The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-08-09

The Record of This Birds Depravity
Is Vow Complete.

am DANDY Polly, and nobody can
kidnap me, can they, dOctor?"
These words came from lively good
natured Brazilian parrot with glaring
red tail in Justice Lyons court yester-
day afternoon, 10 the amaZement of the
usual crowd of spectators in a Justices
court, and also to the great astonish-
ment of Theodore Stevenson, who
claimed the ownership of the English
speaking bird.
Dr. Heber Robarts, who resides on
Wentworth-ave., near Thirty-ffth-st., is
the real owner of the parrot. and the
bird knew him as soon as she saw him
In the court room. This recognition re-
suited in the exclamation which begins
this article. The parrot was stolen from
Dr. Robarts' front porch one evening
shortly after dusk, three weeks ago.
Last Monday he learned that Stevenson
had the bird, and at once instituted re-
plevin proceedings to recover it. The
plea that Stevenson set up was that he
owned the parrot by virtue of having
purchased it form a peddler who had all
kinds of birds to sell.
Dr. Robarts believes that he has the
most remarkable bird in the country,
and considers himself very fortunate in
locating his laxative pet For several
years the actions and sayings of this
parrot have been jotted down In the ply
sician's diary, and, with this in his
hand TO refresh his memory he told the
court of the birds wonderful intelli-
gence and command of language.
The parrots memory, power of imi-
tatinS sounds and of articulating words
are good, Judge Lyon, and"
He says you're lynn, judge" inter-
posed the attentive parrot, with a twin
kle in his glazing eyes.
Polly, Ill fine you for contempt Of
court If you are again guilty of such a
CHASTITY pun" remarked the judge, in
Jocose manner. Turning to the doctor
the court continued:
I think you are right, doctor. If the
bird does not possess the qualities you
mention II would not have made the as
sertion that nobody could kidnap it.
Yes. Polly recognized me at once,
said the physician.
Take your base, doctor" Clipped in
Polly. twisting her red tail a bit.
She learned base ball talk from hear
ing boys at play near the park" con-
tinued the physician. with il all l am
satisfied that the bird possesses a SUI
periOr degree of intelligence. There are
no words that she cannot be taught to
articulate. and scarcely any sound which
she cannot initiate. She can initiate the
barking of a dog. the mewing Of cat,
the growing Of a rooster and the whist
ling of any bird or boy. She has even
got some Of the car whistles down fine,
and as a mimic she has no equal, and"
You're wrong, doctor: I can't equal
Columbian guard, and l won't whistle
AFTER the BAH, y interrupted the proud
Polly, Indignantly.
pie she hears is remarkable" the physi-
clan went on paying no attention to the
bird
''She carries the accent and Infection
we'll. and 1 am sorry TO say she keeps
me on a steady trOt sometimes at home.
She has learned every infection Of Mrs.
Robarts' voice. and I have often mis-
taken her calls for those of my wife
Play ball. doctor play ball was an
other interruption by Miss Polly. who
began to show Impotence as she jumped
about in her large cage.
she is by no means a slouC1 as
ventriloquist. She can Reproduce
distant sound just as IL falls on ones
ear. The hooting Of an owl, t!i' harlIinr
of q dog in the distance AMI the squeal-
ing of a pig are well done Tins. now
ever. is only secondary. Her most dis
tinct claim is her power to learn words
and utter sentences. She mimics the
familiar salutati0n Of the millIpan and
the grOcer's hoy and has even been
known to hold an intelligent discussion
with the bakers man. She never fails
to say Good morning and 'Good-hy' as
they go out
Watch your base doctor; go slow:
Chicago's playing ID poor ball" came
from Polly.
The bird. Judge. can express her
wants very nics;E Sha often asks FOR
Il cup Of coffee. or will Say. Polly wants
a drink and when water or coffee is
given to her she drinks with 'uuGh rel
ish. revealing a genuine thirst
Three strikes, out" chimed in the
bird
AT home she frequently sits at the
table on her perch at meal time. When
the servant begins to set the table and
she hears the dishes rattle she will be-
gin to scream. Doctor, come to dinnerr
1 often pretend not to hear her. Then
she will show symptoms Of vexation and
snappishly say, Doctor, come to dinner.
Do you want your dinner. Polly's hun
CRY. She is playful at times and has
lots of fun after meal, pulling my hair
and throwing cigars and pencils on the
floor. Sometimes / pretend to cry and
Polly will demonstrate much affection
by saying, Don't cry, doctor; come and
kiss me. II your honor will take no
tice her infection is pleasant and she
gesticulates when talking with both
her head and tail.
Sneak your base doctor; do IL quick"
was the birds only reply to all fattery.
She's been in the cage outdoors a good
deal and picked up these base ball
phrases from boys, as 1 stated before,
and by being out is how she came TO be
stolen. l believe with care and patience
and proper associations she could be
made TO acquire a command of words
and phrases so that she would be able
TO hold a conversation"
Make a home run. doctor, and take
me with you shouted the bird, as she
thought it was about time for the game
to be at an end.
Yes, Polly" remarked the Judge.
''the doctor may make the home run,
and as an umpire's decision. you may go
with him. for he has won the game."-
Chicago Journal.