Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 January 1914 — HAPPENINGS IN THE CITIES [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HAPPENINGS IN THE CITIES

Pigeon Objected to an Unceremonious Expulsion

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. —The squad of bluecoats had assembled at the central station for the midnight_cbango of shifts. The stalwart policemen formed in line and started to march in a short re v lew trofafe wHI: call when.

amid the trumping of feet, Lieutenant Green noticed a little blue-gray pigeon marching bravely along just behind the last man in line, head erect, chest out and with very much oL a military air“Hait,” cried the lieutenant. The line came to an instant stop. “How’d that pigeon get in here?” he demanded sharply. At once two dozen helmeted heads turned about on two dozen shoulders, and as many sets of eyes searched out his birdshlp, who, also, had halted on command. The bird never blinked an eyelash (if birds have eyelashes). “Get’out of here,” thundered Lieutenant Green, when his men had failed to answer his question. “Get out! Shoo!” he repeated, as the pigeon cocked its head on one side and looked the commanding officer over. A titter went round the

ranks, but was instantly subdued by. a glare from the lieutenant. “Officers Haggerty -and Burn, put that pigeon out,” And the lieutenant turned hiß back as if the incident were closed. It would have been closed, too, had not the pigeon objected to this unceremonious expulsion. Officers Haggerty and Bum strode with great dignity up to the bird, which retreated as slowly toward the door. It walked along a few steps, then looked back as much as though it believed the order had been withdrawn, Nfow it was at the dbor, and the policemen-bird-drivers were about to sigh with relief when the feathered volunteer flew back over their heads and rejoined his comrades in line. “You’re a —you’re a —well, a mighty impertinent bird,” said the lieutenant. Then, even he broketthe rules long enough to laugh.