The Baltimore County union., 1883-06-23
DEADLY poLITENEss.
A Very Young Preachers Experience ON
the Mississippi River.

ArkGHsds Trdrslcr.
"Nearly every man who ever travelled
on the Mississippi River in the old days
can relate an interesting experience"
said the Rev. Mr.. Jackson, a minister
whose reputation as an impassioncd
public oratos has gone beyond the bound
aries of Arkansas. "There was some-
thing about Mississippi River expert
ence that tended TO aid in vivid repro
duction. The grand floating drawing
rooms, the wealth displayed at every
turn, and the studied politencss and
conventional ceremony Of a supposed
good breeding which you everywhere
meet, all come up at once in reportrayal
of character which, thus surrounded,
you have contemplated. But all of
this politcncss and exhibition of good
breeding, / must say, was but the white
foam on muddy water. II was the
courtesy that could grasp the hand of
a n"w aea"a;n.snce or shoot an old
friend.
In the spring of 1850 | boarded a
grand steamer At New Orleans bound
for up the river. was 4 very young
preacher at that time, and was under
orders to repair TO 4 small community
and assist in conducting revival
There was something of war beng
waged between two churches, and it
stood our Church in hand to concen-
tratc forces or lose ascendancy in the
ncighborhood. These were the 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 struggles engaged in
by the Wings and Democrats. was
told at headquarters that another young
preacher would be sent TO assist me,
and tha: il needed more help to make
my demands known at once. When |
boarded the boat looked around for
my companion in arms, whose name |
even had not learned. The closest
search failed to discover my assistant,
and concluding tha, he had either pre-
ccdcd or would come after me, dis
missed the matter and settled down to
the quiet cnjoymen, Of the occasion.
There were quite a number OF gam
blcrs-polishcd gcn,lcmen-on board,
and although | was opposed to gamb.
ling, could not refrain from looking
on and contemplating with what Sc
rcnity Of countenance the players alter
nately parted with thousands of dol
lars.
"'Won't you take 4 hand?' asked
one of the players one evening, address
ing young pleasant looking gentleman
who stood near.
"I never play he remarked.
"'Won't do you any HARM
"'l know it won't, for don't intend
to play
"''rhe gentleman is a rare joker
replied tall man, who handled cards
with an case and lost with 4 good will
that almost challenged respect.
'feS,' iePiied the yo",5 gentleman,
"a rare joker, because it is rare that |
joke
"'Ah, and a spunster,' said the tall
man, rclinquishing 81 900 with smile.
1T makes little difference to you
what am. | came here to quietly look
on, not intending to engage in the game
or the convention, 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, hope that YOU are well enough
acquainted with the manners OF gentle
men to treat an unobtrusivc locker on
with civility, il not with courtesy
"'You speak well,' exclaimed the
tall man. Il hope that am a gentle
man of good birth and education, and
| hope that have not insulted you.-
II 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
have heartily forgiven you OF any in
tention TO insult me. As il is do not
grant pardon, realizing that gentle
man is not expected to have dealings
with such man as you. And, further
more, let me say that ! regard you rs 4
cowardly villain
"Thc tall man sprang to his feet and
drew bowie knife. The quiet man
did not even look at him.
".Takc that back or I'll rub your
heart over your face
"Evcry one arose, but no one fcl,
disposed to prevent bloodshcd
"'I said that regarded you rs a
cowardly villain. Keep cool and III
tell you why. While We were engaged
in insinuating 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 oi
pardon, was disposed to pay little
attention to anything you might say
Now, sir, have made my statement
| have been led into this, and may
regret the consequenccs-don't hold
him-but shall make no concessions.
"Thc tall mans eyes actually glared.
Il have killed five men, and all for les;
than this, he exclaimed. Get out oI
the way! I'll cut him in two.'
"'Get out of the way said the
quiet man. 'It would greatly please
me il he were to sit down and conduct
himself less dangerously, but il he i,
determined upon a wicked action, LEI
him be under no restraint
"'You are foolish = exclaimed one
of the gamblers, turning to the quict
man. 'You are not armed, and even il
you were Capt. Aicle would kill you
| am the man from whom you say he
purloincd the bills. | saw the action
but did not dare to interpose.
$3.50 this is Capt. Aicle9' said the
young gentleman. Il have heard o
him. He has a very unsavory rcputa