Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-29
A LUCKY SUPERSTITION.

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How Gamblers Strange Belle + Helped
Senator Reyburn to Defeat the Scheme
of His Political Enemies-He Had One
Majority and Held II.
John E. Reyburn is Gubernatorial posi-
bllity and strong man, considered from every
point OF the human compass. BE is of medium
height, squarely built, with strong compact
figure. He is dark complexioned. with black
hair and mustache and countenance that
indicates firmness and decision of character.
His every act is confirmation ofthis reading
of his personality. He IS man of culture and
education and as lawyer hasa high reputa-
tion. In politics he is no mans man. A
gentleman connected with one of the Republi-
can factions of the State. said of him: "As
Governor of Pennsylvania he would be Gov
ernor in fact as well as in name. He would be
dictated to neither by our people nor by the
other side. II he considered course right
and proper that is the course he would pursue,
and if he didn't think it the right thing 6there
is no power on earth that could move him.
For that reason I don't think he can be
Governor. He couldn't be nominated.
Helping an Unfortunate Friend.
A good story is told in connection with SEN
ator Reyburn's first nomination and election to
the Senate. 1t was a narrow ma jority of one
by which he had the convention, and but for an
act of friendship in years before, half forgotten
by him. that majority would have been lost to
him and he would have been numbered with
the defeated.
One day, many years ago, he was walking
along one of Philadelphia's business streets,
when he met young man who had been one
Of his schoolmases. "Ned," said the latter
(Senator Reyburn's middle name is Edgar, and
many of his friends know him Familiarity as
Ned)-"Ned Pm in hard luck. I'm actually on
my uppers. Look at that ,shoe"-and he held
up his foot. "Pm actually walking barefooted.
Can't you help me for the sake of old timesr'
'Yes, Charley, Lean" said Reyburn.
"You know what I've been doing" said the
other.
Yes" replied Reyburn, you've been gam
"That's il" was the reply; "but If you'll let
me have $50 I'll try 60 do SOME good for my
meet me here in half an hour. and it's
yours"
At the appointed time the two former school.
mates met, and Reyburn transferred $50 bill
to the needy one. who was profuse in his thanks.
A Gamblers Superstition.
Six weeks later Mr.. Reyburn, entering the
Continental Hotel, met the borrower, whose
faded and threadbare raiment had given place
to elegant attire.
"Hello, Ned" he exclaimed, delightedly, ~
have some business with you. Come over this
way" and he led him to retired corner. II
want to return that $50"
So saying, he drew from his pocket big roll
of bills, in which large numbers predominated
Mr.. Reyburn was surprised. Where did you
get all that money so soon, Charley? You've
been gambling again."
"Yes,' returned Charley, selecting $50 bill
from the roll, u have"
well, just keep the money" said Reyburn,
II don't want any money made from gamb bling.
By honest work I9
"All right, Ned" pleasantly returned the
other; you're deuced particular, but If / ever
earn $50 that way you shall have it. Pm Sl0.-
GOO ahead Of the game now and don't propose
"Ten thousand, eh?'' said Reyburn in sur.
prise. "How did you do it,.
'lt's just this way. had superstition that |
if could get $50 bill from a man who never
gambled ia be sure to win with II. I've done it
Goad-by. old man. If l ever earn that $50 at /
good honest work I'll bring it to you.
Warned In Good Season.
Several years had passed before the school |
mates met again. Then Reyburn was candi- |
date for the Republican Senatorial nomination |
in his district. The delegates had been chosen |
after hard contest and he had majority Of one.
One day as he walked along Chestnut street the |
man he had assisted came rushing toward him. |
Med" he said, "Pve been looking for you. I |
heard you were at Cape May and came pretty
near going there. Pm deuced glad met you;
wouldn't have missed you for the world
You're a candidate for the SenateI'
"Yes ?' inquiringly.
well, you won't get there unless you look
shaITpm .aI1g;. -. 49,. :. =.
majority of the delegates"
perhaps l know more about it than you
think. Pm keeping club house at Atlantic
City, and some Of the Philadelphia bosses drop
in there occasionally. They don't know any
thing in particular about me. and don't know
that know you. I've heard them talk and
I've just been on pins and needles to see you.
They're going to rough you out of the conven-
ton. A certain man is to walk in at a certain |
stage Of the proceedings and that will be a
signal for a fight. They will have crowd there
to do business; several of your men will be
thrown out; that will give the other side q ma
jority. and you will be cheated out of the nom-
nation"
.That's the scheme, is it r' said Reyburn.
that know aboutit. Ieouldn't have done it,
though, if you hadn't told me this"
How Reyburn Got There.
On the day of the Senatorial Convention Rey-
burn was at the hall early. He had hiredit him.
self, and had taken pains to also secure both
The hour for the convention to
assemble was 10 o'clock. Reyburn was standing
in front of the hall. The man whose entry was
to be the signal for the row appeared. Hello,
Narrower! how do you dor said Reyburn-
though the gentieman's name wasn't Narrower,
and that really wasn't the name by which he
was addressed \
"How are you. Reyburnr' was the response
whats the best word?"
"If were in your place." said Reyburn, II
wouldn't go upstairs"
whats the matter?'
Nothing much. Only your appearance in
the hall is the sign for the row to begin that's
to beat me. Now, Pm prepared for that I've |
got so good men up there with locust clubs and
each man is instructed, just as soon as you ap-
pear to give you at least one good blow.
don't believe you would stand 1t, and If 1 were
you 1 wouldn't COUP I've got a majority of
one in that convention, and propose TO keep |
It. Those men are up there to keep order, and
they'll do it. 1 don't think under the circum-
stances you ought to go up"
The gentleman didn't go up, and Mr. Rey-
burn was nominated. He was later elected, |
Ind has been returned regularly ever since. A
friend of his tells the story, and vouches for its
general accuracy. SIMPSON. |
Key to College Lingo.