Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1883-07-13
\ STORY OF 1850.
very Young Preachers Experience on
the Mississippi Riyer--How a Quiet
Man Got Away with Capt. AicIc.

eled on the Mississippi river in the
old days can relate an interes;i ing ex-
perience," said the Rev. NJ. Jackson
a minister whose reputation as an
lmpassloned public orator has gone
beyond TIE boundaries of Arkansas
There was something about Mis-
slssippi river experiencelthat tended to
aid in vivid reproduction. The grand
floating drawing rooms, the wealth
displayed at every turn, and the
studied politeness and conventional
ceremony of a supposed good breed
ing which you everywhere meet, all
come up at once in reportrayal of a
character which. thus surrounded,
you have contemplated. But all of
this politeness and exhibition of good
breeding, | 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 l boarded
a grand steamer at New Orleans
bound for up the river. was very
young preacher at that time, and was
under orders to repair a small COM
munity 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
the days of political and religious
vigor, and avowed opposition in re-
ligious 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 the head
quarters that another young preacher
would be sent to assist me, and that
if l needed more help to make my
demands known at once. When 1
boarded the boat / looked around for
my cOmpauion-in-a arms, whose name
l even had not learned. The closest
search failed to discover my assistant,
and concluding that he had either
preceded or would come after me. l
the matter and settled
down to the quiet enjoyment of the
occasion.
There were quite a number of
gamblers-polisLed gentlemen - OF.
board, and although l was opposed
to gamblers. l could not refrain from
looking on and contemplating with
what serenity of countenance the
players alternately parted with thou
sands of dollars.
"'Won't you take a hand?' asked
one of the players one evening, ad-
dressing young. pleasant looking
gentleman who stood near.
"'I never play he remarked.
won't do any harm
81 know it won't. for I don't in
tend to play
1.-The gentleman is a rare joker,'
replied 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, relinquishirg $1,000 with
smile.
"'It makes little difference to you
what l am, l came here to quietly
look on, not intending to engage in
the game or the conversation, and,
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 we'll enough acquainted
with the manners of gentlemen to
treat, an unobtrusive locker on with
civility, if not with courtesy
"'You speak WE'LL exclaimed the
tall man. L hope that I am a gentle
man of good birth and education, and
l hope that l have not insulted you.
If l have, ] sincerely beg your par
don. Grant it willingly, and all will
be we'll; reluctantly, and, as a gentle
man, which you undoubtedly profess
to be, you know yolr recourse
but for your ! ast remark Il would
have heartily 70 given yon of any in
tention to insult me- As it is, I do
not grant pardon, realizing that a
gentleman is not expected to have
dealings with such a man as you.
Ana, furthermore, let me say that I
regard you as cowardly villain
The tall man sprang to his feet
and drew a bowie knife The quiet
man did not even look at him.
"'Take that back, or I'll rub your
heart over you facet
Everyone arose, but no one felt
disposed to prevent bloodshed.
81 said regarded you as a cow
ardly villain. Keep cool and Ill tell
you why. While we were engaged
in insinuating conversation, ! saw you
steal a roll of bills from that man.
pointing to one of the players. I'm
til then, and but for the remark you
made trying to compel a cheerful
granting of pardon, l was disposed
to pay little attention to anything
you might say. Now, sir, / have
made my statement. have been led
into this, and l may regret the con-
sequences-don't hold him-but 1
shall make no CONCESSIONS
The tall mans eyes actually
glared. i have killed five men, and
all for less than this he exclaimed.
Get out of the way! I'll cut him in
twon
"'Get out of the wayp said the
quiet mar. 1t would greatly please
me if he were to sit down and con-
duct himself less dangerously, but if
he is determined upon a wicked
action, let him be under no restraint
You are foolishv exclaimed one
of the gamblers, turning to the quiet
man. You are not armed. and even
if you were Capt. Aicle would kill
you. | am the man from whom you
say he purloined the bills. l saw the
action, but did not dare to interpose.'
$50 this is Capt. Aicle" said the
young gentleman. Il have heard of
him. He has a very unsavory repu-
tatiOn in New Orleans IF we'll CON