New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-10-26
THE WALLIS SHOE COLLECTOR.

particularly ingenious criminal Is reported
from Minneapolis. His name is given as c. p
Wallis. though this may very likely be only an
alias. We speak Of him as criminal, using the
word advsedly. II q more definite term is
desired we will say that he is book agent.
We are aware that the selling Of books by force.
the only way in which book-agent ever dis
poses Of his wares. Is not recognized by our
criminal code as crime: but all advanced iuriSts
hold that it should be so recognized. And 1t Is
for this reason that we do not hesitate to class
the house-to-h house selling Of books q criminal
proceeding The law already in force in most
of the States making it an offence punishable
by from five to ten years imprisonment
to offer or expose lghtning-rods for sale will
doubtless ere long, with the steady advance Of en-.
liQhtenment, be modified so to include books.
But to return. 1t appears that this man Wallis
entered the office of johnson, Wing & Co., who
have law office in Hennepn-ave. Approaching
Mr.. johnson, Wallis attempted TO sell him
work in two volumes entitled The Life and Times
OF Reub. Burrows" Mr. johnson, Of course,
did not want the book-in fact, 1t Is not even
remotely probable that Wallis supposed he did.
Walliss idea was to force it on him and then
make his escape Mr.. johnson was busy writing
an important letter. but Wallis took chair
and, moving up close TO him, began the usual
torture Gently pushing the unfinished letter TO
one side and setting the inkstand on the floor,
the agent laid the open volume before the help
less lawyer and called his attention TO the
introduction by the Rev. Mr.. Talmage. Passing
from this he pointed ont the illustrations and
casually read the first chapter aloud. For the
next half hour he read other selections and otter
charging on the fine quality of the binding, began
to put down" Mr.. Johnson's name with foun-
tain pen Now it happens that Mr.. johnson
4, Of a somewhat hastg temper and though he
managed to contain himself during the reading
and extolling, the sight Of the scoundrel delio-
erately entering his name IN his order oooK
with the fountain pen drove him into an uncon-
trulable rage. lie determined to put the agent OUT
lie leaped up, and in o loud tone OF voice to'u
the intruder to go. Wallis hurriedly gathered
mn his books, tucked them under his arm, picked
nm a small black satchel in his left hand ana
started for the door Just as he reached IL lie
turned half way around and said that he would
like 10 show Mr.. johnson the list OF clergymen
and distinguished citizens that had already SUBJ
| scribed for the work. This was too much for the
hot-blooded Johnson Rushing up he launched
a. powerful kick at the agent. This individual
awning his hand-satOhel slightly, Jshnson's foot
struck the side OF It, which collapsed, and the foot
disappeared within. There was sharp snap and
steel.trap closed upon his foot. Mr.. johnson
,r,cl, the hoor heavily with the back OF his head
,bs uuprincipled villain with the satchel gave o
stroug pull, wrenching the lawyers shoe from his
foot. and hurried away down the stairs, the side
Of the sAtohel closing and retaining the shoe
within
When Mr.. johnson arose, which he did almost
instantly. > fierce desire for Esyepge took hold