The Dawson journal., 1883-05-31
Deadly Politeness.



whose reputation as an impassion.
ed public orator has gone beyond
the boundaries of Arkanaaw.
There was something about a
Mississippi river experience that
tended to aid in vivid reproduc-
ton. The grand floating drawing
rooms, the wealth displayed at
every turn, and the studied polite
ness and conventional ceremony
of supposed good breeding,
which you everywhere meet all
come up at once i'll reportrayal of
a character which, thus surround
ed, you have contemplated. But
all of this politeness and exhibi-
ton Of good breeding, must say,
was but the white foam on muddy
water. 1t was a courtesy that
could grasp the hand of a new ac-
quaintance or shoot an old friend.
'In the spring of 1850 / board
ed a grand steamer at New Or
leans, bound for up the river. [
was a very young preacher at that
time, and was under orders to re-
pair to a small community and as
sist in conducting revival.
There was something of war be-
ing waged between the two
inches, and it stood our church
in hand to concentrate forces or
lose ascendancy in the neighbor-
hood These were the days Of
political and religious vigor, and
avowed opposition in religious
contests as being no more out of
place or ill-heeping 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 de-
mands known at once. When [
boarded the boat / looked for my
companion in arms, whose name |
even had not learned. The clos
est search failed to discover my
assistant, and concluding that he
had either preceded or would come
after me, [ dismissed the matter
and settled down to the quiet ell
joyment of the occasion.
''There were quite a number of
gamblers-polished gentlemen
on board, and although [ was op-
posed to gambling, ! could not re-
frain from looking on, and con-
templating with what serenity of
countenance the players alter
nately parted with thousands of
dollars
"Won't you take a handl' asked
one Of the players one evening
addressing young, pleasant look.
ing gentleman who stood near.
" Inever play" he remarked.
won't do you any harm"
81 know it won't for / don't in
tend to play
"Ihe gentleman is rare joker,
replied tall man, who handled
! with an ease and lost with gooC
will that almost challenged respect
Eyes, " replied the young gen
tleman "a rare joker, because it il
rare that ] iokeT'
"Ah, and punster!" said tn,
tall man, relinquishing 81, 900 will
a smile.
at makes little difference t,
you what am. l came here t,
quietly look on not intending =
engage in the game or the conver
sation, and especially, not to b
the butt of any jokes that Nigh
arise from ill-luck or success a
the table. Regardless of the bust
ness you follow, | hope that yor
are all well enough acquitted wit
the manners Of gentlemen to trea
an unobtrusive looker-on wit
civility, if not with courtesy"
you speak WE'LL" exclaime,
the tall man. II hope that I an
a gentleman of good birth au
education, and I hope that ] hav
t not insulted you. If [ have | sin
e cerely beg your pardon. Grant
= willingly, and all will be we'll; re
: luctantly, and as a gentleman
: which you undoubtedly profess
|; b., you know your recourse"
y "But for your last remark,
would have heartily forgiven yo
of any intention to insult me. A
it is, | do not grant pardon, reali2
ing that gentleman is not expect
: ed to have dealings with such
man as YOU And, Furthermore
let me say that I regard you as
cowardly villain"
: The tall man sprang to his fec
: and drew a bowie knife Til
!, = quiet man did not even look a
him.
"Take that back, OF I'll rub you
heart over your facep'
Every one arose, but no one fel
II disposed to prevent bloodshed.
81 said that [ regarded you as
d cowardly villain. Keep cool, an
+ I'll tell you why. While we wer
; engaged in insinuating converse
:. ton | saw you steal roll of bill
l. from that man." pointing to one G
the players. Until then, and bu
!! for the remark you made, trying
compel cheerful granting of pan
don, / was disposed to pay littl
attention to anything you NIGH