National Republican., 1883-11-03
THE MAN ON THE AVENUE.
small Talk About MEN and Measures

of the track for alleged crooked practices at
the recent meeting Of tile Louisville Jockey
club, has long been one of tho noted charac-
tors of the turf. Ho is tall, muscular
mulatto, and one of the leaders of his race in
the politics of Cincinnati. He is said to be
worth perhaps 100000, lives in good style,
and is not unknown in political circles in
Washington.
Bobs connection with the turf has been q
long ono, both as owner and speculator.
Somewhere about 1858 or 80 he took stable
of racers to England, but it is not recorded
that any very distinguished success re-
warded his patriotic desire TO tweak the tail
of the British lion. One of his marked pc
culiarities has been n weakness for making
mouth bots" during the progress Of the race.
Taking position ON the stand whore ho
could see every movement of tho horses and
jockeys, and relying upon the experience
gained in years Of racing ho would ut some
critical point make up his mind as
to the sure winner, and at once vo-
ciferously proclaim his desire to bet
that the horse he had selected would win tho
race. Nor was he often wrong, but some-
times he got badly left. Some years since, at
Saratoga, occurred fout-mile dash, in which
two noted horses Of that time took part, one
of the two being morally sure to win. twas
quite gamblers race, characterized by very
heavy betting Bob, as sometimes happens to
all turf Spectators, CHANGED to be SO nearly
" broke" vt the time that his pile would not
enable him to buy pool, the two horses in
question each bringing about a thousand
dollars in all the pools sold, but was very
anxious to bo on tho winner anyhow. Taking
good place on the steps of the grand stand
he watched the horses as they ran Off tho
miles with keenly critical eye. The favorite
led for three and half miles, and was going
so strong and we'll that it seemed sure thing
he would win. In racing, when horse is
spurred and unable to respond from distress,
or lack of courage, a pretty sure indication
that he is beaten is given by his jerking his
tail up and down at each thrust of the
steel; but 1t is not always sure sign,
for sometimes game horse will throw
his tail aloft, simply from the pain caused by
cruel spurring, and at the same time respond
to the punishment. 1t was so in this case
Rounding tho turn for the stretch the second
horse was seen to throw up his tail. Instantly
Harlan's mind was made up, and in an instant
his stentorian voice rang out. "a hundred to
five on Rutherford" Three times his bet
was taken, and each time by q stable boy or
Changer on" of the turf, class that
no was in special disfavor with
Slowly but steadily the second horse gained
on the leader. Round the turn they came.
and into the stretch. Bob's countenance was
a study as the second horse came up foot by
foot, and at the pool stands was neck and
neck with Rutherford. A few strides further
and loud roar proclaimed the defeat of the
favorte, as the erstwhile seemingly beaten
horse forged steadily to the front and ran
under the wire u winner, but above all tho
clamor could be heard Bob's horror-laden
shout of Jesus Christ Pm dead man" In
making his bets he had about sized his
pile, and his appeals to tho takers to cancel
them were funny, but without avail for the
boys who had taken them were of class
| who took particular delight in skinning Bob
Harlan of all men living, and he had to pay
up like a little man.
A gentleman Of experience in bibulous
science, while sampling glass of "old rye" a
few evenings since, said to the Avenue Man.
/
wants to try the finest rye whisky in the
world, he must go over into southwestern
Pennsylvania and some parts ofwestern Mary
land contiguous to Pennsylvania. Over there
the people have an old-fashioned belief that
pure old whisky should enter into
their domestic economies about on par
with bread, and the plain old farmers-the
bunker Mennonists, and other old German
sects-think they are in hard luck if they
haven't barrel or so in the cellar for family
use and the entertainment of their guests.
1t is not the fiery, dubious tasting stuff
handed out over most of tho city bars, but
fine old mellow liquor that leaves smooth
oily taste in your mouth, fragrant perfume
in your nostrils, and gently warns up the
cookies of your heart until you feel inspired to
go out on the highways to see If you can't find
some needy fellow man to whom you can
tender succor. There are little distilleries all
about through that section, and sometimes
you can find a man who has ON hand 400 ol
500 barrels of such whisky as the ordinary
drinker has little conception of. And these
people are as free from intemperance rs any
/ know of. They simply use and dom
abuse" And with q regretful sigh the gen
tleman of experience concluded ut is one
of the regrets of my life that l am unable tt
take up my abode in that favored region"
&#
The medical corps of the army are taking
deep interest in the appointment of q new
surgeon general. The officers stationed OF
the frontier and at remote posts have almos
unanimously urged the appointment Of DR.
Baxter Not only has DIR. Baxter received
the Endorsement of these officers, but also o
hundreds of the best doctors in the countr!
and hosts of political frionds who know hi
loyalty to the republican party, Dr. Baxter
appointment is eminently proper, they urge
not only because he is next in line of promo
ton, but on account of his fitness for the offic
and his great executive ability. Hemade "A fin
record as surgeon during the war, bein
commended for gallantry displayed on tn
field while under fire. He was one year in til
field, and was then assigned to charge o
tho Campbell hospital, one of tho largest il
Washington, where he was constantly O
duty for two years, His record is unassail
able. In the reorganization of the army il
1866, nr. Baxter was made assistant medioa
purvoyor, and in 1872 was made chief medic0
purveyor, to succeed DR.. Satterlee, who wa
retired ON account of age The assigne
reason for the appointment of the lato Sur