The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1906-01-03
HISTORIC
MACHET re
CUTS CHEESE

TO what base uses may We re-
turn quoth the poet.
This is said in connection with
and as preface to the story of a
lcheese knife. But cheese knife
with a history, although it ably per-
forms its humble task at present
time was when ii heard the clang of
wars alarms and saw the rise and
fall Of republic.
In the grocery store of Mr.. Otis
Taylor. at the West End, now does
menial service the famous machette
lof General Morales, the South
American rerolutionist. In appear
ance it is long thin blade Of the
finest Toledo steel, about one and
one-half inches in width, with
horn handle. Although dulled
from daily slicing the New York
cream, or switzer kase, it is capable
of being ground to a razor like
sharpness. With it is leather case
with belt attached. Sundry hicks
in the blade indicate that it has
known more strenuous life than
cutting a cheese. And 50 it has,
and the maner in which it came into
Mr. laylor's possession may prove
interesting.
Mr. Taylor spent several years Of
his life in Central America, and al
though Il young man he is an au-
thority on the habits. cultivation,
crops, etc, Of that country. This
store of knowledge ,he acquired by
personal experience III the various
fields Of industry there, and particu-
larly in the banana trade. At the
time that the 'machette' first enters
| the story, Mr.. Taylor was captain Of
4 side-wheeler steamer which piled
Iup and down the small inland
streams removing the eargoes of
bananas to the shipping ports. The
vessel carried complement Of thirty
men besides a few small arms, as
the revolutionary spirit Of the coun-
TRY was apt to break out at any mo-
ment.
The revolution did break out as
expected and General Morales was
at he head Of it as usual. Owing to
the fortunes Of war the general had
been forced to flee the larger cities,
and his whereabouts were for a time
unknown, until tn government spies
located him in hiding at small
village called Stalato, in the heart
Of the banana district
Mr.. Taylor and his boat were w.
ing in the harbor waiting for a
cargo, when word came to Morales
that he was discovered. TAYLOR was
known to be in sympathy with the
insurgent cause, and word was sent
him that Morales would seek to af-
feet his escape at twelve o'clock that
night, and for him to stand ready
to weigh anchor. and if possible
convey the general to Puerto Plata.
Events happened a. they we're plan
ned. Promptly At twelve O'Clock
that might the general. unaccompani-
ed, stole aboard, but warning had
been given The spies who rushed
from the darkness 10 The vessel, in
an attemp to capture Morales. The
general and Taylor stood side by
side at the gunwalc and fought off
the boarder, the general using his
Imaehette and TAYLOR behaving pin
Fortune favored them, the anchor
was tripped and they steamed down
the river, and finally Taylor deliver
led Molares safe at Puerto Plata.
where he effected his escape.
Taylor had forgotten all about the
incident in the daily rush Of bust
ness since returning 10 this country
until a few months ago he received
a letter with South American
postmark upon it. The letter re-
!called the incident above stated, and
spoke Of the debt Of gratitude which
the writer bore, and asked what
favor he could do>in return. The
letter was signed Morales"
Mr. Taylor feeling satisfied at es-
Gaping alive and getting back 10 u.
IS. T., replied thai as souvenir, he
would accept the machette the gem
leral used on the memorable night
they escaped down the river on his
steamboat. After a proper lapse Of
time it arrived and can be seen any
lday at his grocery store at the West
End, doing its menial work as
faithfully a. it saved the life of its
picturesque owner on former occas-
ions. While Mr.. TAYLOR prizes the
blade, he takes a common sense view
Of the matter. and as he wanted a
sharp knife to cut cheese with he
drafted the maehette into service.
In view of the present revolution
in Central America IN which Gem