Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-04-30

know who it is; it is John Morrissey let
him come in" 30, husband, the idea of
your associating with such men, and
bringing them to the house, too" But
the unwelcome visitor walked into the
parlor. Now, John Morrissey at Sarato-
ga, in his white flannel suit, huge diamond
rings, and pin containing brilliants Of the
first water, and of immense size; tall Of
stature, powerful looking fellow, walk
ing quietly about the streets, or loung-
ing at the hotel, but seldom speaking, is
not bad-looking man. Seen in New
York in his clerical black suit, little TOO
hashy to be a minister, yet among bank.
ers, merchants, or at the Stock Board he
would pass very well as one of the solid
men Of the city. But Morrissey as he APP
peared that morning was an entirely diff
ferent parsonage. He had come from
long debaulh, and that Of the lowest kind.
He was bruised and banged up. His
clothes were tattered The Island was
all that seem,d to be opened to him.
With him bargain was made TO organ
izc force of fighters and bullics, suf-
ticient to prevent the ballot-boxes from
being smashed, and the voters from be
ing driven from the polls. He said ne
could do it, for he was at home among
the desperadoes True to his appoint
ment. he was at the polls before they
were opened. He was attended by about
thirty as desperate looking fellows as
ever rode in wagon or swung from Ty-
burn. He stationed his forces, gave his
orders, told each not TO strike promiscu-
ously, but, on the first appearance OF dis
turbancc, each TO seize his man, and not
leave him till his head was broken. There
was no disturbance till twelve O'clock
The late Captain Carpenter was in charge.
About noon 4 huge lumber-van drove up
drawn by four horses. 1t was loaded
with the toughest Of the rough, who
shouted and yelled as the vehicle neared
the curbstonc Bill Poole, at that time so
notorious, led the company. They were
choice specimens Of the men who then
made the rulers of New York. Plug Cg-
lies, Bummers, Roughs Of the Bloody
Sixth. Short BOYS, Fourth Warders, and
men of that class were fully represented.
Bill Poole sprang to the sidewalk. Cap
tain Carpenter stood in the door. Adj
dressing him, Poole said, Cap, may go
ino" .Oh, YES walk in and welcome,
Carpenter said, and in Poole went. He
saw the situation ut y glance. lie meas
ured Molrissey and his gang, turned on
his heel. and passing out, said, Good
morning, Cap. | won't give YOU call
to day drive on boys" and on they went
to some polling place where they could
play their desperate game without hav-
ing their heads broken.
This was Morrissey's first upward step.
He washed his face with n part OF the
money paid him he bought suit OF clothes
and with the balance opened a small
place for play. He became thoroughly
temperate. He resolved TO secure first
class custom. To do this he knew he
must dress well. behave well, be sober,
and not gamble. These resolutions he
carried out. His house in New York IS
the most elegantly furnished OF any OF the
kind in the State. II has always been
conducted on principles of the highest
honor, rs gamblers understand that term.
His table attendants, cooking. and COM
pany are exceeded by nothing this side OF
the Atlantic.
He followed his patrons to Saratoga,
and opened there what was called club
house. Judges, senators, merchants
bankers. millionares, became his guests.
The disguise was soon thrown of, and the
clubhouse assumed the form Of first
class gambling house at the Springs
Horse racing and attendant games follow
ed, all bringing custom and profit to Nor
risseys establishment. About this time
the celebrated conspiracy was formed by
politicians and railroad men 10 break down
Harlem Railroad, and with il itCommodorc
Vanderbilt. AS player Morrissey soon
became familiar with Vanderbilt, who
spent his summers at the Springs. In the
extraordinary movements made by Com
modore Vanderbilt to checkmate the con-
spirators, and throw them on their back,
Morrissey was employed to play con-
spicuous part. He made his appearance
at the Stock Board, backed by Vanderbilt.
He traded i'm Harlem in manner that as
tonished the old operators at the board.
He was allowed to share the profits OF
that bold stroke which ruined thousands
who had sold Harlem short. Morrissey
is now worth half million. He is still
gambler by profession, and carries on his
establishments in Saratoga and New
York.
TatHers and Tdttting.
The disposition to pry into the privacy