Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1905-11-09
CRAFTERS AND FAKERS.


rogative of those in high places.
The humblest among us may in
dulge in the gentle avocation of
appropriating the unearned dollar
until he gets caught at it. There
are degrees and varied fields of
activity in the world of graft, but
whether in the clustered precincts
of an official inner room (marked
privste) or in the broad publicity
of the streets, it is pretty much the
same, differing, it is true, in cor
poreal quantity and quality, but in
the spirit of the endeavor, identi-
cal.
There is an aristocracy in the
world of graft, and the man who
makes millions juggling watered
stocks must surround himself with
the dignified fear and dread Of
kings. He must not fraternize
with the man who sells bottled
cure.alls on the curb, for the laws
of caste are not lightly to be out
ragged; but after all the one is
brother in cupidity to the other.
The spirit is a catholic one, and in
various generations has been vari-
ously designated. In all times
since Eve yelled herself with
fig leaves it has been assiduously
cultivated, for it comprehends most
of the forbidden things to which
that ancient matron became "wised
up" through her acquaintance with
the serpent.
just now we call it graft and
understand that it's many shades
Of meaning include the cheap pecu-
lations of the street faker along
with the gigantic swindles of our
captains Of fiuance." Jacob, oil
blessed memory, put goat skins
upon his hands and the smooth oil
his neck that the blind Isaac might
be deceived and the hairy elder son
be defrauded Of his blessing.
In it's primitive estate graft was
and still is a fragrant matter Of
street traffic, which phase after al
is the best, for it has the virtue o.
picturesqueness.
We have conferred with it in thu
council chamber Of the great ant
found it dull, monotonous and un'
beautiful. Let us 90 down into
the streets and see its happier side
There is crowd on the pave
ment. Within it's radius is al
open "hack" in which stands ar
impossible figure in a buckskir
hunting shirt. The figure wear
much jewelry, his hair falls upol
his shoulders, and he is Of distin
guished presence. The gift 0
voluble oratory is his and person
ality that lacks little Of being fairl,
hypnotic. The "doctor" is blenl
Of Cicero, John Law, D'Artagnal
and Buffalo Bill. He needs mus
wear his long hair and buckskin
for he discovered the boon, which
he is comforting upon mankind a
30 much the boon, while strivin,
nightly as q scout with Miles il
the Sioux campaigns. This mucl
he admits, that it is made from
simples, the secrets OF which wer
made known to him by a dyin
medicine man Of the tribe. II
agrees that his nostrum will allie
viate every suffering which range
from homesickness to appendicitis
At this psychological moment AM
just to prove bis good faith, he or
ders an impossible "nigger" min
strel with banjo, who is part O
his stock in trade along with som
gross of precious bottles, to burs
into song. The niger execute
"Way Down in Heart pve Got
Feelin' for YOU" This sentimen
establishes his position as a publ
benefactor, and the most reticen
of his audience is won over. Whel
the song is ended and the "doctor'
INTRODUCES his remedy" for sale
he finds need of all his ambidez
terity in giving out his goods to hi
suffering fellows and acceptin
their grateful cash equivalent.
The "doctor'' is a great mar
He would have elbowed Napoleo
off the Bridge Of Lodi had he bee
with the Grande Armee.
Hello! Here is the dancing to