Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1875-07-08
Misfllaufntls.
JOE STRIKER.
1t Wasn't the Right Man.

Max Adeler has the following: Over
Ia w. one of the churches recently call
ed clergyman named Rev. Jos.
Striker. In that city, by most unfor-
tunate coincidence, was prominent
prize-fghter named Jos. Striker, and
rumors were afioat a few weeks ago
that the latter Joseph was about to en-
gage In contest with Jersey pugilist
for the championship. Our Sheriff con-
eidered 1t his duty to warn Joseph
against the proposed infraction of the
laws, and SO he determined to call
apon the professor of the art of self
defense. Unhappily, in inquiring the
the way to the pugilist's house, some
body misunderstood the Sheriff and
sent him to the residence Of the Rev.
Mr.. Striker, Of whom he had never
heard. When Mr.. Striker entered the
room, In answer to the summons, the
Sheriff said to him Familiarity:
Hello, Joe! How are you?' -
Mr.. Striker was amazed at this ad-
dress, but he politely said:
Good morning.
'Joe,' said the Sheriff, throwing his
leg lazily over the arm of the chair, Il
came round here to see you about that
mill with Patsey Dingus, that they're
all talking about. / want you to un-
derstand that it can't come off any
where's around here. You know well
enough it's against the law, and I amt
agoing to have it,
Mill! Mill, sir? What on earth do
you mean?' asked Mr.. Striker, in as
tonishment, Il do not own any mill,
sir. Against the law! l do not under
stand you, sir
Now, see here, Joe, said the Sheriff,
biting off Iiece of tobacco and looking
very wise, that won't 60 down with
me. It's pretty thin, you know. /
know we'll enough that you've put up
$500 on that little affair, and that
you've got the whole thing fixed with
Bill Martin for referee. know you
are going down to Pea Patch Island to
have it out, and Pm not going to allow
1t. I'll arrest you as sure as gun il
you try II on, now mind me-
Really, SIR said Mr.. Striker, there
must be SOME mistake about s
oh, no there isn't; your names Joe
Striker, isn't ii? asked the Sheriff.
My name is Joseph Striker, GER
tainly.'
Il knew It, said the sheriff, splitting
on the carpet, and you see I've got this
thing dead to rights. 1t shan't come
of; and Pm doing you favor in block
ing the game, because Patsey'd curl
you all up and 1 know he's the best
man. and you'd just lose your money
and get all bunged up besides; so you
take my advice, now, and quit. You'll
be sorry if you DON'T
Il do not know what you are refer.
ring to, said Mr.. Striker. your re.
marks are incomprehensible to me, but
your tone is very offensive, and if you
nave any business with me I'd thank
you to state it at once. -.n-
'Joe,' said the Sheriff, looking at him
with a benign smile, you play it pret
ty well. Anybody'd think you were
innocent as lamb. But it won't work
Joseph-it won't work, 1 tell you
I've got a duty to perform, and Pm
going to do it, and L pledge you my
word If you and Dingus don't. knock
off now, I'll grab you and send you up
earnest about it,
'What do you mean, sir p asked Mr.
Striker, fiercely.
%, don't go to putting on any airs
about it. Don't you try any strutting
before me- said the Sheriff, 'or I'll put
you under bail this very afternoon,
Let's see, how long were you in jail
last time? Two years, wasn'tit? Well,
you 60 fighting with Dingus and you'll
get ten years, sure
You are certainly crazyv exclaimed
Mr.. Striker.
Il don't see what you want to stay at
that business for, anyhow said the
Sheriff. Here you are in snug home
where you might live in peace and
keep respectable. But no, you must
associate with low characters, and go to
stripping yourself naked and jumping
into ring to get your nose bloodied,
and your head swelled, and your body
hammered to jelly, and all for what ?
Why, for championship! It's ridicu-
lous. What gOod'll it do you il you
are champion? Why don't you try to
be honest and decent, and let prize
fighters alone?'
This is the most extraordinary con-
versation ever listened to- said Mr..
Striker. You evidently take me for
g.
L take you for Joe Striker, and if
you keep on, I'll take you to Jail ? said
the Sheriff, with emphasis, Now, you
tell me who's got those stakes, and
who's your trainer, and 1'll put an end
to the whole thing
You seem to imagine that I am a
pugilist,' said Mr.. Striker. Let me in
form you, sir, that l am clergyman
'Joe,' said the Sheriff, shaking his
head, it's too bad for you to lie that
way-too bad, indeed Is sra
But ! am a clergyman, sir-pastor