The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-12-13

the COLONEL.
art OF entertaining callers. But here
comes Colonel starhuek. Perhaps can
get him to introduce me. How are you.
colonelf A trlle late IN keeping your
appointment, aren't your
"Why. how dye do. majorT exciaim.
ed Colonel starbuck cordially. 'I nm
sorry I've Kept you waiting. but 1t has
given you a chance 10 learn something
about the Argus establishment and the
stair."
Yes, 1t has, interposed the caller
dryiy.
Pretty bright looking crowd. major.
aren't they? Boys. this Ia Major Hay
den. the former owner and editor Of
tho ccnteryille Courier. He has bought
out my interests In the Argus, taking
possession nt once. and trust the new
relationship between you as employer
and
"IIellol What has been going on
herol What IL that sign you are carry.
Ing around on your back. major? Here,
let me remove II, "rurnlps For Sale.
ehf surely hope that miserable at.
tempt ut wit was not placed on your
back by any one connected with this
establishment"
II am afraid It was. colonel" was
the calm reply. You see. the boys mis-.
took me for one Of your rural subscrlb.
ers, and they have been having some
amusement at my expense. But see
they are pretty well worked up over II,
30 perhaps We had better finish our In.
tervicw In your private Office and give
our humorous friends chance to think
the matter over quietly by themselves,
Half an hour later when the new
proprietor of the Argus emerged from
the inner sanctum he found rather
solemn looking crowd awaiting his ap.
pearance, and Barney Blake's erst-
while smiling countenance was the
most sepulchrally solemn of them all
as he stepped forward and gravely
handed him folded document.
Opening II, Mr.. Hayden read as fol
lows:
Major Hayden:
Dear Strive have had our innings, and
II Is now your turn. As the future pro-
prietor OF tho Daily Argus you doubtless
will not care 10 retain In your employ the
stan OF long cared. unmitigated donkeys
now connected with the paper. and We
herewith hand you our designations, to
take effect Immediately, together with our
apologies for the objectionable treatment
received by you at our hands this after
noon,
This note was signed by Managing
Editor Blake ana the other members
Of the Argus STAFF, and below the sig.
natures was the following postscript:
p, s,-Thc boys were bound to share the
blame equally with myself and hand In
their designations with mine, but as am
the head OF the Office and tho others took
their cue from me / feel that alone
what occurred. and as an act OF justice
resignation alone be accepted and that, mo
one else shall be made to suffer for my
fault. The rest OF the boys are pretty
good lot They win serve you faithfully
and redeem themselves In your eyes. |
am sure, II you will give them chance,
Yours respectfully,
BARNEY BLAKE,
designations declined With thanks,
You are all going to stick right to your
Jobs until tell you different" an.
nounced Major Hayden bluntly as he
reading the above communica,
ton and, tearing 1t into strips, dropped
It into the wastebasket You've had
your lesson, boys, and guess there
Isn't much danger Of any more such
exhibitions as we have had here this
afternoon, I'm willing to try you any.
how.
"But I'm glad you added that post
script. Mr.. Blake" he concluded. reach