Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-03-31
now HE GOT IN THE CLUB
The Way Fighting Fitzgerald Was EIec-
ted to BrOOkes',
Forney Progress,l

4HC mdliCI III MnltN tue hutuiAbui
George Robert Fitzgerald had himself
elected to Brookes' is unparalleled il
club annals. He was, in every way, {
most Objectionable parsonage, but hi.
fighting propensities made him feared
if not respected. He was nearly rela.
ted to one of the first families Of Ire.
land (Leinster), but the law had tC
help him out of the world, in 1856
because of a murder which he had
coolly premeditated and perpetrated
in a cruel and cowardly way. While
he hourished, none of the clubs
wanted to have anything to do with
him. Once he applied to Admiral
Keith Stewart to propose him at
BrOokes', and the admiral knowing il
he refused he would have to fight.
promised to comply. Accordingly, on
the night when the ballot was to take
place (Which was a mere form in this
instance, for even Keith Stewart him
self had resolved to black ball the
NAM, the duelist accompanied the
admiral in 1T. James street, and
waited in the room down stairs while
the election was going on. That was
soon over, for without hesitation
every member threw in a black
ball, aRd when the examination of
the box occurred. the company were
somewhat astonished not to find even
one white. The rejection being unani-
nous, the question now was, who
would have the Eardihood to an
nounce the result TO the expectant
candidate, No one offered to do that
duty, for it was thought the informa-
ton would certainly provoke a chal-
lenge, and a duel with Fitzgerald had
nearly always been fatal to bis oppo-
nent. The general opinion was that
the propoSer, Stewart, should be the
bearer Ofthe news. "NO, gentleman
he said, II proposed the fellow, be-
cause ] knew you would not admit
him but, by Jovel | have no i%nclina-
ton to risk my life against that of a
madman.' but, admiral" replied
the Duke of DeyOnshire (this was the
bon vivant duke who had made ready
for him, every night for suppers at
Brookes a boiled blade bone Of NUT
tom, there being no white ball in the
box, he must know hal you black
balled him as well as the rest, and he
is sure to call you out anyhow" This
was a puzzler, and the admiral, after
some hesitation, suggested that the
waiter should tell Fitzgerald that there
was one black ball, and that his name
must be put up again, if he insisted
upon being elected.
All concurred in the propriety of the
plan, and the waiter was dispatched on
the mission. During the while, Fitz-
gerald had frequently rung the bell to
inquire the state of the pool and
had sent each waiter who answered to
ascertain, but all were afraid to return.
Mr.. Brookes took the message from
the servant, who was descending the
stairs, and boldly entered the room
with a coffee service in his hands.
Did you call for coffee sir ?" said Mr..
BrOOkes. On your coffee, sir. and
youtoo, answered. Fitzgerald in a voice
which made the hosts blood run cold.
Il want to know, sir, and that without
delay, if | am chose" "0h sir" re-
piled Mr.. Brookes, Il beg your pardon
sir, but | was just coming to announce
to you, sir, with Admiral Stewards
compliments, sir, that, unfortunately.
there was one black ball in the box.
sir, and consequently, by the rule
of the club, sir, no candidate
can be elected without a new election.
sir which cannot take place, sir. by
the standing regulations of the club.
sir, until one month from this time.
sir"
During this address Fitzgerald's
Feasibility appeared to undergo con-
siderable notification and at its close
he grasped BroOkes' hand saying. my
dear fellow, I'm chose but there
must be a small matter of mistake in
my election" He then persuaded
Brookes to 60 up stairs, make his
compliments to the gentlemen, and
say as it was only a mistake of one
black ball, they would be so good as
to waive all ceremony on his account
and proceed to re.elect their humble
servant without any more delay at all"
Many Of the members we're panic
stricken, foreseeing a d~isagreeable
ending. MIR. Brookes silently waited
for their decision. At length the
Earl of March said
Try the effect of two black balls :
d-n his Irish impudence, if two balls
don't take effect on him l don't know
what will" This was agreed to. aud
Brookes was ordered to communicate
it. On entering the waiting-room,
Fitzgerald inquired, Have they
elected me right now?', The answer
was, Sorry TO inform you that the
result Of the second ballot was two
black balls" "Then," exclaimed
Fitzgerald, there's now two mis-
takes instead Of one" He sent
DIOOkes Dack 10 the honorable gen
tlemen to try again, and make no more
mistakes. Brookes was thereupon
commissioned to say that the case was
hopeless, that he was black balled all
over from head TO foot, and it was hoped
By the members that Mr.. Fitzgerald
would not insist upon thrustlng him.
self into society where his company
was declined. This was of no avail.
No sooner had Fitzgerald heard il
than he exclaimed, "0h, | perceive
it Is miatako altogether, Mr.. Broolos
and must geO to The Foctifyiug Of il
myself. There's nothing like daling
with principals so I'll step up at once
and put this thing to rights without
any more unnecessary delay" In
spite of Dir. Brookes remonstrance,
that his entrance into tho club room
WAS arainsL ali rnln and n-tinnnLAn