The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1898-09-03
BLUCHER'S LOVE OF GAMBLING
How the King Cured Him of the Expen-
sive Habit

sive Habit
"ln these war times anecdotes Of
great soldiers are being revived, and
many Of these stories throw a sidelight
on the private lives of men famous
in the worlds history remarked a
German-American citizen of st.
Louis, who was once a sergeant in the
German army.
"Old Uncle Blucher, or Bluecber.
as the Germans called him, who saved
the day at Waterloo and brought
about the defeat of the great Napo-
leon, was character and he was an
lnveterate gambler, according to the
stories handed down in the German
army" said Mr. Meyer. "Blucher was
a curious old fellow, according to the
army tradition Did you never hear
the story of what he said about the Of
ticer accused of drinking? Well, one
fine day the colonel of a regiment went
to Blucher to complain about another
colonel, who, he said, was always
drunk. The great general opened
drawer and produced a notebook,
from which he read about the gallant
conduct of the accused in certain des-
perate engagements. Closing the
book with bang and throwing it on
the table, he looked the accuser stead
lily in the face and said: i wish to
God, sir, that you would get drunk,
too
eyes, know a somewhat similar
story is told Of President Lincoln in
reference to Gen Grant" continued |
Mr., Meyer, after being interrupted, |
"but the German books, published |
more than half century ago, tell that
story about old man Blucher.
"But Gen. Blucher's own habits |
gave his friends much concern. Blu
cher, like many prominent men Of his
time, was a reckless gambler. The
king, who was much attached to him,
had paid his debts over and over again,
but it was no use. The old marshal
had gone through his wife's property
as well as his own, and his pay was al
ways spent in advance. Once hcwas
dead broke and had to 90 to the
king. If | get you out Of this scrape
will you promise me not to gamble
again. said the king BIucher gave
the promise and added, as the king
gave him 100000 thaIers; I will 90
straight home to my wife and settle
half of this money upon her so that [
shall not be able to touch it, and Twill
then pay up all my debts and never
touch card any more
"Blucher went home, gave 10000
to his wife, and, after dinner, sailed
forth to pay his debts. At midnight
Blucher's wife was reused from her
slumbers by one of her husbands
staff officers, who had been sent for
25,000 thalers. Dear, good man.
said the lady, 4 knew he would want
t before morning, SO | have put up
Just that sum in package for him.
Here it Is, and tell him to be careful
ibout the cold air coming home, and
o muflle up WELL
'The officer departed, only to re-
urn after a few hours for the rest Of
he money, with the same success.
3lucher went home to breakfast in the
morning, having lost every penny Of
he kings gift at play.
"Again Blucher went to the king,
old him the whole story, and listened
ttentiyely to all the reproaches until
lis majesty said: 'Uncle'-for he al
Ways called Blucher uncle Il !
hought you gave me your sacred !
yord of honor that you would not play !
ards for money again NO, sir an ]
wered Blueher, 4 did not give my t
acred word of honor will you give S
to me now% asked the king. sAchl {
1ein Gott! That is a hard thing to
SIX from Blucher,' replied the hero
f Waterloo. But after some grpm-
ling the sacred promise was given, l