The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1860-03-22

FoRr MADISON, March 90, 1860

ventilates some "reminiscences OF early times
that is decidedly rich. There 10 story told
Of some fellow OF the genus "scalawag,v spe-
eies, grogshop loafer, who followed the bust
ness Of furnishing convenient Aestimony in
whatever potty lawsuit might require such
assistance. In some case it was necessary
TO prove legal tender of money to the
amount OF thirteen dollars and twelve cents
Proof of this was scarce, and Loafer was
subrensed. He was asked If he saw money
offered. ssYeth sir.' ssHow much P"--
"Well, as near atb ! can tell should think
there wath about thirteen dollars and Bit"
"Did you count il ?" "No. thir." "Was
ii specie or paper2" cit wath part bills and
part specie.'' s'How do you know how much
there wasp swell from the size of the
pile should think there was just thirteen
dollars and bit." This was conclusive, of
course
In the early days of the Penitentiary, at a
certain time. there had been an escape. A
reward of fifty dollars was offered for the
recapture of the fugitive. By some means
he was returned so that no one could claim
the reward. The Warden, who was never
accused of efficiency or integrity, proposed
to m employee about the prison TO allow the
reward to him if he would divide with him.
This was accepted, and the fifty dollars paid;
but tn half, stipulated for by the Warden,
was not forthcoming; and becoming impa-
ticnt be sued for it before n justice OF the
peace. On trial the quarrel of these two
honest men brought out true statement OF
the facts. The magistrate, who was fully
competent for bis office, read the law to the
Warden, by which he showed him that he had
been guilty of an indictable offence; but,
with humorous gravity well BETTING the
occasion, entered mp Judgment against the
costs.
think | can give you the key to the mys-
terry hinted &C in Judge Rankin's letter con-
corning the unwarranted use OF his name in
letters addressed to some of our worthy citi.
zens here. There is certain individual in
this to .n who was once Prosecuting Attor.
ney and now 10 q prominent candidate fol-
Mayor at our coming municipal election
He is very fond of practical Jokes. | dc
not think be is altogether so careful about
the quality of his wit or the propriety of biz
jokes as one of more fastidious taste would
be. At any rate he takes particular pains to
| tell on the street--so | am aivulging no Sc
| cret--that he wrote letters, signing Judge
Rankia's name, 10 Mr.. lIugel and Mr.. Ro
bers. He and others in the secret waited fol
| their mine TO explode, promising themselvei
| lots Of fun. But Messrs. Hugel and Roberl
were little TOO sharp. They kept their owl
counsel, and those who had set the trap wer,
caught themselves. The laugh was alto
gethcr against them. Their joke was gooG
for nothing unless il YEAS known, and the,
bad to tell of it themselves, thus becoming
their own victims. No wonder that Judg'
| Rankin is Indignant. that his name should
thus be forged in order to victimize some o
his warmest personal friends, and, let US sa.,
too, some OF our very best Republicans.
| We had a surfeit of elocution here las
week. First came Mr.. Belding, VINO CAV
us two evenings of various readings. Frida
and Saturday Prof. Griffith favored us. Yo,
know Mr.. Bedding so well that can adj
nothing to his reputation. bear that Prof
Griffith and he are TO have contest in you
place soon. Ii will be treat.
Would it not be good rule for the edito
Of the Plaiaadcaler not to use fighting Ian
guage If he does not want to fghts
N. T.