The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1911-05-20
ORIGIN OF POPULAR SAYING
Story Based On Facts Occurring
Before Nevada Board of
Pardons

Political terms that are pointed and
expressive have been coined during each
campaign since the ad mission Of Nevada
to the Union on October 81. 1864. Dur
ing the '70's, and early in the 'SO's,
when the Oomstock was blooming and
booming, a number Of short sayings
we're in every day use among the citi-
zens that expressed delight. disgust. and
approbation in a word or short phrase.
that are still appreciated by the old
timers.
The term "stand without hitching"
was coined and put into use by noted
financier and horse man at Carson City
during the hearing Of q petition for
par ion Of a young man, who had been
convicted Of minor felony. The
pardoning board were sedate in de-
meanor and showed signs of WEAKNESS.
as the lawyer for the petitioner termi
mated his harangue with a low bow
and Gentlemen, thank you" 1t was
20 min utes TO the whistle and the Gov
eruor and Chief Justice looked invit-
ingly at the audience assembled, as
coming Fall an election would take
place. Suddenly the impetuous finan.
cier aud horse owner, seemingly filed
with conviction, stepped out of the
circle of humanity and with his soft
white hat clasped by the brim. ad-
dressed a number of remarks red hot
from the bat to the board while facing
the Governor. His plea was very force
ful, convincing and right to the point
why the young man should be pardoned
Instead of bowling low and terminating
his speech with Gentlemen, | thank
you," he said: "Governor. II you will
pardon this young man will guarantee
that he will stand without hitching."
The Chief Justice and his associates
recovered slowly from the volley Of
words discharged by the rapid fire fl
nancier and race horse man. but the
phrase stand without hitching." was
not technically clear. and seemed more
stunning than a mouthful of old dead
Latin. After consulting few minutes
the board decided that they were unin-
formed as to the meaning Of the term
used by the last speaker, and the Gov
ernor. in neat complimentary speech.
politely invited the inancier and horse
man TO fully explain to the board the
-. g. 81 he aafa ,A
without hitching."
This he did in the following language:
"' Stand without hitching.' gentle
men, means that the Governor is
square in the nut; that the State Of.
hcers will drill eight hours per day;
tina, the judges will 'trot' in single
harness without petticoats or preachers;
that the Sheriff and Mayor are not
filed with prunes; that the City
Council won't grab that the school
ma'am won't burn the bosom Of the
Kanuck boys pants. whose pa works
in the wood yard, because her mint
drop did not invite her to the AN
Fait' party; that the police will not
tip drunk because it Is dark; that
Sam Davis will cease lying; that"
Hold r. cried the Governor. "The
whistle is blowing and the petitioner is
pardoned.
I'VE concur" yelled the Chief
Justice and Attorney General. "for we
fully understand the import of the
term: "Stand without hitching."
Do your gentle or ungentile readers
The foregoing story is based on facts
which occurred before the Board OF
Pardons of Nevada. The principals
were two citizens. one of whom has
passed to the Great eyond. the other
living quiet life in Nevada. a.-Sparks