Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1885-08-29
EX>pREsIDENT ARfHUR's ARREST
AN EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT STORY TO
BELIEVE, BUT AN AMUSING
ONE TO READ.

| an executive Is DelDS ulsSlpateu III Mi'
Arthur's case by his retirement, says the
San Francisco Call, his ex cabinet is be.
ginning to let ont a good many little in
ciJents OF the reig, IT on wio VIII de
serervedly 90 down in history under the
sobliquent of 1.-THE jolly President" For
illustration, one OF his constitutional adj
visers in a recent letter to an old crony in
this city. says;
Did l ever tell you of the fun we had
during the visit OF the Presidential party
to Florida summer before lsst9 You must
know that, besides being confirmed
practical Joker, Chet is quite an adept at
certain sleight-of-hand tricks, prohcien-
cy in which he has kept up from boyhood.
He tlatters himself he can remove hand =
kerchef or watch from Il pocke. with as
much adroitness as professional 'nipper.'
He has perpeturated many queer joke In
this way, the exalted position of the per-
petrator naturally protecting him from
suspicion. While at Jacksonville the
white House gang determined to attend
a monster darkey camp-meeting about ten
miles back in the country, and, to avoid
the eternal reception nuisance, we went
incog. When we left the train, and were
awaiting for conveyance at a small
tavern, Chet noticed a fat planter dosing
in the bar room, and displaying prepos-
ferrous bunch of seals on his fob chain.
Arthur watched his chance, snaked out
the man's watch and hid it in the saddle
bags o { another traveller, that was hang.
ing on the wall Now, Bill Chandler had
been waiting for chance to get back on
Arthur for several days, SO he in turn
collared the planters property,and slipped
it into the breast pocket of Chefs big
duster. Then he quietly led each
member of the party and let them into
the conspiracy, to their great delight.
When the vehicles returned from the
camping ground, Arthur was Immediate
ly colared by the planter, who savageiy
uemanueu his pT"Peft W.
"'What do you mean, fellow9' said the
President, trying not to laugh, and wink
ing at his staff-all of whom, howev er,
remained suspicously indifferent.
"'Oh, you can't come any funny busi-
ness with me. One of these gentlemen
saw you steal my watch and put 1t in
your pocket. Here, constable, I want
this man searched!'
every we'll, then, search me- said our
first citizen, almost exploding with laugh
ter.
"T thought so.' said the con stable
and, to Chefs petrifcation, he fished out
the watch from the first pocket he dived
into. I'll just slam you into tho Gala
boose, my fine fellow
"'You will ehG, said the President
with chuckle. Here, Mr.. Frel,nghuy~
sen, just tell this man who I am
"'Did you speak to me, my good mana'
said the secretary Of state, innecently.
"'Yes, yes. Hurry up and explain
this thing said Arthur as the constable
began taking out pair OF handouts.
"'Explain whata I don't know you.
SIR and the state department walked of.
"'Great Scott!' stammered Arthur.
'Say-you Chandler! What does
all this mean9 Tell these people who /
am-quickr
"'If you are addressing me- said the
secretary Of the navy, putting on his
glasses and taking a BENEVOLENT survey OF
the prisoner. my name is net Chandler,
and never saw you BEFORE
".Great heavensl this is outrageous!
screamed Arthur, fighting desperately
with the constable. 4 tell you amthe'
president
"'The most impudent rascal ever sawl
said Folger.
".Hard looking facs,' Clipped in Bob
Lincoln.
".Don't be rough with the old man,
said Teller kindly. Perhaps he's little
gone in the. What are you presi-
dent Of, my coed fellowG,'
".rm President Of the United States,