Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1874 — His “Small-Pox.” [ARTICLE]

His “Small-Pox.”

The New York correspondent of the Boston Journal writes: “One of our railroads runs by the county buildings. Prisoners, paupers and the diseased are transported often on the street ears to save expense. This practice creates great indignation. So far all protests have been in vain. The other day the conductor was collecting fares from a crowded load. A foreign person, poorly dressed, and with an eruptive face, handed up his money. In answer to the question, ‘Do you go through?’ which means do you go beyond the city line, he said: ‘I have got de small-pox do!’ ‘Haveyou got the small-pox?’ said the astonished conductor. ‘Yes, I have got de small-pox do.’ The passengers came to their feet; women screamed, and the excitement, was intense. ‘ Come, get out of this car; you can’t ride here,’ said the official. The unfortunate made for the front platform. He was hustled out of the car and nearly pitched headlong into the street. He recovered himself and started for the front of the car. The driver took the car-hook and threatened to brain him if he got on. The poor fellow kept up with the horses, shouting, ‘l’ll go; give me my small pox, give me my pox, give me my pox,’ pointing to a small two-foot square chest standing on end behind the driver. The mystery was explained. The honest German wanted to - pay for his small box on the car as well as his own fare. The conductor apologized, and a seat was offered to the man. But he had had enough of that company. He refused all invitations to ride, shouldered his ‘ small pox,’ and trudged on foot to the almshouse.”