The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1875-08-11
REV. JOE. STRIKER,
II Don't Happen to be the Right Man.
MAX Aheler in the New York WeeklY1

~ called a Clergyman named Rev. Jos.
Striker. In that city, by most unfortu-
nate coincidence, there also resides noted
prize fighter named Joseph Striker, and
rumors were afloat few weeks ago that
the latter Joseph was about TO engage in
contest with Jersey pugilist for the
championship. Our sheriff considered it
his duty to warn Joseph against the pro-
posed infraction Of the laws, and 80 he de-
termined to call upon the professor Of the
art of self-defense. Unhappily, in inquir-
ing the way to the pugilist's heuse, some-
body misunderstood the sheriff, and sent
him to the residence of the Rev. Joseph
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 your
Mr.. Striker was amazed at this address,
but he politely said:
Good morning"
"Joe," said the sheriff, throwing his leg
lazily over the arm of the chair, 81 came
round here to see you about that mill with
Patsy Dingus, that they're all talking
about want you to understand that it
can't come off anywheres around here
You know well enough it's against the
law, and amt agoing to have il"
"Milll Mill, sir2 What on earth do
you mean?" asked Mr.. Striker, in aston
ishment 81 do not own any mill, sir
Against the lawl do not understand you,
SIR"
Now, see here, Joe" said the sheriff,
biting off a piece of tobacco, and looking
very wise, that won't 60 down with me.
It's pretty thin, you know. l know well
enough that you've put up 81, 900 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 I'm not going
to allow it. I'll arrest you as sure as a
gun if you tiy it on, now mind me"
Really, sir" said Mr.. Striker, there
must be some mistake about"
"Oh, no, there isn't. Your name is Joe
Striker, isn't itT' asked the sheriff.
"My name is Joseph Striker, certainly.
81 knew it" said the sheriff, splitting on
the carpet, land you zee ] have got this
thing dead to rights. 1t shan't come off
and I'm doing you favor in blocking the
game, because Patsy'd curl you all up and
sicken you, anyway, if I'd let you meet
him. know he's the best man, and you
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"
81 do not know what you are referring
to-" said Mr. Striker. "Your remarks
are incomprehensive to me, but your ton,
is very offensive, and if you have any bu
siness with me I'd thank you to state i
at once.
"Joe," said the sheriff, looking at hin
with benign smile, you play it pretty
well. Anybody'd think you were limo
cent as lamb. But it won't work, Jo
seph; it won't work, tell you. I've 60
duty to perform. and I'm going to do it
and pledge you my word if you and Ding
US don It knock off now, Ill grab you anC
send you up for ten years as sure as death
I'm in earnest about it"
"What do you mean, sir?' asked Mr.
Striker, fiercely.
80, don't you go to putting on any air
about it. Don't you try any strutting be
fore me-" said the sheriff, 'or III put yo
under bail this very afternoon. Let's SEE
how long were you in Jail the last time
Two years, wasn'tit? Well, you go fight
ing with Dingus and you'll get ten years
sure"
"You are certainly crazyI' exclaime
Mr.. Striker
81 don't see what you want to stay q
that business for, any how" said the sher
if. Here you are, in a snug home, wher
you might live in peace, and keep respect
able. But no, you must associate wit
low characters, and go to stripping your
self naked, and jumping into ring to g
your nose bloodied and your head swelleC
and your body hammered 10 jelly, an
all for what? Why, for championship
It's ridiculous What good'll do you
you are champion? Why don't you TT
to be honest and decent and let prize-fsh
ing alone?'
"Ths is the most extraordinary CONVEX
sation ! ever listened to, said Mr.. Strike
"You evidently take me fol- a.
81 take you for Joe Striker. and if 20
keep on, I'll take you to Jail" said Il
! sheriff, with emphasis. Now, YOU tie
me who's got those stakes, and who's yol
u trainer, and Ill put an end to the who
> thing"
"You seem to imagine that am p'
= gilist," said Mr.. Striker. "Let me inforI
you, sir, that am a clergyman.
"Joc," said the sheriff, shaking his he'
slowly, "its too bad for you to lie in tn
,e way-too bad, indeed.
n But l am a clergyman, sir-pastor
r. tn church of St Sepulchre. Look, he