Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-06-13

In a part of the country where the
teacher is still credited with vast men-
tai range and encyclopedia knowledge
and is not regarded as a harmless
dTudge-there lived and conducted
classes" long, raw-boned mountaineer
named Hill. He was man OF amaz-
Ing industry and possessed OF diplo-
I. mas OF learning. but he retained in
rich lpxuriance the unpraned COLO
quail speech OF his native mountains
"a speech which took grotesque liber-
ties with grammar and idiom.
Now this Hill was, among other
things. a great hand for the gals. as
ne elegantly phrased il, and in their
,mpany he took a satisfaction which
overcowed IN grins and cackles and
uncouth compliments. Even mere.
however, he had. like Washington lrv-
ing's immortal Iciaboi Crane-whom'
in general, he rather closely resein-
bled-an eye upon the practical sice
or things. In short. he was apt 10
look with special faror upon young
women who were blessed with rica
fathers.
Now. in the same region in which
this schoolmaster held sway lived
gentleman who undertook 10 supply
i. the community with the loca! news IN
weekly installme2ts. and. TO that end.
intained a plant consisting OF a
nd press OF respectable age and an
ice force OF one corapositor.
naturally Mr.. Harris. the editor,
man in high consideration; no
political or social function was COM
plete without him. Naturally. also.
Mr.. Hill, the schoolmaster. was per-
son of equal il not superior considera-
ton. and likewise much in demand for
all manner of festivities. Both gentle
men went at least as cheerfully as
they were bid-and neither ever missed
one of these delightful dances which
we're a feature CT Wauhatchie society.
10th the editor and the schoo!mas-
ST danced vilely-and each regarded
his own capers with much compla-
ncy. TheSe facts are interesting but
1t essential: the point is that both
editor and the schoolmaster. by
lance. fixed their affections upon the
same lady-a local heiress. At first
good friends, they presently began to
look at each other out of the corners
OF their eyes and then settled down
to a deadly rivalry marked by an I'M
compromising attitude of mutual
scorn-a scorn which neither took the
pains to hide.
The lady in the case was not wiser
or more beautiful than the general run
of girls, but she had the astuteness
which belongs TO the sex. and she held
the balance so true between the two
rivals that neither could claim any
long-continued advantage.
II so happened that the learned Mr..
Hill had as assistant a harmless
drudge who. as is the way of some
foolish schoolmas;ers. set his boys TO
write compositions. many and long,
nd Mr.. Harris. as beftted a pu-..c-
,irited editro. offered prize for the
t-ccmposition on a matter OF
gGblic interest" written By a pupil
If the school in which the whole town
of Wauhatchie took pride. BIT. be-
cause he hated MIR. Hill. M. Harris
stipulated that the editor was to he
he sole arbiter of 2erit. These CON-
>ositions ION matters OF public inter-
T. were duly written, doubtless with
CHI painful thought and mere chew
of the tops OF innocent penholGers
the part OF the youthful authors.
results of their labors were hand
to the editor. and the editor award
his p;ize-a years subscription 10
Wauhatchie News. Further. he
lished the prize essay in his co.,
Is. This Juvenile scrawl was not
arkable in any special way. but il
outspoken about matter Of loca!
tics which was at that time max
bad blood. What was worse. the
ester who wrote it-a pugnacious
had ventured to assume a po-
which did not at all agree with
ID which the schoolEaster had
{ wise to take on the same
Reading the effusion now il
RIM ard proclaimed in scare
as a prize essay by pupil
iool, the learned Mr.. Hill fair
with indignation. His enc
played him a scuryy trick. and
have revenge. He seized his
still holding on 10 the offend
spaper, set ont to find the edi-
is he had no difficulty in do
le faithful servant OF the pen
public was in his sanctun
loGe compositcr and several
who spent much time there. In
list of this sleepy senate ap-
suddenly the Indignant Mr.. Hill
red in the face and agitaticg
.wspaper--and declared with
ehemence that he objected To
called prize essay. He began
his mountain lingo about reck-
and even INDUCED in threats o.
lal violence-at which the edi-
smiled pleasantly. Then the
jlmaster, beside himself, made for
editor with his fists. whereupon
[cempositor and two burly lo2fers
omptly collared him and hustled
away, swearing in a manner that
suld have given infinite delight to
e innocent boys over whom he pre-
Iceland. doubtless. shocked the
ung indies TO death.
All the next day the schoolmas:er
Explained the mysteriese of the pons
LOT of hinpl-haadc