New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-04-13
TWO GOOD RULES.
Never Pay n Bill Without Taking a Re
ceipt and Never Pay a Bill Twice.

Never Pay Bill Without Taking a Re-
ceipt and Never Pay Bill Twice.
During the Mexican war and while Santa
Anna with several members of his staff
were prisoners in New Orleans await.
ing negotiations for an exchange. the Cres-
cent City was visited by the mayor Of a
neighboring city who was enjoying the hos.
FATALITIES of our municipal authorities.
Colonel w, the guest Of New Orleans
chief magistrate. was a gentleman OF edu'
cation and intelligence, and. although mo-
toriously impecunious and sOmvhat an ex'
pense to his friends, was nevertheless man
Of great personal popularty-so much so
that it was believed that no one could beat
him for any office for which he would as"
pire before the people Of his town. That he
was elected Mayor by a respectable vote
was in part proof Of this. Notwithstand'
ing the regularity Of which mention has
been previously made, and the expense OF
carrying him, tho Colonel was possessed of
conversational powers Of remarkable
character no one could tell better story;
no one could keep a crowd entertained
longer, and consequently the society OF no
one was more welcomed by merry set OF
fellows.
1t so happened that when the Colonel
visited New Orleans he was accompanied
by John l.. at that time engaged in the
exchange and brokerage business in the
city whereof the Colonel was mayor. Stop
ping at the same hotel with Santa Anna
and his associates, who were treated by all
hands with distinguished respect, the Tisit-
ing mayor and his companion were soon
introduced to tho Mexican hero, and after
an exchange Of civilities the onelegged
General was invited to a dinner at 1.-The
Lake" where be must bring his friends to
partake OF the inequalities Of the visiting
mayor Colonel W. requested that John
L. would make the necessary arrange
ments, have all things ready, that no I'M
pleasant delays should occur to mar the
festivity, and meanwhile introduced him to
General Santa Anna and staff as my
banker, Mr.. John L., of -
The dinner was served in princely style;
the finest fish, flesh and fowl we're provided.
and wines and liquors of the choicest
brands were served without stint, Senti-
1nent flowed freely, and universal good
humor prevailed around the festive board.
When all was over. the Colonel called
the landlord. and asked for the bill 1.-TWO
hundred and eighty dollars" said mine
host.
At this the Colonel thrust his hand in his
pocket, when 10! to his bitter establishment,
he found he had, in changing his pants, left
his wallet in his other clothes; but not to
be disconnected among strangers, he turned
TO his banker" with the remark, johnny,
my boy, just fix this thing for me, and III
fix it with you when we get back to town.
The account was squared and the party
dispersed. The next day John L., calling
the provider of the feast aside, said: Colo
mel w, l paid that bill at the lake. and
suppose you are ready to settle with me-
"Why, yam paid the bill, didn't you,
johnny" responded the colonel.
Eyes, sir" was the reply.
"Well, that was right. suppose yvu
took a receipt"
''Yes, sir" answered "the banker
"Now Johnny. you did exactly right
Never pay bill without taking a receipt,
and never pay bill twice. Those are my
rules. You have paid the bill once and it
would be violation of all rules for me to
pay it again.
And the colone! stuck to his rule: that
bill never was paid again, and Johnny had
fO console himself with the thouuht that
he had been banker for mayor before a
number of distinguished guests. and if it
was an expensive lesson he had enjoyed it
rs much as any Of the party. But he has
never wanted to be banker again
under similar circumstances.