The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-04-07
A" Tramping" Printer.


Among the prisoners before the may
or this morning, was one Washington
franklin Thompson, who was found by
city officer sleeping in an open lot
A plush cap, jeans coat, and striped
pair of cassinetts completed his dress,
and although much the worse for wear,
had been so nicely brushed in the
watch house that he made quite re-
spectacle appearance in the dock. He
seemed impatient for his turn; and
when called up, arose with digniied
air and solemn demeanor.
"The watchman tells me you were
drunk last night" said his Honor to
him.
"Quite likely" he replied, but
greater men than have been in the
same condition. The wings say Frank
Pierce is drunkard. and the locofocos
always urged that Old Harry took his
tod in his young days"
THAT may all be true, sir, but drunk
enness is punishable here. Where did
you come from 2"
That's rather tough question. |
have no particular abiding place"
"What is your business !n
"A printer by profession, and a Pc
destrian by practice"
do you work at the printing bust
ness 2"
When my pockets or my stomach
requires il DO. To explain, have al
ways had a strong desire to see the
world, and although as poor in pocket
as Bill Allen is in flesh, | have endeav-
ored to crafty this burning curiosity.
| have tramped, through twenty-three
states, two territories, and the British
provinces, and am now on my road TO
California, by way Of the pIainsn
But you say you are poor. Hoy do
you manage to feed and clothe your
selfp
Easy enough. When on tramp
country people are always glad to ac-
commodate me with meals or lodging
for the news bring them. I generally
manage to replenish my wardrobe BY
sharp trades with verdant persons. My
refreshment money ! earn by the sweat
of my brow al printing offices i'll small
towns.n
''But do you not often suffer, in your
travels 2"
" "Never, unless get into a temper
ance country. | own nothing-there-
fore have no fear of loss. Walk on
turnpikes-haVe no fear of tolls. Am
a good talker-have no fear Of losing a
meal. Always Keep within the bounds
of civilization, and am confident ! can
humbug somebody"
"Bnt you get druuk-was drunk last
nighto
THAT was purely accidental. l
started from Columbus for Indianapolis,
but took the wrong road, and before /
was aware of the mistake, found my
self here. This induced me to take an
extra tod and the liquor you keep here
is SO id bad that it destroyed my
equilibrium. Miserable liquor down
here-havn't been dead drunk for ten
years before.n
You said you were anxious TO pur-
sue your journey 2"
" Nothing shorter, as the b'hoys say,
and by your leave, will forthwith turn
my face towards the Father of Waters,
on the bosom of which Tom Benton
once saw the yellow boys floating up
stream. Do you know, of all your
statesmen, TOMS my fayorite 2"
.'sIndeed.n
eyes; aud Bill Allen stands second
best with me. What does your honor
say-shall departw
" Why, if you'll promise."-
Promises | never make. But if
any of your vigilant waichmen catch
franklin inebriated again, punish him,
that's all. I've never visited the inte-
rior of prison, except in the capacity
of phiIanthropist, and BY your leave
never will.:'
From your manner | think can
trust you. You may CO."
Much obliged. If should turn my
to mining after get 10 Cali
fornia, and return this way, you shall
have a snuff of nay maiden dust. |
wish you good morning. And you, ito
the watchman) wish you promotion in
the ranks
dollar Weekly.