The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1875-08-12
A Preacher, Not a Prise-Fighter.


Over In w. one Of the churches recently
called clergyman named Rev. Jos. Strik-
er: In that city, by a most unfortunate
coincidence, there also resides prominent
named Joseph Striker, and
rumors were afloat few weeks ago that
the latter Joseph was about 10 engage In
a contest with Jersey puKilist for the
championship. Our Sheriff considered IL
his duty to warn Joseph against the pro-
posed infrnction of the laws, and so he de-
termined to call upon the professor OF the
art of self-defense. Unhappily, in inquir-
ing the way to the pugiiisL'~ house, some
BODY misunderstood the Sheriff. and sent
him to the residence OF the Rev. Jos.
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. joel How are you"
Mr.. Striker was amazed at this address,
but he politely said:
"Uood morning."
"Joe,' said the Sheriff, throwing his
leg lasily over the arm of the chair, "
came round here to see you about that
mill with Patsy Dingus, that they're all
talking about. | want you to understand
that il can't come off anywhere's around
here. You know well enough it's against
the law, and amt agoing to have IL"
"Mill! MILL sir? What en- 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"
iNew, see here, joe" said the Sheriff,
biting off piece of tobacco, and looking
nth
It's pretty thin, you know. | know well
enough that you've put up $1,000 on that
little affair, and that you've got the whole
thing fixed with Bill Martin for referee.
know you're going down to Pea Patch
Island to have il out, and I'm not going
to allow it. I'll arrest you as sure as a
gun if you try it on, new mind me-"
Really, sir" said Mr.. Striker, there
must be some mistake about"
"Oh, no. there isn't. Your names Joe,
Joe Striker, isn't it ?' asked the Sheriff.
my name is Joseph Striker certainly"
81 knew it." said the Sheriff, splitting
on the carpet, "and you see l have got
this thing dead to rights. 1t shan't come
of, and Pm doing you favor in blocking
the game, because Patsey'd curl you all
up and sicken you any way if I'd
let you meet him. 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"
81 do not know what you are referring
to-" said Mr.. Striker. "Your remarks
are incomprehensive to me but you tone
is very offensive, and if you have any bust
ness with me I'd thank you TO state it at
once.n
Joe" said the Sheriff, looking at him
with benign smile, "you play it pretty
well. Any body'd think you were innO-
cent as lamb. But it won't work, Jo-
seph; it won't work, tell you. I've got
duty to perform, and I'm going to do
it. and pledge you my word if you and
Dingus don't knock off now, I'll srab you
and send you up tor ten years as sure as
death. FIN in earnest about it."
"What do you mean, sir?' asked Mr..
Striker, fiercely.
80, don't you go to putting on any airs
about it. Don't you try any struttng be-
fore me-" said the Sheriff, cor Ill put yeu
under bail this very afternoon. Let's see,
how long were you in Jail the last time.
Two years. wasn't it {? Well, you go fight
ing with Dingus and you'll get ten years,
sure"
You are certainly crazy!" exclaimed
Mr.. Striker.
don't see what you want to stay at
that business for, anyhow" said the Sher-
i'll. "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 a
Jelly. and all for what? Why, for cham
pionshipl It's ridiculous. What gOod'n
it do you if you are champion? Why
don't you try to be honest and decent
and let prize fighting alone?"
This is the most extraordinary con-
versation | ever listened to- said Mr..
Striker. " You evidently take me for a"
81 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, who's your
Irairer, ard I'll put an end to the whole
thing"
You seem to imagine that am a pu-
gilist," said Mr.. Striker. LET me inform
you. sir. that am clergyman"
joe" said the Sheriff. shaking his head,
" It's too bad for you to be in that way
too bad, indeed"
But l am a clergyman, sir-pastor OF
the church of st. Sepulchre. Look
here is letter in my pocket addressed to
me-"
"You don't really mean tn say that
you're preacher named Joseph Strker?'
exclaimed the Sheriff, looking scared.
Certainly am. Come upstairs, and
I'll show you barrelful of my sermons
"Well, if this don't beat Nebuchadnez-
Ear" said the Sheriff. "This is awful
Why, l mistook you for Joe Striker, the
prize-fighter don't know how | ever
a preacher! What an as I've made of
myself! don't know how to apologize,
but if you want to kick me down the front
steps, just kick away I'll bear it like an
angel
Then the Sheriff withdrew unlocked,
and Mr.. Striker went up stairs to finish
his Sunday sermon. The Sheriff talked OF
resigning, but he continues to hold on
Mar AdeLer, in NelV York Weekly.