Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-03-05
FOUND I'M THE TALL GRASS.

Many stories are told about the ne
gro in office, and most of them are as
innocent as one of Senator Depew's
chestnuts in a group of diplomats
when Colonel Bingham is looking the
other way. Here is one that is being
told among the employees of the Gus.
toms service: "a very black customs
inspector, one of the Presidents re-
cent appointees, boarded a German
steamship the other day. The immi
grants did not take to him at
all at once. protesting that
he could not speak the Ian.
guage. oh, yes, he speaks German
all right was the reply of an old
timer. Try him. How long you
been in dais contree?' said a prospec-
tive citizen from the Low country.
Drei months said the colored inspec.
tor, gutturally. 'Drei month"; exclaim-
ed the German. Ant so much color
change? l go me back to Zhairmany
Ply ter next steamer!'"
Bribery in elections is an ancient if
not an honorable custom. This is
shown in the case of Shrewsbury,
England. An extract from Parry's
VI SoullSlI0 VI LuS-
land" of a case of bribery with its pun
ishment, in 1871, shows how long the
p%ernicious custom has been in prac-
tice: Thomas Long, "a very simple
man and unfit to serve. is questioned
how he came to be selected. He con-
fesses that he gave the mayor of
Westbury and another ga for his
place. They are ordered to repay this
sum, and a fine of $50 is to be as
sessed on the corporation and inhabi-
tants of Westbury for their scandal
Gus attempt"
Historical interest attaches to the
Anderson farm, which has been bought
by General Nelson A. Miles. During
the Revolution the soldiers burned
beacon lights on the summit of the
high hill, previous to the battle of
| White Plains.
Parson Brooks started the crusade
against vice at Jefferson City, but, of
course, it was a newspaper man who
gave him his cue. Harry Turner, city
editor of the Mexico Int%elligencer,
went to Jefferson City to see the legis-
%lature. While there he was shown sew
eral places where booze was sold and
poker was played contrary to law.
Being a stern and u%nrelenting prohi-
bitionist. he told Rev. Mr.. Brooks about
it, and furnished him the material for
his sensational sermon. So, really, the
people of Jefferson City have the man
from Mexico to thank for all their
troubles.
Alexander Wilkie, of upper Craigie,
Perth, N. B., is believed to possess
the longest beard in the world. His
exceptional growth of hair begun
when he was about 25 years of age.
From that time it grew rapidly and it
is now seven feet two and a half inch
es long and still growing.
The following is a summary of the
White House functions during the
present social season:
House guests entertained. ...... 200
Dinner parties given .......... SO
Average guests at each dinner
party ..... -. ......,..,., ~
Guests at luncheon ............ 275
Guests at breakfast ............ SO
State dinners ..... ............ 8
Average number of guests at state
ulnnerS $3.50. .............. ~
Attended cabinet dinners ....... s
Muslcales given ..... .......... 8
Average number of guests at
muSlcales ..-.. -.......... SUI
And still there are some people who
laugh at the idea that existence at the
White House should involve anything
OF a physical strain.