Middletown transcript., 1894-04-28
A MODEL TAX COLLECTOR.

A Jersey Tax Collector Holds up Deli
quemts with Handouts.
No one will deny that John w; Eckerson
is an original man. He is the Tax Collec-
tor of Washington township and it is his
purpose in life to see that the township
gets its dues, and woe be to the man or
woman who tries to evade obligations.
When Mr., Eckerson took office he swore
to do his duty to the utmost of his ability.
By doing his duty, he understood that he
was to collect the taxes
He is doing his duty with Vengeance.
This week he drove round in Black
Maria with pair of handouts in his poe
ket. and gave each Delinquent two minutes
to settle up, with the alienation of being
handcuffed and taken forthwith to jail.
1t may be imagined that Mr.. Eckerson
summary collection methods made no
small sensation, Folks did not believe he
meant it at first and tried to cal. him down.
But Mr.. Eckerson did believe it.
He had special deputy with him, sworn
into office for the purpose of enforcing his
orders The special deputy was big burly
f.llow, who looked as if he meant busi-
ness. While Mr.. Eckerson held his watch
and counted the seconds, meantime chink-
ing the handouts, the big special deputy
drew near and glared.
THEY ALL PAID PROMPTLY,
If it was bluff on Mr. Eckersons part, it
was mighty good bluff, and was carried
out neatly. The delinquents got red in the
face and sputtered q little. but eventually
they yielded Before the minute hand had
counted the full two minutes grace every
one of them produced his pocketbook and
paid up.
Some persons tried to argue with the
collector, but Mr.. Eckerson. would handy
no words,
You owe so much, said he naming the
figure, "come now, pay up and be quick
about it."
but suppose l didn't" clustered one
man.
'Then shall clap the handouts on you
double quick and take you to Hackensack
to jail Come. I'll give you just two
minutes"
The man paid up.
Only once was Mr. Eckerson obliged to,
actually use the handouts. Anthoney
Fceney was disposed to be rebellious. He
said wsth bluster that he had been in
the country great many years and had
never paid any taxes. He didn't propose to
begin now.
Mr.. Eckerson did not waste any time.
He called up his big deputy and they
actually succeeded after some effort in
clasping the handouts around Feeneys
wrists.
They dragged him down to the Black
Maria and were about to put him in, when
Penney, figuratively speaking, threw up
his hands. Mr. Eckerson told him that it
was not too late, and that if he paid up he
would be released.
Penney paid up, and the energetic COL
lector pocketed the money, removed the
handouts and drove along to the house of
the next delinquent.
no RESPECT FOR SEX.
Mr.. Eckerson made no respect for sex.
Delinquent taxpayers were delinquent tax
payers, whether they wore dresses or trou
sers. One woman he called upon was very
indignant at the demand made upon her
and emphatically declared she would not
pay.
"Well, madam" said Mr. Eckerson, Il
.hall have to handcuff you then; and take
you to jail
Il never saw pair of handouts" said
the woman, pertly.
Il am pleased to show you a pair" said
Mr.. Eckerson. taking the handouts from
his pocket The woman looked at them
critically and examined their working.
Il don't think like their locks" she
said. II guess I'll pay up"
She pa id up.
Mr. Eckerson collected all the townships
bad debts that he demanded, and took his
Black Maria home empty,-N. Y. Herald.