Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1897-06-03
VERY BUGGY.
But it Didn't Disturb the Emil
nent Jurist Tom Bartley-An
Incident Related by One
Who Was There and
Suffered the Torture.

Forty years ago it was custom of
the court, the higher than the Com
mon Pleas, which corresponds with
our circuit court, to cover large
number of counties once or twice q
year. This court was composed of
two common pleas and member
of the Supreme bench. We have had
related an incident in the experience
of this court which not only shows a
condition of those times, but the
patience and good nature of our then
judges While they were usually
giants in intellect, giving to the law
a superior knowledge, with honor
and sincerity of purpose beyond
cavil, they were, as well, full of o
spirit that could gather in the stitua-
tion all humor afioat, however much
1t may have accumulated to their in
convenience.
| One night, after this court had been doing
business at the old stand in Kalda, then the
county seat of Putnam county, with Tom
Bartley. of the Supreme bench, and Judges
Metcelf and Seney, they retired for the
night at the only hotel in town, whose land
lord was first. class as jolly companion, but
whose rooms and beds we're not only of
primitive order, but devilish dirty. That,
however, was no terror to these judges, but
in the middle Of the night Metcalf and Seney
woke up. Seney, perhaps, would have
dreamed till morning, but Metcalf was fill
ing the room with sulphur, animated with
gestures that sometimes fell upon Seney's
fair complexion whore pugilistic rules for
bid aggression. They were covered witt
bed bugs-millions of them, according te
Metcalf.
In an adjoining room Tom BARLEY was
sleeping with the peaceful tranquility of
child, snoring gently yet with considerabl,
: emphasis. Metcalf and Seney got up ant
walked the town until day light.
Z They told BARLEY of their experience, ant
this amiabIe Judge said he had spent YER
: pleasant night, slept we'll, and contlden
there we're no bugs in his bed.
How could they complain to that mos
: agreeable and jolly landlord, who was al
. smiles, with big bottle of taLsey bitter
within call at the slightest intimation. The!
} couldn't. and resolved to try the bed one
1 more. It was the same, only additiona
battalions of bed bugs had made their ap
pearance. With leap, Metcalf and Sene
I! sprang from the bed.
"lsn't it strange" said Seney, "that ther
are no bugs in Bartley's bed, for see hoy
Y peacefully he is spending the night"
"D--n strange" said Metcalf, "but let
go and examine the judge" They lift
ed the blanket that spread over BARLEY, an,
and he was completely covered with bugs.
"Such d-d hide" said Metcalf, ''woul
preserve gun-boat under FIRE. Wake ur
Tom, you're the buggiest bugger eve
. saw" No response; but peaceful enor
{ told but too plainly how comfortable tn
/. eminent jurist was enjoying his rest.
!. ''I'll FIX him." said Metcalf. So he gather
: ed up all the sheets, blankets and coverin
Q of the bed he aL5 Seney had occupied, owe
!. which the bugs were crawling in regiments
! and threw then upon BARLEY, and then b
and Seney broke for q promenade unit
morning.
They met BARLEY at the breakfast table
with every hair in place. bright, chippel