Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1884-12-19
A sArYLg or olANrs.
They Wanted the Fellow who Wrote
That Article"
n

Western letter.
About twenty-five years ago, when Ger.
tain western state was territory, and with
few inhabitants, young lawyer from New
York emig rated thither and settled in the
town of l.. He had been there nearly
two years when he was induced 70 print
weekly newspaper, Of which he was the edi-
tor. Squire s. was very little man, but
he used the editorial I'VE" as frequently as
II there were a dozen Of him, and each as big
as a giant"
Strange TO say, there were at that time
men In office who were not'a particle more
honest than they should be; thing which
proba bly, never happened before, and never
will again. Squire = felt all the patriotism
OF a son Of 20, aud poured out grape and
canister against public abuses. This soon
stirred hornets nest about his ears; but a
there was no other paper in the territory
there was no reply for time.
At length he published an article morS -
we're against malfeasance in Office than any
pointed at no individual in particular, it was
"scorcher."
Some three or four days afterward be was
sitting alone in his editorial Office, which was
about a quarter Of mile Il ON the printing
establishment His pen Was busy with a
paragraph, when his dooI opened and in
stalked a man about six feat in his stockings.
He asked: Are you s., the proprietor OF
this paperp Thinking he had found a new
patron, the little man, with one Of his bland
est smiles answered in the affirmative. The
stranger deliberately drew the last number
OF the paper from his pocket, and pointing 20
the article against rogues in office, told the
affrighted editor that II was intended for
"him"
II was in vain that S. protested that no
had never heard Of him before. The wrath
Of the visitor rose 70 fever heat, and from
being so long restrained boiled over with
double fury. He gave the editor his choice,
either to publish q very humble recantation
or take a fogging on the spot Either al
tentative was NORWOOD, but what could
he dot The enraged ofice-holder was twice
his siBe, and at one blow would qualify him
for an obituary notice. He agreed TO NJ
tract; and as the visitor insisted upon writ
ing the retraction he himself sat down 10
the task. Squire 3 made an excuse 20 walk
10 the printing Office, with a promise he
would be back in season bo sign II rs soon ne
il was finished.
& had hardly gone fifty yards when ho
encountered q man who inquired where
home. Suspecting that ho too was on tbs
same errand as the other visitor, he pointed
10 the Office and told him be would find "a.
editor within, writing a most abusive arti-
Gle against ofice-hOlders. This was enough.
The eyes Of the newcomer flashing fire, BIO
rushed into the Office and assaulted the
stranger with the epithets, liar scoundrel,
coward, and told him he would teach him
how 10 write
The gentleman supposinS It was some
bully sent there by the editor, sprnng 20 his
feet, and fight ensued. The table was up
set and smashed into firewood, the contents
Of a large jug Of ink stood in puddles on the
floor, the chairs had their legs and backs
broken beyond the skin Of surgery 70 cure
them. This seemed only 10 inspire the com
batants with still greater fury Blow fol-
lowed blow with the rapidity of lightning.
First one was kicking on the floor, then the
other, each taking il In turn pretty equally
The ink on the floor found its way 10 their
faces, till both OF them cut the most luli-
crous figure imaginable
The noise and uproar were tremendous.
The neighbors ran to the door and exclaimed
with astonishment that two niggers were
fighting in Squire 5. 5 office None dared
separate them At length, completely eX-
hausted, they ceased fighting. The circum-
stances Of the case became known, and the
next day, hardly able 20 sit ON horseback,
their heads bound up, they started home
ward, carrying with them the most striking
evidences Of their attempt 10 redeem their
honor.