Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 July 1884 — Governor Curtin’s Friend Buckey. [ARTICLE]

Governor Curtin’s Friend Buckey.

I Washington Hatchet.] One of the best old-time Unpublished stories on ex Governor and Congressmen Currin, of Pennsylvania, occurred during the war Gov Curtin was design tUed in a convention to make a spee ch, and desired to make a strong, hot and personal attack on the Cameron faction. What bothered him was how to make the assault most positive. Aleck McGlure, who was in with Curtin, suggested that the best plan would be to have same representative in the audience ask a question, and thus afford anopportunity for an auswercoveriugthe project McClure ask a well-knownsport ing man and “rounder” of Philadelphia, “Buckey” Neala by name, “Buckey was very much elated by the honor and prospective importance of his position, and prior to the calling of the convention

attired himself in the best suit of clothes, purchased a tall silk bat, and located himself In the most prominent portion of the hall. The signal for him to to mak«the Inquiry was preconcerted; it was when Alex. McOlure should wipe bis face with his handkerchief. Governor Curtin commenced his speech, costumed, and was frequently warly applauded, the audience enthusiastically his friends. “Buckeye” was buried in oblivion to all things except Alex. McClure, upon whom he had his eves fastened as intensely as those of the Ancient. Mariner. At the fitting* time the handkerchief came out and Alex, mopped his tace. Up jumped and. ‘pointing his finger, Burke-like, to Curtin, in ringing tones cried out: “Governor Curtin, mav I ask you a question?” “Certainly, sir,” was the gratifying reply "Certainly, sir, as many as you like. «r.d—” ‘ You blank, blank, blank?” howled a dozen voices. “Watch’er mean by tr.-ing to break up this meetin”? And beforb “Buckeye” could explain a mob was on him. He was knocked down, the floor swept up with hun, and despite his prayers and protestations that “Alex. McClure told me to ao it” was slugged, kicked and fired out of the hall amidst a most tumultuous UDroar, ‘Several hours later “Buckey,” hatless, coatless and covered with blood, mud and rags, was seen skirmishing around the Continental Hotel lookin, for that sucker Alex. McClure which put up such a bloody snide job on me.”