The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-02-28

When was In Chicago last summer,
the city editor Of one Of the papers there
told me this story. which will chow the
advantage of not having an excuse.
Some years ago looking fell
low appeared in the city editoi's room
from no one knew where, and wanted a
job. The city editor told him, as he had
told hundreds Of fellows before him,
that there was no vacancy at present
that is the usual formula-but If he came
across good bit Of news it would be
cheerfully accepted and paid for.
Well, the young man brought in what
stuff he could, and sometimes an item or
80 was used but more often nothing
was available, and the fellow lived as
best he could, and slept in sheds or in the
park and never grumbled. The editor
began to get tired of seeing the want
stricken face, and once or twice advised
him to go home, but the young man said
that perhaps chance would come along
by and by, and anyhow he was there to
stay. One night the city editor said to
him
'If you want a chance, there's beaut-
iful one open for you tonight. The
street car men are having meetings ev-
cry night, and we can't find out what
their up to. They meet at the corner OF
til street and - avenue"
"All right, said the young man.
Have you any objection to my sayir 6
I'm reporter on this paper" VI -
None in the least" said the editor
with grin. Il may say, though, that
Ratican, who tried to get last nights
meeting, is in the hospital today"
Seeing how much in earnest the young
man was, the city editor added t'>
THE meeting is SHADES regular as
signment tonight, but don't think he'll
get much except broken head, perhaps.
Anyhow, if you get anything at all, it'll
help out. Here's couple Of dollars to
meet any expense you may have"
Shortly after midnight the young man
appeared in the city editors room. He
looked as # he had been principal in a
prize fight.
well, said the city editor.
81 couldn't get in" remarked the
young man. Has Mr.. Slade brought
any hing 7" ~ - 49,.
"Yes, tirst-rate excuse like yours. u
Il tried to pass the guards, but they
flung me down stairs. That's how got
this" pointing to his cut and swollen lip.
That's all right. l didn't expect
you get in"
Il bribed fellow for a dollar to let
me in the back way. They found me
out and dropped me out of the window.
That's how l got this" pointing to his
closed right eye.
well, you mustn't feel discouraged. y
II felt little cast down when they
dropped me out of the window
That's not bad. You ought to apply
for position in the paragraph depart
ment."
climbed up to the roof on the rear
fire escape. got into the top story through
the trap door, went down 10 the ror m
above them by the stairs, and found that
the stove pipe came up through the floor "
Yes, said the city editor with in
creasing interest.
"They were AsFiDg such stormy time
below that removed the stove pipe
without any one hearing and held the
lower pipe from falling with my left
hand"
Eyes"
II could move it asi lie and see all
wanted to, and hear every thing"
Yes"
They have resolved to go on strike on
all the lines at nine tomorrow morning.
and every one is sworn to secrecy" -
Great Scott !" cried the city editor,
jumping to his feet write that up,
Give us all you can of it,"
ut Is written up. You see the cleo
trio light opposite made the room light
enough to write by, and had to stay
there and hold the stove pipe till every
one was gone, and then fit il up again
g. they wouldn't suspect. Good scheme
for next meeting, So wrote it up as
lay there"
Great head" said the city editor.
TIL" young man is now managing one
OF the biggest papers in the west. and II
because his rule was
Never have good excuse"