, "sake that man out
"Now don't, will you. amt hard to
trade with. You let me g." to the door
keeper, you've sold your chickens, now
let me have chance. say. SIR" TO tn
Speaker in a louder tone, care YOU buying
chickens to"
"Go aheal," "at him again. " that's
righl,' whispered some of tie members,
who C mld command gravity enough to
speak, sat him gain" Hell buy them"
He only wants you to take lcss-at him
again"
81 say. sir, yon up there, TO the
Speaker) you can have 'em for six bits!
not cent less. Drat your hides, don't
shove so hard, you'll hurt them chickens.
| 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
frantic with mirth, rushed out to find our
friend in high alteration with the door
keeper. about the meanness of selling his
own chickens, and not letting anybody
else sell theirs, adding, that ''if he could
just sec that man up there by himself,
he'd be bound they could make trade,
and that no man could afford to raise
chickens for less than six bits"
The members bought his chickens by
pony purse, and our friend left the Capt.
tol, saying as he went down stairs,
well, this is the darndc>t toughest
place for selling chickens that l ever
come across. Spirit Of the Times.