St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-03-12
BULLY JOE COOK
Ihrashes a Minister at Kcene, n. III.
present.

ITrdsIieS q Minister at hce1te, n. III.
Boston Cor. Philadelphia Times
Rev. Joseph Cook has got himself into new
and unenviable notoriety. He got into a
tantrum at Keene, New Hampshire, few
day ago and thrashed local minister for
calling him seven minutes too early to go to
prayer meeting. This is the version which
Mr. Cook himself authorizes of a rumpus
that has scandalized the people of Keene,
New Hampshire since its occurrence. The
most authentic impartial story is that the
Rev. Joseph was at his hotel on the day he
was to deliver lecture in Keene and was
| called upon by Rev. Mr.. Price, of the Second
Congregational church of that city. He
agreed to. attend prayer meeting before his
| lecture at Rev. Mr.. Price's church and that
| gentleman called for him about seven
O'Clock. When the preacher knocked at the
door Of Mr. Cooks room he, instead of being
courteously received, was set upon by Mr.
Cook, who, in a towering rage, apparently
disturbed. in nap, came out into the hall
and, selling the caller, began to push him
about and otherwise lay violent hands on
him, at the same time using language unbe-
coming gentleman.
The fuss attracted the attention of a large
number in the house and Landlord Sherman
who was quietly eating his supper, at first
supposed that Wheeler, champion wrestler,
and Fletcher, the butcher, had met by chance
and were engaged in playing up for grape
vine. Sherman was among the first to arrive
at the scene of action but upon discovering
what was going on he returned to the dining
room and finished his toast with as much COM
posture as Josh Whitcomb resumes his prayer
after throwing the drunken father of little
Tom through the window.
Mr. Cook attended the player meeting and
when invited led in prayer. But when he
was invited to make remarks, instead of no
ticing the request he seized his hat and
rushed out of the church, not even taking
care that the. door should not slam after him.
His lecture at City Hall was not largely at
tended. Mr.. Cook has written a letter, to be
printed tomorrow; in which he says he was
very tired when in Keene and he wanted
chance to rest before leeturing. He didn't
want to go to the prayer meeting with Rev.
Mr.. Price, who wanted to use him as an adj
vertsement, but he finally agreed to do SO at
precisely 7:15 by the hotel clock. M. Cook
says: II hurried through my supper and my
toilet and lay down with but fifteen minutes
left in which to rest.
Before that time was half over Mr.. Price
knocked at my door. The time was seven
minutes before that agreed upon and was
wholly broken Of the rest absolutely necessa-
ry to me before lecture. I opened the door
and said: Mr.. Price, cannot see you until
7:15.' / shut the door and bolted it and
again tried to rest. He pounded on the door
loudly. He continued to pound. I made
no response. After waiting considerable
time for him to come to his proper sense Of
what decency required and fearing he would
burst open the door opened it and said:
Mr.. Price, you must cease trying to force
open the door. I shall report you to the
keeper of the HOTEL He did not desist, and
so took him by the collar and pushed him
away, saying: you are the rudest man
have seen in six months. 1 am good
natured man, but know when I am abused.'
This is the strongest language used
went alone at the hour agreed upon to Mr..
Prices meeting. AT his request took
brief part in the devotional exercises. To
my great surprise he said to the assembly
that he hoped Mr.. Cook would speak if the
spirit moved him. To save the meeting from
any awkward waiting, as resolved not to be
forced 10 speak, rose and quietly left the
room"