The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-06-25
FOUR PALMISTS
In MlLLiAMSPORT
They Call Upon Mayor Laedlein
and Cause His Honor Some
Uneasiness.


From the Williamsport Gazette and Bull
| letin.
! Mayor Laedlein. was seated in his
Office Monday afternoon, going over
some official documents, when -four
sleek-appearing strangers sauntered
slowly into the room. The dgnitied
head OF the municipality looked up
! from his desk. and perfunctorily re-
quested them to be seated. One of the
visitors approached the mayor, and
said:
Mister Mayor we are experts in
palmistry and want license to prac-
| tice in your city. We are game birds
| and on the square. and having operated
in all the principal cities of Europe. as
well as America, can furnish all the
necessary credentials and recommen-
dations to prove our reliability and ex-
pertness in the professional profession,
sir. in which we excel"
Mayor Laedlein eyed the visitors
closely, and then informed them that
he did not believe in palmistry and
could not license them to practice such
a profession. He said, Furthermore, that
not long since ii well-known member Of
the bar had been palmed out of da-
parted with ii well-flled wallet through
the agency of similar practitioners. and
under the circumstances he would not
countenance such II doubtful business
in this city.
But, Mr.. Mayor" said the spokes-
man, I'VE are strictly on the square,
"That makes no difference replied
the mayor. I'VE don't want any of
your palmistry in this city" Then the
mayor sat down and tried to resume
his work Ie shifted uneasily in his
chair, and manifested the fact that he
was being bored But the palmists
were not to be put off so easily, They
insisted on a license. and finally the
mayor said he had no authority to issue
one, even If he desired. go to the city
solicitor" he said, land get IA written
opinion as to my right, and then l will
consider your application"
But, Your Honor" replied the
spokesman, 1.-THE city solicitor can be
easily fixed. We will toss him a hun
dred and he'll give a satisfactory opin-
ion and you'll have to issue the license.
Now, why not take the hundred your
self"
sir" thundered the mayor, arising
quickly.
Now. don't get excited, Mr.. Mayor"
said the chief palmist. for. you see, we
have had these experiences before.
Here you have a chance to turn hun
dred yourself, whereby if we go to the
city solicitor and he should divvy with
you, why your share could not be over
fifty, sir"
BY this time the mayor was making
a movement as IL to summon the police,
when one of the other palmists stepped
in front and impeded his passage, at
the same time requesting an oppor-
tunity to read the officials palm.
Taking his hand, he said; "Why. how
do you do, Mr. Mayor,"
WHO are you?" queried the mayor.
becoming suspicious that he was being
made the victim of practical joke.
Let me introduce you to Mayor
Price. of Wilkes Barre" said the sleek
palmist who. by the way. was Il. r.
W. Searle of Scranton clerk of the
United States court. and he presented
the original applicant for the palmistry
license. In turn he introduced John
Shea. of Wilkes-Barre. and Superin-
tendent OF Public Buildings Reilly, OF
Scranton, and there were peals OF