Rensselaer Union, Volume 11, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 February 1879 — Our Ridiculous Governor. [ARTICLE]

Our Ridiculous Governor.

From tlio Indianapolis Journal. The announcement of a “spiritualistic entertainment” at the .Grand Opera-house last night attracted an immense audienca to that hall, every seat in the house being occupied and hut little standing room left in tlio vestibule and aisles. Among the number whose curiosity had been aroused to know just what a “#ptiritualistic entertainment’’ might be wag His Cerulean Excellency Governor Williams; This dignitary occupied a sent in one of the Btage boxes, and his presence soon became known to the audience. Mr. Mansfield, the “medium,” stepped to the footlights and requested that a committee of two (gentlemen of age and prominence preferred) be appointed by the audience to oversee the preparations for the coming seance, and notice that nothing underhanded was done. Having heard with what grace and dignity Indiana's chief executive presided at a recent walking match, giving the word to.the. panting pedestrians, he glanced meaningly toward the governor as he made the suggestion. His Excellency was chosen forthwith to act as one of the committee, nnd Representative Faulkner as the other. The two stepped to ’Their places on the stage amidst the cheers of the audience. They were then asked to tie the medium, who seated himself on a chair inside the cabinet and, hitching up his trousers, Indiana’s governor began the work of fastening the medium. Down on his knees he dropped, and worked and tugged away faithfully, until, after five minutes’ work, he faced the audience, the perspiration dripping from every pore, and announced: “The man is tied; 1 can’t see anything hocus pocus about the thing.’’ He then tqok his seat on one side of the stage, Mr. Faulkner, who, by the way, bad sent his collar to Ihe lanndrv, occupying a seat on the opposite side. These statesmen overlooked the movements of the medium at the request in a manner eminently satisfactory, shaking their heads approvingly the while. Finally, however. Miss Anna Eva Fay being then in the cabinet, Mr. Mansfield, addressing himself to Knox county’s pride, said: “Would you favor us, governor, by taking a seat in tha cabinet?’’ at the same ume'placing u chair therein for his accommodation. Tkegovernor mildly consented, »nd took his seat facing the lady. Mr. Mansfield thon took hold of the old gentleman’s hands and placed them gently but firmly in the lady's lap. At this the audience roared and the governor squirmed. A silk handkerchief wa* then laid° on his shoulder, and a four-gallon milk pall piaeed over his head. To nil this he submitted meekly ..and without a murmer. The audience eiqoyed the situation, which ha evt-A dently didn’t. As the curtain was bsing drawn, ilo.ing the cabinet, a stifled cry

Wits heard from under the bucket, and the curtain whs rc-drawn to ascertain the cause. Nothing—only the bucket had slipped back over hie head, tod the bail ditching under the throat, was choking His Excellency in a manner which would soon Imre made way tor Lieutenant Q&V J ern<>r Gray. The bail Was Readjusted, and the performance went on. At the conclusion of the trick our respected governor stepped put, to the delight of the audience, which was glad to see him back onoe hiore unhurt. Then Miss Fay retired and Mr, MaustlcU entered the cabinet. Turning to the embarrassed chief executive, lie asked calmly, “'Will you fhvor the audience by loaning me your coat for Hit) performance of this trick?'' The good old man cast a glance at the nadleuos. Their laugh seemed to reassure him, and off came the blue jeans robe. "Tour vest,’’ demanded Mr. Manstjsld, To thla-jcqueet our ruler responded With alacrity, exposing as be dropped hla waistcoat—a clean ahirt I This at least gave evidence of frequent rehearsal. There he stood, the white shirt contrasting with the trousers of purest cerulean hue, and at which he gazed fondly, as if he expected to be requested to part with them next. The cabinet waa then closed and tb« “spirits” began work on the medium, who

was securely tied. At this juncture the dismantled governor, who stood erect, six feet three in his boots, which were still on,_ began !o feel the need of a new chew of tobacco and a handkerchief. He chewed his tonguo for tbe one and used his thumb and index finger in default of the latter. The medium within then shouted for light, and the curtain being withdrawn, revealed him partially encaaod in the habiliments of the governor. Representative Faulkner was called upon to assist, and the two state officials picked the medium up, atiil bound to the chair, and carriednim to the footlights. They were then asked to unbind thu fetters, and responded gracefully* Each went down on his knees and tugged awuy, the governor still in scant attire. They knew that tbe eyes of 1,600 noblespirited Indianians were upon them, and realized the awful importance of succeeding iu their undertaking. When -their efforts were crowned witii success and the medium stood forth once more free, Gov. Williams carefully donned his coverings and immediately dived into the pocket where he kept his tobacco. The dignified lawmaker and our chief executive were then excused from further service, receiving the thanks of the mediums and approval of the audience for the able and impartial manner in which they had administered the affairs of the evening.