The Russellville Democrat., 1885-06-18
DEADLY POLIfENESs.

'tNearly every man who ever travelled on the Mississippi River in the old days can relate an interesting experience, said Rev. Mir. Jackson, a minister whose reputation as an impassioned public orator has gone beyond the boundaries of Arkansas. There was something about Mississippi River experience that tended to aid in vivid reproduc- ton. The grand floating drawing rooms. the wealth displayed at every turn. and the studied politeness and conventional ceremony of a supposed good breeding which you everywhere meet, all come up at once in reportrayal of character which, thus surrounded, you have con- templated. But all of this politeness and exhibition of good breeding, l must say, was but the white foam on muddy water. It was the courtesy that could grasp the hand of new acquaintance or shoot an old friend.
 .'In the spring of 1850 I boarded 8 grand steamer at New Orleans. bound for up the river. 1 was very young preacher at the time, and was under orders to repair to a small community and assist in conducting a revival. There was something of a war being waged between two churches, and it stood our church in hand to concentrate forces or lose ascendancy in the neigh borhood. These were the days of polit- ical and religious vigor, and avowed opposition in religious contests was regarded as being no more out of place or in ill-keeping with the faith than the fierce struggle h.- La ar,H crats. I was told at headquarters that another young preacher would be sent to assist me, and that if 1 needed more help to make my demands known at once. When l boarded the boat l looked around for my companion-in- arms, whose name I even had not learned. The closest search failed to discover my assistant, and concluding that he had either preceded or would come after me, dismissed the matter and settled down to the quiet enjoyment of the occasion.
 "There were quite number of gam blers- polished gentlemen-on board, and, although l was opposed to gam bling, could not refrain from looking on and contemplating with what sereni- ty of countenance the players alternate ly parted with thousands of dollars.
 Won't you take hand?' asked one of the players one evening, address ing a young, pleasant-lookipg gentle man who stood near.
 !" I never play he remarked.
 Wont do you any harm.
 "1 know it won't, for don't intend to play
 The gentleman is rare joker re- piled tall man, who handled cards with an ease and lost with good will that almost challenged respect.
 "'Yes,' replied the young gentleman, "a rare joker, because it is rare that l joke
 "'Ah, and punster,' said the tall man, relinquishing one thousand dollars with a smile.
 (. 1t makes little difference to you what l am l came here to quietly look on, not intending to engage in the game or the conversation, and, especially, not to be the butt of any jokes that might arise from ill-luck or success at the table Regardless of the business you follow, 1 hope that you are well enough acquainted with the manners of gentlemen to treat an unobtrusive looker-on with civility, if not with courtesy
 ".You speak well, exclaimed the tall man. hope that I am a gentle man of good birth and education, and I hope that have not insulted you. If I have, l sincerely beg your pardon. Grant it willingly, and all will be well; reluctantly, and, as gentleman, which you undoubtedly profess to be, you know your recourse.
 '' But for your last remark, l would nave heartily forgiven you of any intention to insult me As it is, I do not grant pardon. realizing that gentleman is not expected to have deal- ings with such a man as you. And, furthermore, let me say that l regard you as a cowardly villain
 The tall man sprang to his feet and drew bowie knife. The quiet man did not even look at him.
 "'Take that back, or I'll rub your heart over your facen
 Every one arose, but no one felt dis posed to prevent bloodshed.
 ''' said that 1 regarded you as a cowardly villain. Keep cool and I'll tell you why. While you were engaged in insinuating conversation 1 saw you steal roll of bills from that man, pointing to one of the players. Until then, and but for the remark you made, trying to compera cheerful granting of pardon, l was disposed to pay little at tention to anything you might say Now, sir, have made my statement. have been led into this, and may re- eTet the consequences ~ don't hold iim-bu I shall make no concessions
 1.-The tall mans eyes actually glared have killed five men, and all for less tlsan this, he exclaimed. Get out of ths wayl m cut him in two!'
 |" Get out of the way said the quiet mn. It would greatly please me if he would sit down and conduct himself less dangerously, but if he is deter mined upon wicked action, let him be under no restraint
 You are foolish! exclaimed one of tho gamblers, turning to the quiet man. You are not armed, and even if you weie Captain Acle would kill you. l am the man from whom you say he pur- loir ed the bills. 1 saw the action, but did not dare to interpose'
 q So this is Captain Aiclep' said the you9g gentleman. T have heard of him He has very unsayory reputa- ton in New Orleans. If well-construct- ed reports be true, he is not only n thief but murderer"
 ''' Get out Of my wayr howled the Captain, and, struggling, he threw his companions aside and sprang forward. | n. A.F |. Al. .-.l.I