The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1898-06-25
4 ".SCOOP'' THAT FAILED
TO PAR

AS told In washington, thS ,o'~
runs thus: At army headquarters
there was employed as messenger
and general utility, a youngster
whose pay did not permit him to
indulge in the little extravagancles
for which he had taste. Worried
by dep,ivations, he hit upon a plan
to fatten his finances. He had OBJ
served the eager anxiety of cores
pondents to secure news for their
respective papers and determined
to take advantage of it. Approach
ing one of the fraternity he intima-
ted that for a consideration, and
under the seal of secrecy, he would
furnish items of information
gathered by overhearing conversa-
tions, copying letters, etc. a bar
gain was struck and for a time
everything worked admirably. The
paper represented came to be re-
parded as reliable authority on
war matters and ttmirabile dictu,"
voluntarily boosted the correspon-
dents salary.
One day the youngster observed
that General Miles was unusually
preoccupied. Although important
business was pressing for attention
he denied himself to all callers and
laid aside many documents unread.
Finally he commenced writing and
after much thought and delibera-
ton, completed a note. Address
sing it to No. Pennsylvania ave-
nue., he directed the youngster to
deliver it without delay as it was
very important. *'Jerusalem," said
the lad to himself. ''I'm in luck
I'll bet my boots it's the plan of the
campaign, I'm top heap now
Loosening the flap Of the envelope
before the mucilage was dry, he
sped to newspaper row and was
soon in the room of his partner.
He was too excited for lengthy ex-
plantations. Holding out the note,
he pointed out: ''1've got it. Old
Miles writ it. Cuba, Dewey, Ma
Mia, Sampson, the Spanish fleet and
the whole thing. Read and ante
IN quick!" The correspondent
seized the note and unfolded it with
feverish haste: his eyes sparkled
with excitement. AS he read, his
countenancc changed; he looked at
the youngster, then at the inscrlp-
ton and read again. Then fold
ing the note and returning 1t to the
expeciat lad, he seized him ny the
collar, turned him SO that the por-
ton of his anatomy selected for at
tack was convenient, delivered a
lusty kick with the admonition:
*sGet out Of here, you internal cub
and never let me lay eyes on you
again." When he had somewhat
recovered from the shock it occurred
to him that the contents Of the note
might account for the character OF
his treatment He opened and
read as follows:
June ;, 1905.
my Dear Miss NJ
have given the matter of changes in the
uniform, several days of thoughtful study.
1 really think that the centre plume Of the
hat mil ht be heightened about an inch to
some advantage. This would give it a more
rraceful and becoming droop. The skirt
Of the tunic should be slightly shortened and
it would be we'll to change the lining for me
Of somewhat brighter hue. I am still some"
what undecided as to which OF the samples
Of silk prefer, but 1 hope TO reach dcc''
sion soon. The sword belt can easily bear
more ornamenta,ion. a few gold and sit
yer threads in the centre and around the
edges would set it off nicely and would take
we'll in a photo. -, >,
Please n,s Ike these changes and will call
to see the result. do not wish 20" T. e"
danger the excellence of your work 10y un-
due haste when the alterations have been
made ! will give Surony's man 4 sitting
for my picture and then after an interview
or two, which 1 shall arrange, will be
ready to start for Tampa. You must pardon
me for this additional demand upon your
time. In times like these everyone should
be willing to submit TO some personal IN
convenience in order to promote the public
good
Very truly,
T.