Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1877 — A Madman's Freaks. [ARTICLE]

A Madman's Freaks.

Tn New York iteraht h» a lengthy account of a man who at times had been a little deranged, but wm considered competent toettcLd to his business affair., who finally participated in a acene that wet Mt aa pleasant aa might be deaired bf Hmm present with him. A few eeenina* ago he entered a novelty afore on Chatham street, where he had made some iJMTihaafll previously, and had negotiated fora partnership, and on thia occaaion while there were prerent in the room Rover, Powell, a Mr. Carr, Mr. Westfall and another man whose name ia unknown, Higgins created some consternation by bolting the door and advancing on the persona present with threatening gestures. Their fears, however, were speedily allayed, for drawing from his pocket a plethoric pocket book, be laid it on the counter and, slapping it with his hand,

“ I now propose to preach toynusseranon on Christianity; out, unlike the ordinary ran of ministers, I do not believe in . the principle that the congregation should pay their preacher. I believe that the preacher should pay his congregation for listening to him, and in proof of my sincerity I shall pay to each of you who listens to me continuously for one hour the sum of ten dollars.’’ The demented man bare emphasized his sincerity by taking a roll of bills from his pocket-book and placing them on the counter. The congregation seemed pleased with the plan, and rested quietly in their seats to earn the ten dollars. The speaker cleared his throat and commenced by warning them that they were all on the sure road so perdition, still he had hopes of saving them. He then descanted on the many sinful practices of the present generation, and gradually worked himself up into a fever of religious enthusiasm. After the impromptu preacher had been speaking some thirty minutes one of the congregation grew tired, andyawningly signified his intention of retiring and iorfeiling his chance of both spiritual and monetary reward. This appeared to greatly incense the demented man, who f iiaroiv replied: “ Ah, I see ten dollars is not enough to keep your sinfiil attention. Then, behold, I make it SIOO a man." The Individual who yawned here brushed himself up and said that he guessed he would stand it. Twenty minutes more of indignant denunciation of •in, and another of the congregation gave it up and quietly slipped out of the door. When Higgins discovered his absence, he became exceedingly augry, saying: *• This is a battle with Satan,but I shall win. One hundred dollars, 1 see, is not enough. Here is S2OO for each man who continues to listen," and the speaker counted out four rolls of S2OO each. The congregation now grew interested, and for a long time the unfortunate man continued his exhortations uninterruptedly, but al last, while he was in the midst of a vivid description of paradise, another sinner made his escape. He looked around on his' thinned audience, and with a smile remarked: Very good. Then it shall be SSOO to each man," and he separated the money into three piles of SSOO each. This seemed to satisfy the congregation, and the preacher continued for two hours longer. At the end of that time another defection took place through the office door, leaving the demented man with Rover and Powell his only auditors, who wore pretty well worn out. The speaker, however, appeared as frosh as when he had begun, and be immediately proceeded to encourage his remaining hearers by separating the money into two piles of ga.OuOeach, which he promised them at the

cod of his sermon. Powell settled himself on the sofa and ahouted ‘Go ahead,” while Rorer pulled his hat over his eyes and . leaned his feet 4M the window sill, apparently determined <to ace it out. It was now near midmight. and the wearied auditors looked •significantly at the small quantity of oil an the lamp. Gradually the light grew dimmer, and ithe flickering glare told of a speedy end •of the misery; but the insane man was notes be thus thwarted, for, when at last thedamp ceased to burn, he gathered up old newspapers, and, placing them on the stove, set them on fire. The congregation .grew frantic and remonstrated, but the preacher was firm. “Tour souls must be saved," he said, “ no matter what the cost.” As he spoke he clutched a handful of greenbacks, one of which could be distinctiy seen to be of the denomination of SSOO. and before his astonished companions could interpose, he had set them on Are. They were speedily consumed. “Mow,” he continued, “we are ready for Heaven.” ■Lying at the further end of the counter were two table-knives, somewhat dull, tout still dangerous weapons in the hands .of a desperate man. The lunatic spied them as he spoke the words, and in a mo■nest they were in his hands. The dying .glimmer of the burning paper threw a ghastly light on the terrible acene. The madman's eyes glared wildly about him. He was in dead earnest. Both men were unarmed. To rush upon him was death at least to one. Escape was cut off, as the wily madman stood with his back to the door while he grated the blades together aharpening them for the combat. Rover seized a chair and converted it into a shield, while Powell lost no time n getting behind the sofa. Are you ready?" came in a ghostly undertone bom the madman. The men looked wistfully at the windows, but the •tidewalk was too far below. In a moment the lunatic sprang from his place at the door and advanced on the man behind the sofa. Rover hurled his chair at him, and both followed it up by a simultaneous attack and disarmed him. They then bound him to the sofa and the danger was past. At eight o'clock the next morning they sent for the police, and soon Officer Mink arrived. The demented man had in the meantime become quite calm, and asked the privilege of being allowed to pray. This they granted him, and when the odicer arrived he was kneeling and praying.