Kimball enterprise. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1883, 1883-06-15
DEADLY POLITENESS.


DEADLY P0LITENESS.
A Very Young Preachers Ex-
perience on the Mississippi River.
From the Arkansaw Traveller.
"Nearly every man who travelled on
the Mississippi river in the old days can
relate an interesting experience" said
the Rev. Mr.. Jackson, minister whose
reputation as an impassioned pulpit
orator has gone beyond the boundaries
of Arkansas. "There was something
about Mississippi river experience that
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 supposed good breeding which you
everywhere meet; all come up at once in
Teportrayal of character which, thus
surrounded, you have contemplated.
But all of this politeness and exhibition
of good breeding, mus. 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 boarded a
grand steamer at New Orleans bound for r
| up the river. | was a very young preach
er at that time, and was under orders
| to repair to small community ana as
slst III conducting a revival. There was
something of a war being waged be-
tween 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 re-
| ligious vigor, and avowed opposition in
religious contests was regarded as being
no more out Of place or in ill keeping
with the faith than the fierce struggles
engaged in by the Wings and Democrats.
was told at headquarters that another
young preacher would be sent to assist
me, and that if needed more help to
make my demands known at once
When l boarded the boat l looked for
| my companion-in-arms, whose name I
even had not learned The closest
| search failed to discover my assistant,
and concluding that he had either pre-
ceded or would come after me, dis
missed the matter and settled down to
the quiet enjoyment Of the occasion.
'There were quite a number of gam
blers--polished gentlemen-on board,
and although was opposed to gambling,
| could not refrain from looking on and
contemplating with what serenity of
countenance the players alternately
parted with thousands of dollars.
"Won't you take hand?' asked one
of the players one evening, addressing
young pleasant-looking gentleman who
stood near.
u never play" he remarked.
Wont do you any HARM"
"I know it won't for [ don't intend
to play"
''The gentleman is a rare JOKER" re-
piled tall man, who handled cards
| with an ease and lost with good will
that almost challenged respect.
"Yes," replied the young gentleman,
"a rare joker, because it is rare that I
Joke"
"Ah, and punster," said the tall
man, rclinguishing 81 900 with smile.
g 1t makes little difference to you
what ] am, came here to quietly look
on. not intending to engage in the game
or conversation, and especially, not to
from i'll luck or success at the table. Re-
gardless Of the business you follow, I
hope that you are we'll enough acquaint-
ed 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. 81 hope that I am gentle
man of good birth and education, and
| hope l have not insulted you. If l
have, / sincerely beg your pardon.
Grant it willingly, and all will be well;
reluctantly, and, as gentleman. which
you undoubtedly profess to be, you
know your recourse"
"But for your last remark, would
how haorfilxy af
tention to insult me. AS it is do
not grant pardon, realizing that gen
tleman is not expected to have deal
ings with such man as you. And,
furthermore, let me say that I regard
von, ,,as a cowardly villian.n
The tall man sprang to his feet ano
drew bowie knife. The quiet man did
not even look at him.
Yake that back or I'll rub our hear
all over your face!''
Every one arose, but no one felt dis
posed to prevent bloodshed
II said that | regarded you .as cow
ardly william. Keep cool and I'll tell you
why. While we were engaged ininsinu-
atlng conversation saw you steal roll
of bills from that man." pointing to
one of the players. "Until then, and
but for the remark you made, trying to
compel cheerful granting of pardon, 1
was disposed to pay little attention to
anything you might say. Now, sir, |
have made my statement. l have been
led into this, and may regret the con-
sequences-don't hold hin1-but ] shall
make no concessions"
The tall mans eyes actually glared.
II have killed five men, and all for less
than this" he exclaimed. "Get out of
the way! I'll cut him in two!'
SfTet ont of tho uoup, cold tho o,,:,&
man. "It would greatly please me II he
were, to sit down and conduct himself
less dangerously, but if be is determined
upon wicked action let him be under
no restraint"
"You are foolish" exclaimed one of
the tiHee gamblers turning. to the quiet man.
You are not alarmed, and even if you
We're Capt Aicle would kill you. lam
the man from whom you say he purloin-
ed the bills. l saw the action but did
not dare to tointerpose."
$50 this is Capt. AicIe?" said the young
gentleman. gen ] mar. ~ have heard Of him: He
Orleans If we'll -cOnstructed reports ha