The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-01-30
THE FRESH SOCIETY REPORTER
lPeck's Sum-

Peck's Sum-
 A society paper in Kankamazoo lately got into serious trouble, through an un- fortunate combination of circumstances which eliminated in an unlocked for and unpreventable disturbance. A literary young lady had for some time filled the position of society reporter on the >Sns day Bong long proving herself eminently fitted for the position and possessing am pie knowledge of correct style in fash ionable ladies' wearing apparel and a happy knack of describing the same con- cisely and correctly. Moreover she wrote a beautiful hand, almost like C, pper- plate, which was joy to the composltofs and proof reader. Hence, up to the time of which this narrative treats. the reports of all festive gatherings in K Ksnkamazo DO had been rendered in the B0ngIong ip such faultless manner that many SO ciety reporters on similar papers in much larger places than Kankamazoo often took them as their models.
 Now it so happened that this gifted young lady was taken sick between Christ mas and New Years day, and the proof. reader, having celebrated the former an- niversary too copiously, was also On the retired list for a time. Had he been on deck, the trouble referred to might have been avoided in great measure, as long familiarity with the fashion reporteress phrases and descriptions enabled him to detect any glaring inaccuracy. It is necessary to state that the editor of the BOnghFng himself never read the society reports, being an unmarried man, long past the heyday period of life, and sel dom attending fashionable gatherings His hobbies were the BongtOng and its influence, the club " ana fast horses.
 A big reception was on tap or on the tapis, which was expected to be the event of the season-and when he learned that Miss Conecti and MT. Colon were both of duty, he tore his hair in anguish. A full and minute report would be expected by the B0ngtsng 5 readers, and he knew of nobody competent to take Miss Cor recu's place. While thus plunged in a sea of dark despair, well-dressed young man entered the sanctum, removed his hat, bowed and asked:
 Is this the editor of the Bong long ?'
 "Yes, sir, what can do for you2'
 ." called to inquire if there is any sit uatiou open on your admirable paper :" (with a marked accent on admirable ")
 What kind of a situation are you looking for [ Are you a printer, or a writer ?"
 Both, sir. have a card from Osh- kosh Typographical Junior No. 32o and have also had considerable expe- rience as writer for various papers in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Oconomowoc and elsewhere. Here are some of my pro- ductions." And he drew out a bulky pocket scrap-book and handed it to the editor.
 The latter glanced through the book reading over many of the different head ings and occasionally "stickful :" or two of Whither Are We Dnfting2" "A Symposium" When Greek Meets Greek" Sidewalk Fancies," A Slug ging Match," Sunday Thoughts" etc. Then he remarked My dear sir, you seem to have tried your hand at nearly every topic but the very one want, and the articles are pretty well written, too Now, If you could only do as we'll at re- porting society matters"
 Pardon me for interrupting you, sir," said the young man," but feel confident that can suit you in any line you may wish. have some little knowledge of dry goods and lingerie, and by looking through the files of the Bongtong and reading your reports could very soon catch on to your style"
 "Not my style," said the editor, "I don't know anything about such matters, and the young lady who attends to it is sick. Can you read proof2'
 "Yes, sir proof reading is one of my strong points. You will find no errors in that natter" pointing to the scrap. book.
 "Well, by Jovep said the editor, "I1l give you a trial, anyway, until Miss Cor recti gets we'll, and perhaps afterwards I'm tired of MT. Colon periodical sprees, and rather like your looks. There is to be big blowout on Toney avenue to- morrow night, and you may attend and write it up. I'll see that you have an in- vitation. Meanwhile you can, as yoa suggested, look over the files of the Bong long, and become as familiar as possible with Miss Correcti's style and the names of society people here. There will be some proof to read this afternoon, and if you have any spare time you might write up anything of local character that you can get hold of. We will arrange terms, etc., after the report of the reception is published"
 "All right, sir" replied the stranger as he sat down to look over the files, "I1l give you a good report or my name isn't Van Rensaelar."
 Good name for the business" ," thought the editor, as he resumed his duties with a comparatively light heart.
 The reception came of with great eclat, and was indeed a very swell affair. The new reporter, backed by his credentials, made himself quite at home, and being a good-looking fellow with unlimited cheek and pretty good clothes, created quite an impression on the young ladies and sev. room to make short-hand notes in his v,> Ax,. ovou duun hroR and ~hA, the offa,v