New Orleans daily crescent., 1866-01-17
Henry A. Wise and the Sportsman.

It will be long before Henry A. Wise's Know
Nothing Campaign will be forgotten The secret
order had made fast gains in few months all over
the State, and it was the firm belief of the men,
bers that the election of Mr.. Flournoy was secure
beyond a peradventure.
They knew not, however, what adversary
they had to meet Henry "A. Wise attacked the
powerful order with fury unknown before in
political warfare. Wherever this formidable me-
gatherium bent his steps, the Know Nothing lodges
were crushed out by him, and the result showed
that the overthrow of the American party in Vir-
ginia was due to the personal exertions of Henry
A, Wise alone.
'Stumping the State " is no easy matter under
any circumstances. The physical exerton is
enough to wear out most men. Wises constitu-
ton was feeble at best; and, moreover, the annoy
ances and vexations he endured in this memorable
campaign seemed enough to kill dozen such as
he. His indomitable will was all that sustained
him in gaining his victory.
1t was painful to behold him near the end of the
contest. His whole appearance was that of man
thoroughly broken down by mental and physical
exertion; for he was reduced to almost skel
eton.
In his youthful prime it is said that Wise was
much admired by the ladies'; but we do not think
that we magn !" Eboshn," if we say that at
this period of his life his most ardent admirers
could notfor moment imagine the used-up orator
to be an Adonis.
But to our story. Mr.. Wise had just reached
depot on the Tennessee road, at which point were
collected a squad of people, drawn together to
await the arrival of the cars, or to get sight of
the man whom they politically admired or detested.
As soon as Gizzard-foot got to the station he was
introduced to every man of the crowd; among
among others to a famous sportsman, Mr.. F.,
celebrated for his wild, reckless humor. Wise
TODD his measure'' at q glance, and after the
first few common place remarks, the following
conversation took place:
"Glad to see you, Mr.. Wise"
GAS | am also to see you, Mr.. F,'
Been long looking out for you in these dig
gins, Mr.. Wise.'' sr..
''Why, yes, Mr. Wise; and you are very re-
markable looking man too. am glad to see YOU
personally, Mr.. Wise; but I can't vote for you
nohow.'
"Well then vote against me; this free country,
and every man votes as he pleases.n
''But hear me out, Mr.. Wise. Though can't
vote for you. | will bet on you"
"Ah, Mr. F., that's what | call talking. | ac-
cept that remark of yours as good omen, coming
from so distinguished a member of the society Of
sportsmen.'
"Mr. WISE let me explain myself by telling you
story. Some years ago was at a race at New
Market. There were six fine nags entered, all in
good condition; everyone bet on this or that
horse but to my eye they all lacked some good
point or other, and would not bet on any. Pre-
sently they brought in an old, lean, ugly scrawny
concern, whose appearance raised shout of
laughter. went up, however, and examined him
closely, found he had plenty of mettle, and, de-
spite of his looks | knew he must have bottom |
/ asked. They started; and though the dandy
nags went ahead at first, my old fellow was found
to be tougher than the whole batch. In the end
he won the stakes and when I came off that race
course my pockets could not hold the money
won. All this came of my betting upon the ug.
lest, scrawniest horse on earth and Mr.. Wise
I'll bet on you, too, and win."
The crowd OF bystanders roared with laughter
9 in which Wise joined most heartily. All hands
shrieked, and Gzzard foot'' went on REJOICING
to Lynchburg. Norfolk virgnian.
A CURIOUS LAwsuIT.--The Paris Tribunal nj
Commerce has recently disposed of a very curious
lawsuit, which illustrates the way in which theat
rical matters are managed in that city. NJ Goud.
chou was the leader of the caque, or corps of pro
fessional applauders, at the Porte St. Martin Thea
ter. BY the terms of his contract with M. Marc
Fournier, the manager, he was to receive daily
eighty tickets of admission for the claqueurs free
of charge, and moreover tickets to the yalue oi
a year.. In May last NJ. Fournier seems to
have made up his mind that M. Goudchou was
"a dear purchase. He refused to give him
the eighty free tickets day, and as the claoueur
persisted in demanding them, that important func
tionary was dismissed, and another employed in
his place. M. GoudchOu now brought suit, de-
manding first, either restoration to his position
or the immediate repayment of about $4,000
which he had lent the manager for specified time
not yet expired; and secondly, $4,000 damages
for breach Of contract. M. Fournier replied with
cross action to compel payment OF $1,000 dam
ages for the Inconvenience caused him by his
chief cldgaeur's conduct, and $500 the price OF
the tickets already furnished to the corps
The Court dsaioweAboth claims for damages
holding that the contract was against public mo-
rality, and the tribunals could therefore take nc
cogLizance of it. NJ Fournier was obliged to re-
turn the borrowed money, and M. Gouchou waf
compelled to pay the $500 for tickets
1t is proposed to make provision for carrying
on the underground railroad which is to be started
in New York 5l520 passengers per day, Of