Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-03-24
Pete Akers as the Festive sIoke.


The East Texas Daily star, published
at Jefferson, in the Lone Star State, is re-
spOnsible for this:
"By all odds the richest and most inter
esting play upon the CIVIL Rights law was
perpeTated in this city last night by
gentleman Of rare qualities as a mimic and
peTsOnatOr Of negro character. Mr.. Pete
Akers concluded that he would have
little sport, and conceived the idea Of per-
sOnating a negTO, visiting different places
and demanding the rights and privileges
guaranteed under that mOnstnOsity Of
human laWs-the Civil Rights act.
He BACKED himself, and, dressed
in the usual gaTb Of the negro,
and with carpet bag in hand,
commenced his rounds. He visited first
the City Hotel and called for supper and
lodging. BE was not satisfied with the
customary fare and quarters allotted to the
colored individuals, and demanded such as
he considered were vOuchsafed to him I'M
der The civil rights act. He was peremp-
tOriIy ordered to leave the house, and did
so without further persuasion. He then
went to the restaurant of Maroon & Gardi-
ner and called for supper. he was told by
M " AAlGl AAE NOlLlu ACH HIS ouRpEA " ~
ing back into the kitchen. This he refused
to do. Setting his carpet-bag down on
one table, he took his seat at another, and,
bringing his fist down on the table,
said. II am determined to eat right
here, as | hab a right to do by de
cibbel rites bill" He had hardly made
the declaration, when he saw a chair ele-
waited above his head by Mr.. G., and Pete
4. a.. bsv,aaTF
He then crossed the street to Billy Rich
ardsOn's saloon and called for drink. He
was told to 90 TO the end Of the counter
where all negroes drank, but he refused
and said he would have it like white fol ks,
and while he was arguing his claims under
the Civil Rights act, Mr.. r. came after
him with a billiard cue, at sight Of which
he left without further orders. He then
went to the saloon Of Chas. Laurent and
demanded drink, and attempted to lie
down on his bed, but before he could urge
bis Civil Rights claims, be was taken up
by the barkeeper and put out Of the house,
Els last attempt was at our Office. He
accordingly came to the Leader Office and
knocked at the door Of the editor, and was
answered with the usual "cOme in" The
door was opened and there stood, what to
all appearance seemed to be, a six foot,
one hundred and eighty pound negro. The
editor asked what he wanted. Says he:
81 wants to stute seediDs' agin dat hotel
round dar, case dey fused to gimme a room
and muffin to eat, and 1 wants to publish
dem, case dey hab broke de eibble rights
law The editor told him if that was his
intention, that be was trying to do thing
that never would be submitted tO in this
country. That the civil rights act vas
a nullity here, and that if be attempted
to enforce it be would soon close his career
in this world. Pete replied, "YOuT a
Northern man, and yOu's gOin' back on us,
too. I'll stute seedins' agin you; III 60 for
you, sir" This was too much for the edi-
tor, and he rushed for his private room for
his pistol, and, if it had not been removed,
there is no telling what might have been
the termination Of the interview; but, see
ing this move on the part Of the editor,
Pele fell down the stairs, and said he
didn't know what was after him. A party
Of friends soon entered and explained the
whole Joke, and it was fully enjoyed By all
hands. It has created much comment and
amusement on the street, and is considered
the best burlesque Of the season."