The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-09-06
First Book of ChrOniclel.
CHAPTER 8

of custom,
g That Norman was acting as scribe, and
had grown exceedingly rich, SO that he had
much substance.
8. And he traded abundantly in lands,
h,uscs, mules, asses and patent-rishts.
4. Then it was that Samuel the Judge
spake unto Allen or Amnadab of the house
of Bently, chief of the trnmpeters, to sound
aloud his. Clarion Tets and tell the people
to send up their chief men, and decide in
convention who should be their next scribe.
g. And when the sound was given, many
of the people spake after this manner:
6. "Let us 60 up and make Norman scribe,
for he is good scribe, and comely to look
upon, and he will be much pleased, and our
wives and daughters, delighted"
Z. But it happened in those days that
many others desired to be scribe, in order
that they might grow rich like unto Nor
man, and the Office of scribe was much to be
desired. ..- " .a-g. ".
8. Among these were Richard of the house
of Rollins, John of the tribe of Shelton,
Harrison of the tribe of Kelsey, and Clinton
Of the tribe of Thomas.
9. Now these men claimed that they had
served the party long, and faithfully, kept
many of its secrets, made many presents
and stump speeches, yea, even unto this time
been sent away penniless.
10. Then they began to murmur and to
say, 10! Norman has been scribe for two
terms, and we do not wish our children to
cry for bread "(while Norman is growing
rich from their toll, ~ and we ma ry red
II. And when Samuel the Judge heard
these things, he was sorely troubled, for he
loved Norman, and his soul was knit to him.
~. Then, when even was come, and the
people were shut up in their own tents, and
there was not the sound of a hammer to be
heard, Samuel and Norman made their
way up into the office of the priest Amini-
dab, chief Of the trumpeters, to consider the
matter with him.
IS. And when they had communed to-
gether, Norman and Amindab were much
grieved, but Samuel the Judge comforted
them, and spake after this wise:
IA. Be we not grieved nor your souls troub-
led, nor your SPIRITS cast down within you,
for verify, verify, say unto you, that have
seerthe Democracy in a poor condition many
times during my reign.
Is. And ifyou will give heed to me, Twill
now tell you how this can be adjusted, and
Norman elected. John of the tribe of Shell
ton we know is unfit for scribe, but we must
not offe I'd offend him. will get some one
to persuade him off ofthe track by promis-
ing him the office of squire.
16. And as he is not qualified for that
office, we will run him for Constable, and
then if SENT or Van beat him, why, for a
truth, all right, and We know we can lay low
for ducks
II. And as for Richard, he is faithful
little soul, but has never done enough for
the party to merit the office of scribe, but if
he be willing to catch the crumbs and put up
with tit-bits, Township clerk or District
Treasurer, then will we keep him, if not he
may 60 unto the party called Black-Repub-
lcans.
Is. But as for Harrison of the tribe of
Kelsey, he must be held right and with
smooth hands, else he may prevent the cleo
tion of Norman, and how this is to be done l
know not, for of truth we have made many
fair promises unto him..
10. And we know that the last time our
people were gathered together in convention
to choose Treasurer, he was defeated and
came nigh unto boiling, for he had been
promised this thing, and now we are pre-
tending to be his friends even for this Office
of scribe.
90 Then spake Aminadab the priest and
trumpeter, saying; "this man Harrison has
been Democrat too long to bolt, and he
knows that boiling would be his ruin forever.
o. Now this man Harrison will not bolt,
for James the son Of Absalom did not in our
assembly, even when we all united against
him, and would combine against him again
were he candidate
o. And were he to 60 with the Black
Republicans round about Drakesville, what
harm can he do our camp; truly he and
Dutch Ager would not be missed from
amongst our number, inasmuch as the peo-
pie in that place are given to hardness of
heart, and worship at the altar of Abraham
the mighty leader.
90. Now this Dutch Ager, and Crawford
the (iz) cap delegation, have ever been a
pest unto US, and should not commune with
us, or worship Stephen Arnold the traitor
say unto you they had best be gone.
o. Then said Norman, behold am pleas
ed with your council for l see great judg-
ment in your sayings, surely we can dispose
with John, and this soar headed Dick"
25. And Aminadab's counsel regarding
Harrison, is good and fndeth favor in my
eyes, but how are we to cast Clinton, of the
tribe of Thomas from us.
26. Did not promise this man Clinton
my place, even twelve months ago, and many
also ofyou have made like promises unto
him, and f ON his hands We have received
many presents, and great help, he has also
many friends, and, verify say unto you,
we must work this matter ingeniously, else
thnv all will surely holt and great will he