Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-05-23

inches by 1e feet and two stories high. The
material will be Of stone and pressed brick, and
not an improved fixture Of any kind will be
omitted to make this model dwelling for COM
Tort. Mr.. r. .. Atkinson IL the architect and
Mr.. John J. Shane builder. The cost will be
sc, 900.
DEADLY POLITENESx
A Very Young Preacher's Experience
ON the Mississippi River.
From the Arkansaw Traveller
Nearly every man who ever travelled on the
Mississippi river in the old days can relate an
interesting experience" said the Rev. Mr.. Jack
son, minister whose reputation as an impas-
stoned public orator has gone beyond the bound
aries Of Arkansas. "There was something
about Mississippi river experience that tended
to aid In vivid reproduction. The grand floating
drawing-roo the wealth displayed at every
turn. and the studied politeness and conven-
tional ceremony of supposed good breeding
which you everywhere meet, all come up at
once IN reportrayal Of q character which, thus
surrounded, you have contemplated. But all of
this politeness and exhibition of good breeding.
l must say, was but the white foam on muddy
water 1t was the courtesy that could grasp the
hand Of new acquaintance or shoot an old
friend.
SIN the spring of 1850 boarded grand
steamer at New Orleans bound for up the river
was very young preacher at that time. and
was under orders to repair to a small eommu-
nifty ana assist in conducting a revival. There
was something of war being waged between
two churches, and 1t stood our church in hand
to concentrate forces OF lose ascendancy In the
neighbOrhond 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 headquar-
tiers that another young preacher would be sent
to assist me, and that if needed more help to
boarded the boat looked around for my COM
panlOn- in-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 dismissed
the matter and settled down to the quiet enjoy
ment Of the occasion.
There were quite q number Of gamblers
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 pleas
ant-looking gentleman who stood near.
never play he remarked.
Won't do you any HARM
The gentleman is rare JOKER replied
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 / joke
All, and q punster.' said the tall man, re-
linqushing 81 900 with smile.
IL makes little difference to you what am
l came here to quietly look On, not intending to
engage In the game OF the conversation, and,
nf fn hof h,,kk 81 IL
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 gentlemen to treat an unobtrusive
locker on with ciyility, If not with courtesy
4 hope that ain gentleman of good birth and
education, and hope that have not insulted
you. II have. sincerely beg YOUR pardon
Grant 1t willingly, and all will be well; reluct-
antiy. and, as gentleman, which you undoubt-
ediy profess to be, you know your recourse
But Tor your last remark, 1 would have
heartily forgiven you of any intention to insult
me. AS it Is. do not grant pardon, realizing
that gentleman Is not expected to have deal
lngs with such man as you. And, further
more, let me say that regard you as cowardIy
villain
''The tall man sprang to his feet and drew
bowie-knife. The quiet man did not even look
at him.
Take that back, Or I'll rub your heart over
Every one arose, but no one felt disposed to
prevent bloodshed.
''I said that regarded you as cowardly
villain. Keep cool and I'll 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
q cheerful granting OF pardon. was disposed
to pay little attention to anything you might
say. Now, sir have made my statement l
have been led into this, and I may regret the
consequences-don't hold him-but shall make
no cOncessiOns.'
THE tall mans eyes actually glared. 4 have
killed five men, and all for less than this he
exclaimed. Get out of the way! I'll cut him
in twO!'
=, Get out OF the way!' said the quiet man.
1t would greatly please me If he were to sit
down and conduct himself less dangerously,
but II he Is determined upon wicked action.
let him be under no restraint
You are foolish!" exclaimed one of the
gamblers. turning to the quiet man. You are
would kill you. am the man from whom you
say he purloined the bills. saw the action,
but did not dare to interpose.'
So this is Capt. Aicle?' said the young
gentleman. I have heard Of him. He has q
very unsavory reputation in New Orleans. #
well-constructed reports be true he is not only
thief, but q murderer
"'Get out Of my way!' howled the Captain.
and, struggling, he threw his companions aside
and sprang forward. Like sudden revolution
of q wheei-like an action whose quickness
cannot be contempIated-the young man drew
derringer and sent q ball through the Cap
tain's brain, killing him instantly.
IS Gentlemen, said the quiet man, beginning
to talk ere the smoke lifted, 4 had more than
one reason for committing this deed; was in
suited, as you saw, and was In danger, as you
know; but, worse of all, that man murdered my
father. / did not contemplate killing him. but.
as l said, l would have granted pardon fdf his
insulting taunts. From the first though, con-
tempIated his arrest, which should have &C
complished had he not attempted to take my
life. am sorry that have caused such conf1-
sion ana hope that You will all, as know
God will, forgive me-
"He walked away, gracefully bowling to some
one who hurried to the scene of the tragedy.
The boat was soon landed. The Captains &C
quaintance took charge Of the body. and went
ashore. We were soon on our way again, and
but for certain little influences that hung
around no one would have known that a trag-
edy had been enacted. Our band Of music q
common steamboat feature in those days.
struck up a lively air, and the only suggestive
remembrance OF the Captains death was the
wet carpet where q boy had mopped await the
blood. 1t
'It was late at night when reached my land
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