The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1872-02-16
CROTON OIL.
Ficndish Revenge Of am Indig-
uant Woman.

On Monday evening an episode oc-
CURED ut the Milwaukee House, at
Manistee, Michigan, which was in
tended az farce and came near be-
coming iirst-class tragedy, and it's
development combined SO much of
both that it must be ranked as "high
comedy" On that evening n we'll
known caterer of this city who has
for some time kept an eating house
on River street, but since the fire has
been connected with the culinary de-
partment of the Milwaukee House,
was to give an oyster supper TO some
six or eight cronies and patrons of
the above-named hotel. Now, as
this "o'er true tale" runs, this same
person had been SO unfortunate as TO
incur the displeasure Of lady con-
nected with the house, who desired
that he aud the house should part
company. So, while the oysters were
stewing. she dispatched the clerk Of
the house to the Central Drug Store
TO obtain small quantity of croton
oil. Tie called for half an ounce, but
the clcik of the store, knowing its
powerful and destructive effect, only
put up quarter Of an ounce, ut the
same time informing him of it's po-
tent character and dangerous quail
tiles.
This powerful drug was duly con-
yeyed TO the lady before mentioned,
who evidently understood very little
of the agent she was handling. She,
it is reported. instructed q servant
girl to mix the croton oil with Mr..
C's oysters, It is supposed intending
it only for his private dish. But,
fornately. it was mingled III the ket-
tie with the supply intended for the
entire company. Meanwhile, while
the broth was brewing" they passed
the flowing bowl" and all went
merry as John Barleycorn could
make it. At last the oysters were
brought on in which the croton oil
had been mingled "unbeknownst" TO
them. In obedience to the injunc-
ton to take it hot" large amount
OF the beverage was quickly swal-
lowed. The effect was magical.
They had ''strnck lie" and in "pay-
ing quantities. Those familiar with
this potent and dangerous medicine
are aware that one drop is dose,
and these persons had swallowed, on
an average. from six to ten doses -
The scene that ensucd was one 10
move ones bowels of compassion, il
anything ever could.
But the serious aspect of tho case
now appeared. and it was eviden;
that nil who had partaken OF the oys
ters were in real and imminent dan.
ger of death. Medical aid was sum
moned, and by prompt aud etiicien;
measures any fatal termination was
avoided.
But meanwhile the "hired help" oi
the house, tempted by the fragrant
and delicious pottage, had partaker
OF the medicated oysters, and they
quickly reinforced the demoralized
ranks OF the first party. II was con
fusion worse confoanded. Through
one long night of mental anguish
and intense suffering, tragedy and
comedy struggled for the mastery
but comedy, next day, remained mas
ter of the situation. 1t seems scarce
| ly less than miraculous that no fata
result ensued. Some of the mer
went into convulsions, and will hard
ly recover from the effects for some
time. The CONSERVATION of the per.
petrators of this malapropos joke
can be better imagined than describ
ed. As Macbeth says. it was "sor
ry sight," and only the immediate
action of the drug, before greater
quantity could be taken, probabl,
saved the lives of the parties. Lega
proceedings against the perpetrator.
is talked of, and only the supreme
righteousness of some aspects of the
affair will prevent them. The suffer
ers are oil doing we'll.