The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1874-09-10
SEEING THE RESPONSIBLE EDITOR.
A Giant Looking and Thirsting for
Il Duel and What He Found.
From the New Orleans Picayune. I

That very clever story "The Tyran-
teller of Caliviras, . just now going the
rounds, recalls an incident which took
place in the New Orleans Picay1lme
office many years ago, when George
Washington Reeder presided over the
police columns. Reeder was very small,
not over four feet six inches in height.
singularly youthful in appearance, and
given to pompous, overwhelming,
elaborate politeness, which in connec-
ton with his diminutive stature and
magnificent costume generally reminded
one Of benevolent but highly diplo-
matte tomtit. Apart from his journal
istic pursuits, Reeder had quite name
in the theatrical line, being a dilettante
comedian Of considerable merit. Every
body liked him. laughed kindly at his
little peculiarities, and respected the
brave and chivalrous spirit which they
found to be among his characteristics.
To see Reeder in the editorial room
receiving an irate party, and especially
one of the rougher species, was a privi-
lege to be eternally grateful for. His
microscopic size, his gorgeous toilet, his
profase courtesy, and his grandiloquent
address were simply amusing. Callers
with well-defined injuries, but limited
intellect, went away in the firm convic.
ton that Reeder thought them the pur-
est, loftiest and most prosecuted of NOR
tails. Entering the Picayune office with
the rooted purpose of mangling and
bruising the chroniclcrs of their compli-
cations, they would retire believing
that Reeder was too angelic for this
word, and that his references to them
were made only after bitter struggle
with remorseless duty and at the ex.
pense of bleeding heart.
lie was perfectly ready to fight. how
ever, whenever the case demanded it,
and thereby hangs tale.
One day an enormous, rough, fero-
cious looking man entered the office
and inquired for the editor. Much to
his sorrow Reeder has to say that the
editor was absent.
I'm sorry O. that said the big
man. sitting down and depositing a
large, NANCY carpet bag near his chair.
81 stopped over one day just to see
HIM. I'm from Texas, you know, and
| saw something about Texas in this
mornings Picayuns that sorter rifles
me. was going home, but I thought
like to see that editor before l vent.
so as could tell the boys what passed.
1 want to see him alone for about two
minutes-that's all" And here the
visitor S voice grew plaintive, and his
fingers played with the hilt of Colts
army revolver which hung in full view
from his belt.
Il regret extremely, sir, that the edi.
tor happens to be out just now. l feel
sure. from the impression you make on
me, that he would esteem it privilege
to meet you. He would like you to
take back to Texas his assurances of
friendship and admiration Couldn' t you,
my dear sir, couldn't you call little
lateri'
"Well. guess l will come again. long
as I'm here till tomorrow anyhow.
You see, it would make things easier
like if was to meet that editor
About six in the afternoon he return
ed. Nobody but Reeder happened to
be in.
so sorry, my dear sir, bnt the edi-
tor has not yet appeared. Pray be
seated, sir. and permit me to enjoy the !
incident which has made us acsuaint-
ed
Snow I think this rather q hard