The Van Buren press., 1873-10-21
Coolbaugh's Distemper.
Iprom The chieaso rime.. October 2.


about the city on yesterday, to the effect
that Mr. Cooihaugh had been taken with
"a serious illness, and rs reports lose
nothing in beisg circulated from mouth
TO mouth, the impression soon became
prevalent that the recent disaster which
had evcrtakcn the Union National had
impaired the mental faculties Of the pres
idcnt. This, by and by, Was ma2nliied
into n report that Mr.. Coolbaugh was
confined to bed and required six strong
men to hold him,
Such rumors we're sufficiently portcn.
tious to excite the curiosity Of a newspa
per man, and about noon Yesterday a
Times reporter peeped cautiously lhro
one oi the glass doors of the Union Ma
tienal Seeing tho clerks all engaged in
the business OF liquidation, he took conr-
age and addressed tho one nearest the
door.
ais it true that Mr. Coolbaugh is very
n was the first inquiry made.
/" ! believe he was somewhat wearicd
out yesterday" replied The clerk, but
l guess he is all right again to day.
There hc is behind there; you had bet
ter ask him how he is. -
"Is there any foundation for the ru
NOR here the reporter whispered in
the clerks ear lie smiled blsndly, and
repeated his former remark, You had
better ask himself "
1t was a dangerous experiment to
tackle man who WAS suppose to be
under the influence Of hydrophobia, or
moneymanic, or some other mental
disorder, but dasy is duty, and not be
shirked Nj Coolbaugh certainly did
not look very ferocious He was walk.
ing quietly around, examining papers,
consulting with the cashier. and seemed
on the whole to be deeply engrossed in
business. Still, this might have heen on
B put on TO deceive the public. The re.
port made bold dash at him without
waiting to think it over, and the follow
ing conversation cnsued
Reporter Mr.. Coobaugh, good morn
ing, sir.
Mr. Good morning, sir
R--How do you feel to day?
Alr C--About rs well as usual, thank
you; a little tired perhaps, but not much
to complain of
II i suppose this business OF liquda-
ting, or " squaring up. rs one may say,
mnst be rather severe tax upon the
mind
This was a fselcr intended to lead the
subject gently up to tho point where he
was wanted, but it had no effect Mr.
Coolbaugh simply said, Il suppose so"
Reporter docking around to see If all
the avenues of escape were open in case
Of emergency lis it true, Mr. Cool.
bavgh, that you have been very i'll late
lyt
Mr.. G No, have not been very ILL
only little worn out, as it were,
r There isno truth in the rumor---
Mr. C-Well, what rumor nowY
RI mean the report, shat is, the eur
rent talk outside in regard to-
Mr.. C,--What do you mean? Wha
are you trying to get at
R--Wcll what | meant was, have al
your family been as well as usual for {
few days?
Mr.. C-My family, thank you, are al
we'll Have you any particular busines.
with me, sir2 My time is rather valua
Die, as you may perceive.
RI am just coming to the post Mr.
Coolbaugh Excuse me, but it isn't true
then?
Mr., C--What is truoY Excnso me
sir, but think you hardy know waa
you are talking about.
R-Well sir, I'll out with it then
Were you ever mad, Mr. CSolbaughf
Mr.. C.--Wcll, guess I've had reason
to bc occasionally this last week or so
R.--But really, now, you are not mad
at present?
Mr.. c. lin a very emphatic tone No
sir, but I'll mighty soon be, if you stay
here another minute.
Here the conversation abruptly ceased
the bank president being quite unaba to
overtake the interviewer. who proceeded
at q rapid pace along LaSalle street in
search Of items