The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-06-16
A Little Too Quarrelsome.
A Story With a Moral.
New Orleans Times. Dem.l

New Orleans Times, Dem.l
The position which the Southern Democrats
bear towards their Northern allies, reminds us
of an illustrative and somewhat amusing story
There was once an old wealthy Virginian
who was noted for his integrity and energy,
but who was afflicted with most unhappy
temper. He was an exemplary citizen, for he
was actuated by just motives and correct prin-
ciples; he was fast and true friend but in all
of his associations he was most irascible, and
indeed quarrelsome. He constantly got into
difficulties, and being advanced in years, and
having feeble frame, he always received the
worst of the affray. Nothing daunted, how
ever, by defeat, he would quarrel with the first
man he met, and be drubbed again before he
would give an inch or surrender point.
One day driving in the country the old man
passed hog drover on the road The young
man was ragged and worn and wearied, but
nevertheless his splendid physique attracted
the attention of the smaller man in the buggy.
An idea struck him; he called the drover to
the wheel: "What salary do you get?" he
inquired. eight dollars a month and find
myself" replied the other. "Small pay" said
the old man. 1 think that 1 can do better by
you. Can you fght?" The young fellow
placed his left forefnger on the bare muscle of
his right arm, and answered that he thought
he could whip his weight in wild cats on
proper and necessary occasion. "Then you are
my man. exclaimed the admiring elder.
Come to me tonight and you shall have
twenty-five dollars month, clothes and
board" "But what am 1 to do?" quered the
younger. "Why fight for me-" of course"
A. l.. 81.
gion tries to impose ON me and ride over
me. I'm small and not strong, and 1 need
just such person as you to defend me-"
every WE'LL" said the drover, "I'll report"
The next day the irritable master and the
phlegmatic champion, the latter Iow well
dressed, drove down the road. They soon en-
countered teamster who was walking and
driving heavily laden wagon. Get out of
my way" yelled the old man in the buggy.
''You can drive aside easier than 1 can,"
said the WAGNER, whereupon the other aimed
a blow with his whip at the leader in the team.
The teamster moved toward the buggy, but
encountered the young companion, and a ter
rible fight ensued. In the end the owner of
the wagon had to "give the word" as they say
in that country, l. e., he cried "nuffP' The
old man was delighted. He took the victor
praised him inordinately. But the young
giant was a little grum. He had been severely
handled and was minus an ear, OF which he
spoke. "Thats nothingp' exclaimed his en-
ployer, "here is ten dollars extra pay. You
are a splendid fellow: You fought like tiger.
wouldn't take anything in the world for
you."
Some days later the two were walking to the
village and came to the ferry. The boatman
did not promptly answer the horn; when he
friend hogan
abuse him as he approached the shore. To
shorten the story, there was another desperate
encounter. The hired athlete and the burly
boatman fought along the bank, into the boat
and overheard. In time the whilom drover
got the word, but lost the better part of his
nose and his left thumb. Splendid Splen-
didp' cried the old Virginian. you're per-
feet Hercules. 1 would have given half of my
fortune if l could have had you years ago."
The MANNED and somewhat dispirited youth
did not trust himself to do more than look his
grim thoughts. But the man encouraged him,
petted him nd gave him douceur as before.
The third duty which was imposed upon the
remains of the once perfect young man
was to thrash a lusty toll-gate keeper who took
a half minute too long to lift the bar. He
came through the fight with victory, to the
eye and lost the forefnger of his right hand.
He said never word but listened in heavy
surly humor to the enthusiastic praises of the
old man as they drove home.
Inat nlgnt however, ne came with grue-
some countenance, bandaged head, his arm
in sling and quietly asked to be paid off.
''Why, you are not going to leave me?'' rue
fully asked the other "Yes," said the young
man sadly but firmly; 81 can't stay. The
truth is Squire" he continued, as pang shot
through his eyeless socket you're leetle too
quarrelsome for the compensation"
The moral, or rather the application of this
story is apparent Our quarrelsome but de-
crepit old friend fairly symbolizes the depleted
0hncfi do nf fha
young giant will stand for the Confederate
Brigadiers," so to speak. The need of the
weaker party for the help of the stronger is
seen at once and the severe handling with the
victory conceded to him is matter of history
In the encounters which have been forced up
on the southern athlete and the losses which the
South has sustained we may see the parallel con-
tinued. And well may the southern democracy
exclaim that the other party to the contract is
"little too quarrelsome for the com pensa-
ton"