Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 February 1892 — He Met His Match. [ARTICLE]

He Met His Match.

Trrcre is a tolerably numerous class of men of the “shabby genteel” order who haunt first class betels with a view of “Striking” some friend or acquaintance for enough money to get a square meal with a few drinks thrown in. Congressmen ure tho favorite victims of tho gentry in question, and if the particular victim is a statesman unused to the scheming guild, ho. is likely to ho tackled for tor any sum from $1 to SSO. During the life of the last CongreMv a Southern Kepersentative of nationaT fame was approached by a rqan whoav he knew slightly and who claimed the congressman’s district for his home, though ho hadn't boon in the State for many years. He told a plausible story and obtained the loan of $5, his parting words to tho lender being, “I’ll pnj r it buck inside of thirty days if I live.” The month went by, and likewise another and another, but tho borrower failed to appear around that particular hostelry. Finally, after some six months had flown, ho ventured to" take up his usual seat on owe of the lohby lounges. Not long afterward Jic and his Congressional friend met face to face, but on the latter* countenance there wasn't the slightest sign of recognition. With supreme 'Clieek the other advanced, and holding out bis hand observed, “How are you., Colonel?” “I don't know yon, sir,” was the reply. “Don’t know me? Why, I am Captain Clinker, from your State.” “That can't be so. Clinker, poor fellow, is dead. I know it, for he bor, rowed $5 from me, premising to puy it hack as sure us he lived. He hasn't given me the money yet, ;and I know ho is no longer in this world.’” —[Washington Post.