Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1893-03-09
THE RAID ON MELLISH.
BY LUKE SHARP.

~ ONE newspapers differ from others.
" One popularity about the Argus
was the frequency with which it
changed its men. Managing ed
itors came who were going to rev.
- olutionize the world and incident
ally the Argus, but they were ia the
habit of disappearing TO give place to
others who also disappeared. Newspa-
per men in that part of the country
never considered themselves full-fedged
unless they had had turn at managing
the Argus. If you asked who was at
the head oq the Argus the answer would
very likely be "Well, So-and-so was
managing it this morning. don't know
WHO'S running it this afternoon"
Perhaps the most weird period in the
history of the Argus was when the own
ers imported crank from Pitts burg and
put him in as local editor, over the heads
of the city staff. His name was Nc,
Crasky, christened Angus or Archie, |
forget which at this period Of time. In
fact, his Christian name was always a
moot point; some of the reporters say
ing it was Angus and others Archie, no
one having the courage to ask him. Any
how A. McCrasky was how he signed
himself He was a good man, which
puzzled the reporters not little. Most
of his p edecdss0rs had differed much
from each other, but they We're ali alike
in one thing, and that was profanity.
They expressed disapprOval in language
that made the hardened printers towel
In the composing ro0m shrink.
McCrasky's great point was that the
local pages of the paper should have a
strong moral influence on thecommunity.
He Knocked the sporting editor speech
less by telling him that they would have
no more reports of prize fights. Poor
Murren went back to the local room, sat
down at his table and buried his head in
his hands. Every man on the local staff
naturally thinks the paper is published
mainly to give his department. a show,
and Murren considered a ight to a finish
as being of more real imp ortance to the
world than presidential election. The
rest of the boys tried to cheer him up.
ga fine state of things" said Murren
bitterly. "Think of the scrap next week
between the California Dutfer and Pigeon
Billy and no report of it in the Argus
Imagine the walk-over for the other
papers. What in thunder does he think
people want to read"'
But there was another surprise in
store for the boys. McCrasky assem-
bled them all in his room and held forth
to them. He suddenly sprung ques
ton on the criminal reporter-so sudden
ly that Thompson, taken unawares, al.
most spoke the truth.
''Do you know ofany gambling houses
in this city,"
Thompson caught his breath AND
glanced quickly at Murren.
mo-" ne said at last, 81 don't, but
perhaps the religious editor does. Bet
ter ask him."
The religious editor smiled and re-
moved his c)rn-cob pipe.
''There aren't any, he said. "Didn't
you know it was against the law to keeI
gambling house in this state? Yes
STRIP Then he put his corn-cob pipe
back in its place.
McCrasky was pleased to see that his
young men knew so little of the wicked
ness of great city nevertheless he was
there to give them pointer or two, sc
he said quietly:
ssCertainly it is against the law; bu
many things that are against the Law
flourish in city like this. Now | wan
you to fad out before the week is pas
how many gambling houses there are
and where they are located. When yor
are sure Of your facts we will organize {
raid and the news will be very likely tt
be exclusive, for it will be late at nigh
and the other papers may not hear o
it,
suppose said the religious editor
with twinkle in his eye, as he ag ain re
moved his corn-cob, misunderstanding
such places to eXist-you found SOM
representatives of the other paper
there? They are bad lot, the fellow
on the other papers"
s'If they are there said the local edi
tor, .sthey will go to prison."
'.They wont mind that if they cal
write something about it," said Murrel
gloomily. In his opinion the Argus wa
going to the dogs.
Nov, Thompson" said McCrasky
"you as criminal reporter must know
lot of men who can give you pointers TO
first-rate article on the evils of gan
bling. Get it ready for Saturdays paper
a column and half, with scare heads
We must work up public Opinion"
When the boys got back INFO the loca
room again, Murren sat with his head !
his hands, while Thompson leaned bac
in his chair and laughed.
"Work up public opinion" he sal
"Mac had better work up his own know
edge of the city streets and not pu