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

From the New Orleans Picayune.]
That very clever story 'The Tyran-
teller of Caliviras,' just now going the
rounds, recalls an incident which took
place in the New Orleans Picavune
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 a pompous, overwhelming,
elaborate politeness, which in connec-
ton with his diminutive stature and
magnificent costume generally reminded
one Of a benevolent but highly diplo-
matte tomtit. Apart from his Journal
istic pursuits, Reeder had quite name
in the theatrical line, being 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
profdse 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, Hottest 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 a bitter struggle
with remorseless duty and at the ex.
pense of bleeding heart. .,..,
He was perfectly ready to fight, how
ever, whenever the case demanded it,
and thereby hangs tale.
One day an enormous, rough, Zero.
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.
II stopped over one day just to see
him. I'm from Texas, you know, and
saw something about Texas in this
mornings Picuyunc that sorter rifles
me. Twas going home, but thought
Id like to see that editor before vent. |
SO As | could tell the boys what passed.
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 bsck to Texas his assurances of |
friendship and admiration Couldn' t you,
NY dear sir, couldn't you call little
Iateri'' |
aWell, I guess I will come again, long !
IS I'm here till tomorrow anyhow. |
You see, it would make things easier
ike if was to meet that editor"
About six in the afternoon he return
I'd. Nobody but Reeder happened to
be in.
$50 sorry, my dear sir, bnt the edi-
'or has not yet appeared. Pray be
'eated. sir. and permit me to enjoy the
Incident which has made US acquaint-
ID" /
= sNow I think this rather = hard