St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-01-01
BOLD PLAYING.
A Convicted Defaulter Winning
His Liberty at Faro.

'Sam Donelson's defeat for the clerk
ship of the national house," remarked
an Old-tlme sport yesterday, ''reminds
me of an interesting episode in his ca
reer that is known to but few persons.
Few names have been more familiar
than Sans to the sporting fraternity,
and especially to those who bet on the
! races, says the Cincinnati Enquirer.
He is a direct ;, descendant, you
know, of Old Hickory, and came
as es Of fy that hs d spGh5jgg tJ PPe' Of
so-called Southern chivalry, he was the
very picture of perfect manhood, and
would naturally attract attention any
where. This, as we'll as his ''high-
rolling" qualities, made him a notable
figure either in the betting stalls or at
the green table. Family connections
and personal attributes made him very
popular at his home (Nashville), and he
was elected to one of the most profitable
of the county offices. His great propen-
sity for tempting the tickle goddess
was increased by the enjoyment of
a fat office. In some way, after the
with balance that the books did not
show to be in his favor. Legal prosecu-
ton followed and DonelsOn was de-
Tended by brilliant young lawyer
named Thomas, from whom afterward
heard the story. Late one afternoon,
at the conclusion of the trial in the
court of which he had been clerk, client
and attorney walked gloomily down the
street. The case had gone against
them, and unless large sum, nearly
$1,000 was paid in by the opening of
court next morning the worst might be
expected, possibly even the did fake of
a felon's cell.
mechanically they turned into bar
and Donelson spent his last cent for two
drinks. Sadly he told the lawyer that
he considered everything up with him.
He had almost determined to leave be-
tween suns, and in some distant parts
he could begin a new life and in time
reimburse his bondsmen. The two
walked along, and, seemingly with no
eXertion of their own will, mounted the
steps leading to the best known gam
bling house in Nashville. Thomas
knew DOnelsOn was dead broke, and
could not conceal his establishment
crowded layout and ask for a marker
for S. on the high card. The dealer
with nod accepted the mouth bet. 1t
won, and so did The next wager, and the
next, until it became evident that the
desperate player could not lose.
''His winnings had run up into the
hundreds when the lawyer, Wearied out
with his days exertions, left for a few
hours sleep, and dreading the ordeal
on the morrow. Early in the morning
Donelson, haggard and sleepy-eyed,
awoke him and tremblingly placed in
his hand the full amount to be paid in
stakes were liberty, and the despond-
emit defendant had won by marvellous
streak of luck"
&C Yes" added another member of the
fraternity, who was standing near. II
remember DOnelSOn very well, while /
was following the races, and can add
an interesting story in the same line.
He and l were walking down the street
one day and 1 saw approaching John
Alexander, of Columbus, o., the we'll
known Black Prince Alexander had
recently had one of his phenomenal
runs of luck, and carried roll of thous-
the prejudice of Southern men, I
remarked to Donelson that if he
did not wish to meet Alexander to
walk ahead and / would join him, as for
certain reasons / did not wish to snub
Alexander, but if he had no objection l
would introduce them. Somewhat to
my surprise, DOnelson said that he
would be pleased to meet the Black
Prince presented them to each other
and naturally Alexander inquired if his
new acquaintance was going to the races
and what favOrite he had selected.
DOnelson replied that probably he would
be at the course, but would not in
dulge in speculation, as he was in that
condition in which sporting men fire.
quently found themselves. He was
flat brOke.' Alexander. with maDy a
hem, finally made himself understood
that he would like to lend him stake
at the same time pressing a crisp CEN
tury in his hand. Donelson accepted
the 500 bill, and there were tears in his
eyes and his voice choked as he thanked
the wealthy representative of the col
ored race. AS my recollection goes,
DonelsOn's good fortune returned, and
OH AleXander's stake he made very
comfortable winning, certainly enough
to lift him high out of the hole.'"