The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-06-02
Deadly Politeness.
ne Arkansas Traveller,

from the Arkansas Traveller.
Nearly every man who ever trav-
elied on the Mississippi river in the
old days can relate an interesting ex-
perience," said the Rev. Mr.. Jackson,
minister whose reputation as an
lmpassionate public orator has gone
beyond the boundaries of Arkansas.
Ihere was something about Mis-
sisslppi river experience that tended
TO aid in vivid reproduction. The
grand floating drawing-rooms, the
wealth displayed at every turn, and
the studied politness and the conyen-
tlonal ceremony of a supposed good
breeding which you everywhere
meet. all comes up at once in repor-
trayal of character which, thus
surrounded. you have contemplated.
But all 0fthis p0iiteness end exhibi-
tion of good breeding, 1 must say,
was but the white foam on muddy
water. 1t was the courtesy that could
grasp the hand of a new acquaintance
or shoot an old friend.
In the spring of 1850 1 boarded a
grand steamer at New Orleans bound
for up the river. 1 was very young
preacher at that time, and was under
orders to repair to a small commu.
nifty and assist in conducting a re-
VlVal. There was something of war
being Waged between two churches.
and it stood our church in hand to
concentrate forces or lose ascendancy
In the neighborhood. These were
days OF political and religious vigor,
and avowed opposition in religious
contests was regarded as being no
more out of place or in i'll keeping
with the faith than the fierce strug
giles engaged in by the Wings and
Democrats. / was told at headuuar-
tiers that another young. preacher
would be sent to assist me, and that
II needed more help to make my
demands known at once. When |
boarded the boat l looked around for
my companion-in-arms, whose name
L had not learned. The closest search
failed to discover my assistant, and
concluding that he had either pre-
ceded or would come after me, l dis.
missed the matter and settled down
to the quiet enjoyment of the occa-
sion.
There were quite a number of
gamblers - polished gentlemen-on
board, and although 1 was opposed
to gambling l could not refrain from
looking on and contemplating with
what serenity of countenance the
players alternately parted with a
thousand dollars.
"'Won't you take hand p asked
one OF the players one evening, ad.
dressing a young pleasant-looking
gentleman who stood near.
81 never play he remarked.
"'WOn't do you any harm.'
"'I know it won't, for l don't in
tend to play
""Tbe gentleman is a rare ioker,'
replied a tall man who handled cards
with an ease and lost with a good
will that almost challenged respect.
"'Yes,' replied the young gentle
man, "a rare joker, because it is rare
that l joke
"'Ah, and a punster,' said the tall
man. relinquishing $1,000 with a
smile.
"'It makes little difference to you
what l am. came here to quietly
look on. not intending to engage in
the game or the conversation, and
especially, not to be the butt of any
jokes that might arise from ill luck
or success at the table. Regardless of
the business you follow, l hope that
you are well enough acquainted with
the manners of gentlemen to treat an
unobtrusive looker.on with civility,
if not courtesy
"'You speak well,' said the tall
man. Il hope that am gentleman
of good birth, education, and hope
that l have not insulted you. If 1
have. l sincerely beg your pardon.
Grant it willingly, and it would be
well; reluctantly, and as a gentleman.
which you undoubtedly profess to be,
you know your recourse
"'But for your last remark, would
have heartily forgiven you of any in
tention to insult me. AS it is, L do
not grant pardon, realizing that a
gentleman is not expected to haye
dealings with such a man as you.
And furthermore, let me say that L
| Il ll.~s..