The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-10-21
Houston and Booth.

Gen. Sam Houston, who had just re-
turned walking up Pennsylvania avenue
one evening in the winter of 1884, when
he met his cid friend Booth hetragediau.
After mutual exclamations OF surprise
and salutation, the two assertained that
they we're both roomiDg in Browns In.
dian Queen hotel. 'and going there they
went to Booths room" Sitting down,
they recounted the adventures OF their
past lives, and-as they industriously cir
culated the bottle, many loud shout
echoed through that hall and startled
the watchmen on the streets as they
went their silent rounds. As the nigh,
wore on their excl ement increased, until.
a. the close OF thrilling story relating
to bis strange career, Houston exclalm.
ed:
"Now, Booth, let's have speech to
liberty, one Of those apostrophes to old
Roman freedom with which you startle
audiences 7"
Had Booth been inclined to refuse, be
knew that his friend when the mood was
on him, would not be denied any request,
however absurd or difficult of perform.
ance. But the tragedian had himself
entered into the spirit Of bis companion,
and. nothing 10th, he rehearsed with
magic power many OF those electric pas
sages in defence Of liberty With which
the English drama abouuds. Houston,
whose memory as well as habits partook
Of the Indian character, caught up the
words, and. with equal force, clearness.
and accuracy went through each speech
In regular succession. Thus they pro.
ceeded for time, and then again sat down
to renew potations and the story Of their
personal adventure. Booth drank and
listened, while the other told of his own
elevation in his native state, and his dis.
gust With civic honors, Of bis home in
the distant forest, OF the uncomfortable
freedom Of the red men, of their stole
fortitude and matcbless heroism. Warm.
ed by recollection Of those thrilling
scenes, be sprang to his feet, and, In the
ton OF one amid the battles din fight.
ing against the most fearful odds, ex.
claimed: "N,w, Booth, once more for
libertv!" The tragedian dared not dis
obey. He ran through with all bis usu.
al energy the tale OF Mexican thraldom.
Of the Spanish conquest Of that land,
the dangers incurred by that army, their
commanders exhortation before the
battle, and the stubborn bravery of the
native chiefs. Before him stood at that
lone hour, listening with an intensity OF
thought and feeling that shone through
his eyes. lighted his face, strained every
muscle, and started the sweat in great
drops from bis lofty brow, one had in
him all the fiery spirit OF Cortez and
ambition OF Pizzsro. Qaick as
thought he took up the tale and
repeated the words just uttered by
Booth, With the most critic precision of
toae and manner And he became excl.
ted in the recitation, bis spirit seemed
to take Ore, With an air determined, 80
frightful, that it seemed the voice of one
inspired, be exclaimed at the close of a
magnificent exewporaneous rhapsody |:
"Yesi yes! l am made to revcl ye,
10 the halls OF the Montezumas
"Coming events cast their shadows
BEFORE" and although Houston did not
revel 10 the halls of the Mon,ezumas,
his determination and energy Of char
actet conquered the occupant OF those
balls, and wrested from Mexico her fair.
est state.-Bm: Fsrley Poorc