Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1883-03-28
The Eccentric Journalist.
[From the Rochester Democrat.]

The late F. G.. Stebbins, for twenty
years editor of the Cuba Patriot, whose
death and burial caused a sensation in
Western New York, doubtless had a
right to his agnostic views, but the d.
rections for his funeral were certainly
offensive to good taste. But Stebbins
was eccentric, and in this connection it
occurs to us to tell a story concerning
him which is current in the southern
tier, and which we have had directly
from the Hon. D. P. Richardson, late
representative in congress from the dis
trict in which Stebbins lived. Stebbins
was appointed consul to the Philippine
Islands, but his residence there was of
brief duration. Mr.. Richardson was
very successful, as is we'll known, in OBJ.
tanning appointments for his constitu-
ents during his congressional term, and
he obtained the appointment for Steb-
bins, WHO was anxious to serve his coun-
Try in consular capacity somewhere in
the tropics. After Stebbins had re-
ceived his appointment to the Philip
pine Islands Mr.. Richardson was in-
formed by the state department that
something better could be done for his
friend, that he could have place upon
an island on the coast of Africa, where
the climate was fairly tropical, but not
so very hot, where the presence of an
English garrison furnished good society,
and where the salary attached was larger
than that at the Philippine Islands. As
an additional inducement to Stebbins to
change his mind it was suggested that
no DhI}ipnino 1c1or,1c o0foh1o f0v
severe and frequent shocks Of earth
quake. Of all this Stebbins was duly
informed. Promptly as the wires coul1
bear it went his dispatch to Washington:
II like hot climate, and I don't care
a. for earthquakes" This settled
the matter and he was forthwith COM
mlssioned as consul to the place of his
choice. The sequel is somewhat affect
ing. Steobins proceeded on his official
mission, and in course of time arrived
at his destination. But he had hardly
touched his foot upon the shores of the
far Pacific island before it was visited
by peculiarly violent earthquake shock,
and Stebbins, having had practical ex-
perience of his serene philosophy con-
cerning the upheaval of the terrestrial
foundations, packed bag and baggage
Immediately and incontinently fed west
ward-his entire residence in his official
capacity being less than forty.eight
hours.
Caring for the Widows.
(Corres. New York SUM-
A year is long time for comely and
thrifty woman to remain a widow at the
mines, no matter how many children
she may have. Jim is killed to-day, and
possibly before the summer ends, Jack,
who was Jim's best friends, insists upon
marrying Jim's widow. Jim's babies
become his. And if you 60 below the
surface you will find the foundation Of
Jacks actions to be pure charity. It is
q matter of record that when the terrible
Avondale disaster occurred SO many
widows and helpless ones were left that
the matter of caring for the former
speedily was discussed. It was quickly
settled by propositions Of marriage, and
within very short time after the calam-
ity the household of every victim was
protected. This same spirit exists in
every mining community to-day, and is
a shield against much distress.