The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1883-10-16

next thing we know the State of Arkan.l
saw will send men up here and try 70
make us live under her laws and then
fellers will hop up and want to go to the
Legislature"
= =
As young novelists would say, seversl
days after the startling events detailed in
the last chapter, the people of tbeviI
lsge met in John Sumpter's lecture hall
Alter the singing of kind Of see. saw
hymn, the work Of "District" compo-
ser, John Sumpter arose to begin bic
discourse when some one called:
Hold on moment, please"
Every one turned ia surprise and
looked in the direction from which the
voice came.
A tall young man neatly dressed adj.
vanced.
WHO are your demanded John
Sumpter. ~
"William L ,ckwood."
"And what do you want in the Dis
trict! and why do you come here aud
poster US when we are al worshipY'
81 haven't time now. my good man,
to answer all your questions which are
no doubt in order and perfectly natural.
I am a Methodist minister. Conference
has grained me the gratifying privilege
to 90 around and preach the gospel
where it is most needed. ! have trav-
eled around q great deal and am fortu-.
nate in finding this place. Stand aside
. few moments aud will proceed to
dedicate the house to true Worship"
You git outen here" demanded sew
eral voices. "You ain't got no bushes.
a-tamperin' With US"
"Brotber Simmons give US another
tune," said John Sumpter addressing the
leader OF choir.
Hold on r. demanded the Methodist
preacher. ave are commanded to
preach the gospel 10 every living crea.
tnre. You are living creatures, although
you attempt to impress stranger with
the idea that you are not. don't want
any trouble. bnt I'm going to preach to
this house. To further nv plans and to
increase the respect which I know this
congregation has for me. l will state that
am regarded as The best pistol shot in
the State,''' and he drew coupIe of re.
volvers and advancing to the table be
showed John Sumpter's hyml book aside
and deposited fis weapons. II would
advise my hearers that in order to enjoy
that exuberance OF health which kind
providence has bestowed not to leave
this house until the benediction ls pro.
nounced. Hold on" and he cooked
pistol and leveled it man who rose.
"Sit down." And the man 90. down.
"If any OF the women desire to leave
they can do so Women have never had
an equal chance with men, but on this
occasion l have decided to grant them
special privileges. Having thus explain
ed will proceed with my sermon
THE e=meH we're 90 mysiiied- by the
boldness of the stranger that they sat
and gazed at him. He took text and
proceeded at once to expound his views
on the subject. He told them how they
we're violating the laws OF God and man
by their exclusiveness, and denounced
them for bringing up their children in
ignorance of the world.
"I'll be blamed il can stand this ex-
claimed John Sumpter arising and turn.
ing upon the preacher: several others
emboldened by their leader also arose.
"Stand back, gentlemen" said the
preacher. "You know / am telling you
the truth"
"You are . liar!" shouted JEFF Ma.
gle.
Hes not q liar 70 exclaimed voice,
and John Sumpter's daughter, who had
been sitting with her face buried in her
hands, advanced with majesty that
caused the men to fall hack
You. Lsmuthr + excliime l John Sump-
ter. "What do you mean 2"
"Just what say. You know that we
have all been raised in ignorance. You
know it and cannot deny it and tell the
truth"
"My good girl" said the preacher not
in the least abashed, extending his hand
IL told you l would come here. Now |
am here, and with your help can accom-
plsh much"
"You shall have my help"
swell, sit down like the good girl you
are, and let me finish my sermon for
fear the congregation will become impa-
tient."
The congregation remained quiet du-
ring the remainder Of the discourse, and
when the benediction was pronounced
every man arose and quietly walked
awsy.
"John Sumpter," said JEFF Magle.
"Yes, JEFF"
"Thst's what made her nope, Jeff."
"When she was away she seed him and
fell in love with him and told him to
come here" a
"That's about it. jeff"
"He's got the bulge on me-"
"'Peers that way"
"Reckin' Ill travel"
"B'reve I would, JEFF"
The preacher walked home with John
Sumpter's daughter. Old Sumpter was
slow at first in entering into conver,a
tion with him, but after while be began
to thaw and then he grew warm. The
stranger was very interesting and was
so kindly disposed toward every one
that John Sumpter began to like him.
The next day the preacher was intro
duced all around as John Sumpter's fu
ture son n-ir.law, and the next week, just
after the performance of marriage GER
emmy, church was regularly organ
iz d.
A railroad now runs through the town
and near q new church, not far from
John Sumpters new house, stands q
commanding school building.
John Sumpter was member OF the
last. Arkansas Legislature.-Arkansao
Iraseler.
1. p. Dukehart.
Supt. of B. & O. R. r. Co.'S Hotels,
Conductor on the Baltimore and Oaio