The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1879-12-06
NO. 81
Owens, Baby.

An0 AV4ioWliS iettef from the cele-
brated comedian, who il the central fir-
ure OF the interesting incident subioined.
is self-explanatory:
PALACE HoTRL, Nov. 10. 1879.
My Dear Sir: Thank you for the adj
vance proof of your article, which is COR
rect IN almost every particular, except
that you have overdrawn the scene in the
theater slightly, and made, think. too
much fun of a matter which to me is one
of the most serious events of my life.
Little David (for have resolved to call
him after you) is sleeping quietly in the
new crib I bought for him this morning,
and have an alcohol lamp to warm his
milk the moment he wakes up. have
already learned how to dress, undress.
wash and powder him, from kind mat
ron residing on the floor below. and can
perform every Office that his infant help
lessness demands of me. / had TO dis
card the 'Maws Feeding Bottle for an
other kind with rubber attachment thst
works better. II you know any friends
who have children and could spare me q
few bibs and one or two pinning blan-
kets, send them along. I have all the
diadems want. D. is inst waking up.
and the little rascal has kicked off one Of
his woolen shoes. Excuse my closing
this abruptly, as have to take him. He
has commenced to cry. Your sincere
friend, JoHN E. Owens.
THE FACTS OF THE CASE,
Which will be eagerly read by all who
know Mr.. Owens, are as follows: He
had retired to his room on Monday about
half-past three in the afternoon, and after
taking of his coat and shoes, lain down
down to take short siesta as prepara-
ton for his evening labors. He was Just
beginning to doze off when he heard
loud knock at the door, which he an
swered by requesting the caller to wait.
About minute and half elapsed while
he was putting on his boots and coat,
during which he heard the rustling of
dress of some person evidently hurrying
down the corridor and the cry of an in
FAINT. When he opened the door there
was no one in sight, while on the mat
outside lay a beautiful baby boy about
three months old, with large blue eyes,
and growing Justify. When his first
burst of astonishment had passed away
he naturally lifted the little one and
noticed page of note paper pinned to
its dress. On this was written;
"MY DEAR Sm:-I have ssen your per-
formance of Higgins in ~ Clyde, and
consider it one of the finest impersona-
tions ever Witnessed. The only way IN
which can evince my gratitude to you
is my offering you one of the ioyeliest
infants could select from the Orphan
Asylum Take it and cherish it, and
may God bless yol. and prosper you.
ss An UNKNowN ADMIRER.
He was on the point of taking the lit
tie, helpless cherub, and in moment of
ANGER AKIN TO INSANITY,
Dashing it to the floor. but the baby was
smiling at him, and his heart melted in a
moment, while greas tears weIled up from
the princely breast of the old CONNIE
dian, as he folded it to his bosom and
carried it into his suite of rooms There
he laid it tenderly on the bed, covered it
with a red handkerchief and q green
coat, wrapped its little feet in an old
scratch wig, looked at it, chucked il
under the chin, and-well-kissed it till
his prickly beard made it cry. Then he
soothed it, and pnlling an arm chair
close to the bed, contemplated the situa-
ton.
..I'n keep it, he cried, lin spite Of
what any one may say. Tn eighty-fonr
years old, and member of the Baptist
Church, and only six weeks in the city;
I'll defy public opinion; I'll be - if I
don't. Next he rang the bell and sent
for Mr. Sharon, told his story and his
resolve. The latter secured the services
of kind lady guest, who, amply pro-
vided by Mr. Owens with the necessary
funds. secured lavish outfit for the
founding within an hour. When the
time came to go to the theatre, he for the
first time felt anxious about his treasure.
He could not leave it. Like the Spartan
heroes of old he faced the music, the
gibes of the company and the incredu.
lous disgust of the leading lady and the
soubrette, and with the child sleeping in
his arms and q feeding bottle sticking out
of his pocket, entered the dressing room
where he i'm provised crib. He would
allow
NO ONE TO NURSE IT,
Except his friend, Mr.. Kennedy, nor 4
touch it or handle it. The noise Of ths
orchestra woke it up, and its screams
drove the leader nearly wild, and an
noyed the audience, but he persevered
| and merely set his teeth and sent fol
some paregoric. How he set mp all nigh
with it, and sent for DR.. Bishop to allay
/ its collie, and how devotedly he nurses i
| day and night, are matters which viii bl
told by-and- by. His act was that of {
| good, brave and generous soui, and, a
such, deserves to be given to the world
San Francisco Posi-.