Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-07-31
seeIng enc Respor.IbIe raltor.

New Orleans Picayune.l
That very clever story, "The Tyrante.
Ter OF Calviras," just now going the
rounds, recalls an incident which took
place in the New Orleans Picayune office
many years ago, when George Washing
ton Reeder presided over the police
columns. Reeder was very small, not
over four feet six inches in height, sim
gularly 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 diplomatic
tomtit Apart from his journalistic pur-
suits, Reeder had quite name in the
theatrical line, being ditettante come
dian Of considerable merit Everybody
liked him, laughed kindly at his little
peeuharitles and respected the brave
and chivalrous spirit which they had
found to be among his characteristics.
10 see Reeder in the editorial room,
receiving a irate party, and particularly
one OF the rougher species, was a privi-
iege to be eternally grateful for. His
microscopic size, his gorgeous toilet, his
proiuse courtesy and his grandiloquent
address, were simply amusing. Callers
with well defined injuries, but limited
intellect, went away in the firm convic-
tion that Reeder thought them the purest,
loftiest and most prosecuted of mortals.
Entering the Picayune Office with the
rooted purpose of mangling and bruising
the chronicler of their complications,
they would retire believing that Reeder
was too angelic for this world, and that
his references to them we're only made
after bitter struggle with remorseless
duty and at the expense of bleeding
heart.
He was perfectly ready to fight, how
ever, when the case demanded it; and
thereby hangs tale.
One day an enormous, rough, ferocious
looking man entered the office and in
quired for the editor. Much to his sor-
row, Reeder had to say that the editor
was absent.
I'm sorry O. that" said the big man,
sitting down, and depositing large,
NANCY carpet-bag near his chair. Il
stopped over one day just to see him.
I'm from Texas, you know, and l saw
something about Texas in this mornings
Picayune that sorter rifles me. | was
going home, but | thought I'd like to see
that editor before / went, so as | could
tell the boys what passed. Iwant to see
alone for about two minutes-that's all.
And here the visitors voice grew plain
tive and his fingers played with the hilt
of Celt's army revolver, which hung in
full view from his belt.
II regret extremely, sir, that the editor
happens to be cut just now. / feel sure,
from the impression you make on me,
that be would esteem it privilege to
meet you. He would like you to take
back to Texas his assurances of friend
ship and admiration. Couldn't you, my
dear sir, couldn't you call little laterY
well, l guess l will come again. long
as I'm here till tomorrow anyhow. You
see it would make thing easier like if l
was to meet that editor.
About six in the afternoon he returned.
Nobody but Reeder happered to be in.
SO sorry, my dear sir, but the editor
has not yet appeared. Pray be seated
sir, and permit me to enjoy the accident
which has made us acquainted"
Now, think this rather hard case"
said the brawny Texan, who said he was
beginning TO be impatient. Here's a
paper that pitches into Texas and, so to
speak, bullrags the Texans, and when L
call to see about, there's no one in. If
q paper makes any unpleasant remarks
about a gentleman, we always know what
to do. We Just walk around to the Office,
and the editors there, ready to give it to
us any way we want it. But here you
have other fashions. You 90 for Texas
like bazes in the morning; and when |
the only Texan in town-to
cbaw up the editor little and swap
bullets with him in genteel way, can't
End my man. ! don't like it. If a paper
banters fellows this sort of way it ought
to have a responsible man"
Pardon me" says Reeder stepping
laintily into the middle of the room,
with one hand thrust into his bosom and
a face literally beaming with good nature.
Pardon me, thousand times. | quite
you. / supposed you
wanted to see the chief editor only. If
it is responsible man you're seeking,
that's another thing"
Certainly. That's all want; re-
sp0nsible man-some0ody can rassel
about this article. That's what I've been
saying ali the time.
behold him George Washington
Reeder, at your service, sir. I'm the
man OF this paper, sir.
The astonished giant looked at Reeder,
and then at his pistol which was nearly
as large as Reeder, and his face became
battle ground where surprise, disappcint-
ment, disgust and amusement struggled
for predominance. Then he stuck the
pistol back into the case, picked up his
and cycling Reeder all over
with disparaging regard, blurted out the
exclamation:
"Hellr
And left, a swindled and an injured
man.