The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1874-07-24
The RESPONSIBLE Editor.

teller of Calveras," just now going the
rounds, recalls an incident which took
place in the New Orleans Picayune of
fee many years ago when George Wash
iHgton Reeder presided over the police
columns. Reeder was very small not
over four feet six inches in height sin
guIarly youthful of appearance, and
given to a pompous, overwhelming,
elaborate politeness which, in connec-
ton with his diminutive stature and
magnificent costume, generally remind
ed one of benevolent but highly di-
plomatic tomtit. Apart from his jour-
nalistic pursuits, Reeder had quite
name in the theatrical line, being
dilettd11te comedian of considerable
merit, Everybody liked him, laughed
kindly at his little peculiarities, and
respected the brave and chivalrous
spirit which they had found to be
among his characteristics,
To see Reeder in the editorial room,
receiving an irate party, and particu
larry one of the rougher species, was a
privilege to be eternally grateful for.
His microscopic size, his gorgeous toilet,
his profuse courtesy and his grandilo-
quent address were simply amazing.
Callers with we'll defined injuries but
limited intellect went away in the firm
| conviction that Reeder thought them
| the purest, Hottest and most prosecuted
of mortals. Entering the Picayune Of
fee with the rooted purpose of mang-
ling and disfguring the chronicler of
their complications, they would retire
believing that Reeder was too angelic
for this world and that his references to
them were only made after bitter
| struggle with remorseless duty and at
the expense of a bleeding heart.
He was perfectly ready to fight, how
ever, whenever the case demanded it !;
and thereby hangs our tale.
One day an enormous, rough, fero-
cious- looking man entered the Office and
inquired for the editor. Much to his
sorrow, Reeder had to say that the edi-
tor was absent.
"Im sorry o'that," said the big
man, sitting down, and depositing a
large, NANCY carpet bag near his chair.
+" l stopped over one day just to see
him. I'm from Texas, you know, and
I 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 I could tell the boys what passed.
I want to see him alone for about two
minutes that's ALL" And here the
visitors voice grew plaintive and his
fingers played with the hilt of a Colts
army revolver which hung in full view
from his belt,
81 regret extremely, sir that the
editor happens to be out Just now. I
feel sure, from the impression you
make on me, that he would esteem it a
privilege to meet you. He would like
you to take back to Texas his assur-
ances of friendship and admiration.
Couldn't you, my dear sir, couldn't you
call little later?"
"Well, L guess I will come again,
long as I'm here till tomorrow anyhow.
You see it would make things easier
like If 1 was to meet that editor"
About six in the afternoon he re-
turned. Nobody but Reeder happened
to be in.
$50 sorry, my dear sir, but the edi.
tor has not yet appeared. Pray be
seated, sir, and permit me to enjoy the
accident which has made us acquainted. u
"Now, l think this rather a hard
case" said the brawny Texan, who was
beginning to be impatient. ''Here's a
paper that pitches into Texas, and, sc
l.
l call to see about 1t, there's no one in.
Where L live things are different. If 6
paper makes any unpleasant remarks
about a gentleman we always know
what to do. We just walk around tc
the Office and the editors there, ready
to give it to US any way we want it
But here you have other fashions. You
go to Texas like blazes in the morning
and when 1 call-being the only Texar
IN town-to chaw up the editor little
and swap bullets with him in genteel
way, can't find my man. / don't like
it. If paper banters fellows this sort
of way it ought to have responsible
man."
Pardon me-" says Reeder, stepni1nne
with one hard thrust into his bosom and
a face literally beaning with good nat.
ure. Pardon me, thousand times
L quite misunderstood you. I supposed
you wanted to see the chief editor only.
If it is responsible man you re seek
ing, that's another thing"
Certainly. That's all want a re.
sponslble man-somebody can rassel
about this article. That's what I we
been saying all the time"
Behold him George Washington
Reeder, at your service, sir. I'm the
responsible 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
a battle-ground where surprise, disap-
pointment, disgust and amusement
struggled for predominance. Then he
stuck the pistol back into the case,
picked up his carpet-bag and, cycling
Reeder all over with disparaging regard,
blurted out the exclamation
"Hell !"
And left, swindled and an injured
man.-N O. Picayupae.