The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-05-23

the procession, a thing which in those days
they were proud TO do. There had been ex-
cursons from up and down the river, and
the town of Madison was crowded with
people from Cincinnati. Louisville and other
river points. The announcement that Gov
ernor Brough would deliver the dedicatory
address, and that MI Williamson would
also deliver an address was sufficient to
draw immense crowds
Some Madison people conceived the idea
of turning a huge white goat. which was
noted in the town for its ferociousness
loose in the procession just at the time
when it was starting. 1t was thought that
some fun would be furnished by the scam
pering of the persons in the procession
TO get out of the beasts way. The wags
were defeated in their sc1eme. However.
much amusement was furnished. for when
the goat was planted squarely between Mr..
Williamson and Governor Brough. instead
Of getting in his work in the style ex-
pected he look about him and with a kno "
ing wink. retained his position and marched
the entire distance in the parade. AMI in
the position of honor at the head OF the
procession The goat played his part
well that many Of the uninitiated really be-
lieved that it was a trained goat. and that
it was a part of odd fellowship and be-
longed in the parade.
P. B. Coffin. one Of the defendants in the
bank trial, will go upon the stand as soon
as the testimony Of his brother has been
given. and he is more or less uneasy. owing
TO the fact that he was never on the wit
ness stand but once before. This was
when he was a small boy and lived at
Richmond.
There had been a street fight between
two colored men which young Coffin wit
messed, and when their trial in police
court was called the next morning he was
summoned as a witness. Gen. Tom Ben
nett was the prosecuting attorney in the
case.
On account of the fact that young Coffin
came of a quaker family. he was opposed
to taking an oath, but rapidly was the
oath put to him as he took his place in
the witness-box that he didn't have time
to explain until several questions had been
put 10 him. Gen. Bennett was in a great
hurry and wanted to get through the case,
so that when the young witness stopped
and explained that ne was opposed TO tax
ing an oath but affirmed instead. the dis
tinguished lawyer was out OF humor
Never mind said he, go and an
swer the question"
The other attorney objected and a SQUAD
BILE ensued.
We'll" shouted the general. affirm then
and be Id quick about it,"
II has been remarked by an observing
conductor on one Of the electric lines of the
city that there is an average Of one person
out of every ten who knows enough TO
wait until the passengers have left a car
before stepping on The rule is that as
soon as car stops those waiting to get on
make a rush for the platform and have to
be forced back by the conGuctor until
those wishing to get off have
car stops in the city. and the result
is always delay. not only for the persons
who are in such hurry all al once. but
for a large number Of innocent victims as
well. This is seen also in elevators and on
passenger trains where people lose time
and cause untold annoyance and delay by
thoughtlessly blockading a narrow passage
way and violating rules with which they
are thoroughly acquainted. But they
rever seem TO learn" adds the conductor.