The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-11
The Story That Failed
BY A MoNTGOME RY REPORTER.

When a youngster embarks upon the sea of newspaper experience. he is nt illustration of Nordau's theories re- garding the bioodthirsty.
 The "cub" reporter depends, to great extent, for his making good upon being first at the scene or some hoio- caust or crime If & tenement were burned and a hundred innocents sut- located; if a beautiful young girl 'sne should be rich to round out the storyl were murdered by some demon III manhoods guise whose love she ha1 rejected, to the cub reporter pity wouiu he sunk in satisfaction if his were the l,ns that telephoned the story to the office or his the pencil that wrote the account for the first editions. Even after this triumph, pity has no place ih the heart of the young reporter. MUTT 6catior, and envy succeed satisracuoh' for a ..star" man is hurried to tHe acene. makes the young reporter ihe.e ,oesseneer boy; profits by the kno"F edge of his inferior in years ana eApe- rience. and takes to himself -the huse headlines and the congratuia!lons VI inc managing editor the next day. put there comes time to each faithful and diligent.
 
 not been closed behind me many weeks hssore was mortified to find the managing editor in at the third call l haa rnade at the office. I was .tremo- ling when I made known my desire to enter the papers employment. was anproaching collapse when I was in- troduced to the city editor mad was in- formed that something would be found for me to do. .
 was assigned to the Twelfth Street police station. It was my duty 10 observe all cases put upon the plotter' write short accounts when the matters were of little moment. and to teiephone the city editor if anything of import ance developed. Whenever anything of inaportance did develop. an older man was sent from the office to help me. The helping consisted of learn ing the facts from me, writing the story and telling the city editor how he had to tramp all over, East End to get the data
 If the incident to be written occurred after 10 D. m.,' the short account writ ten by me appeared. in the early mall editions, and that of my "assistant' Ill the later ones.
 But despite these slights, thought lots of my fob. The patrolmen liked
  Sergeant Sprinkler. who commanded at Twelfth Street. was jolly German who seemed very fond of me. It was our custom. as the nights were chilly. to have . Ire in the assembly room at the station and play pinochle. The ser geant, Heller, the Gamewell operator; McHouse, the warden, and myself were regular participants. and any of the reserves who were not sleepy took hand.
 Our game was interrupted one night by the ringing of the telephone bell Sprinkler was busy sizing up" his hand, and McHouse went into the next room to answer.
 Sergeant, sergeant" he called; "A murder Is being committed at 1514 1-2. Lacy Street-that ramshackle old tenc- ment"
 Sprinkler laid down his cards. T had a cracking good hand" he said rue fully; "1514 1-2. Lacy?" he asked Mo House who had entered. "who tele- phoned?'
 Some kid from the place went over to Carrolls. the drug store on the cor ner and the clerk telephoned. Want any of the men woke up?'
 No, will go.'' replied Sprinkler; You, Gregory. and you, Fuller" he said to two of the men who had not yet thrown down their cards, get your coats on and come"
 It was a fearful night. The rain fell fin sheets, and then stopped for a moment, to come down with more bitter determination at each succeeding gust 1t was cold, too. and the soughing of the wind through the elms made the pedestrian shiver by Its mournfuI cadences as well as by its biting chilli ness.
 looked at the clock-2:10 Gee" I thought If I get this story what I write will go into the late mail and city editions" In my unsophisticated heart I almost thanked the murderer At last. at last. Luck had come my way.
 The scene of the crime was only three and one half blocks from the station Sprinkler and his men got into their mackintoshes and hastened towards the door. I buttoned my coat and started also. Here. you" shouted McHouse, If you are going out in that weather. put on my rain coat" I thanked him. slipped 1t on. and hastened to join the officers.