The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1895-11-09
Scared Three Editors.


article from the Milwaukee Sunday
Sentinel. Dealing as it does with three
prominent men of this state, who have
been, and are, powers in politics and
literature, for many years, we gladly
give it space. There has been many
jokes perpetrated by these men them
selves which have furnished amuse-
r9ent to hundreds of their readers, but
this time the tables are well turned and
there are host of people who will
appreciate the situation hugely
LA CROSSE, Nov. 2.-There Is a resi-
dent of this city, Charles Michel of the
brewing firm of c. and L. Michel,
Familiarity known TO his friends as
"Charlie" who has the reputation of
having in the early days of La Crosse
brought into subsection three we'll
known news paper men, one of them
no less a parsonage than Ex-Governor
George ". Peck. Mr.. Michel is now
G5 years of age, yet strong and active.
Fifteen or twenty years ago he was able
to ''tackle" any one who was in his
way, not by reason of superior or even
rudimentary knowledge of the manly
art, but purely by main strength. Mr..
Michel was then member of the com
mon council, when that body was made
up of shrewd, calculating business men,
who had wide-awake interest in the
growing and lively town. Mr.. Mitchell
l. 4 a.
dustry of La Crosse, was vigorous
opponent to the Sunday law, which was
championed by Geo. ". Peck, then
employed on the La Crosse Democrat;
also by the then famous Brick" Pome-
roy, and W. r. Finch, the present
editor Of The Republican and Leader.
This trio of journals fought Aid. Michel
tooth and nail, " and the latter was as
to the papers conducted by these
gentlemen and by means of aggressive
speeches in the deliberations of the
city fathers. Finally discussion became
personalities, and Mr.. Michel finding
that he could not fight antagonists hold
ing both ends of the club, resolved to
invade the sanctum of each and chastise
them if possible. Meeting George W.
Peck on the street he informed the
newspaper man that his attacks must
cease. Peck cOolly intimated that he,
not Michel, was running the paper and
he would do as he pleased. The excit-
ed alderman thereupon thrust his fist
under PeCk's nose and threatened him
with complete and direful humiliation
if he eyer published another article re-
ferrng to him in connection with the
Sunday law matter. Peck saw at once
that the brewer was in earnest, and
knowing full well he was capable of
carrying out his threats, acted upon the
suggestion of his enemy
A day or two later Aid. Michel invaded
the sanctity of Brick" PomerOy's
sanctum. Pomeroy took in the situa-
ton at once, realized from Michel's
appearance that there was no time for
parleying, and summoned his help and
otherwise prepared for defense. In
the meantime John Michel learned
that his brother had gone to Pomeroy's
office, and knowing his disposition to
punish an enemy, made up his mind
that there would be trouble and that
Charlie would likely be kicked on.
of the building by the entire force at
Pomeroy's command. John had no
fear of the result in a handto-hand en-
counter between his brother and Pom
eroy. John summoned half dozen
of the brewery force and led them in q
phalanx to the Pomcroy's place of
business. When Michel's unsummoned
achievements came into the office he
was disguised. "PomerOy," he said
"these men have saved your life If
, they had not put in an appearance
would have licked you and your entire
crew, but as it is you escape. Mark
what l tell you, however, if you ever
| publish another item derOgatory to me,
| will chastise you, by God"'
Nothing uncomplimentary to Michel
appeared in Pomeroy's paper after
wards.
Later in the day Michel paid his re-
spects to Finch. When the latter got
| sight Of the enemy he made a bolt for
the nearest exit and escaped, with the
alderman's threat, ringing in his ears,
that he would lick him within an inch
of his life if anything hereafter ap-
peared in the Republican and Leader.
| This settled the war on both sides
and the sunday law was not enforced
while Michel had voice in the council.
1t was afterwards through Michels in
tluence that Peck was made chief of
( police.
"CharIie" Mitchell is still an interest
/ ing figure in La Crosse. He is short.
gray-haircd, gray whiskered ruddy-
faced man, an inveterate talker and
story teller, jolly and companionable,
liked and respected by everybody, a
man of ideas, linguist of high order,
( upright and energetic. He lives in one
/ of the snowy mansions of the city
with his wife and four children whom
/ he idolizes. Before the construction OF
this house which cost with its furnish
/ ings $4,000, the Michels lived in a
/ substantial two-story brick residence
near the brewery owned by the two
/ brothers. Mrs. Michel didn't like the
! locality and concluded to have a house
in a much more desirable part of the
/ city. The new house was built with
gift Of cash from her father She
bought the lot, ordered and accepted
the plans, let the contract and superin-
tended all the other details Mr.
Michel refused to go near or have a
word to say about the structure, on the
ground that the old house was good
I enough in every way for their needs
4 When the mansion was finished and
l.