Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 67, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1901 — HOW TO SETTLE A FEUD. [ARTICLE]

HOW TO SETTLE A FEUD.

Only Terms by Which a Mediator Could Enter the Game. As we sat smoking our pipes by the fireplace I ventured to say to mine host that I bad heard of the feud between the Johnsons and the Robinsons and asked him to tell me how it came about. He scratched his head and looked puzzled, and finally said: “It’s a good way back, and I've dun forgot. Reckon tt was about a dawg.” “That’s what I’ve heard—that your, dog chased a mule of his which was feeding in front of your house. Robinson got mad about It, you had high words, and then the feud began, which has lasted eighteen years, Is it trpe?" “Reckon that’s the way of it,” he slowly replied. “There wasn’t much in that to quarrel about?” J “No.” “But two or three people have been killed on either side on account of it. I understand?” I “Three on one side and two on t’other,” he answered, after counting on his fingers, “and two more wounded.” He seemed so calm and good-natured about It that I thought I might go further, and after a bit I asked: “Uncle Ben, don’t you think this quarrel ought to be fixed up?” “Might be,” he replied as he gazed Into the fire in a blank way. “Suppose, for instance, that I volunteer my services as mediator?” “Waal?” “How would you suggest that I go to work to bring peace between the two families?” The old man rose up and took th* tongs and replaced a brand which had fallen on the hearth, and then down and asked: “Do you know where Robinson lives?” “Yes, three miles up the road.” “Kin you shute?” “Fairly well.” “Waal, you take your gun and sot out fur Robinson’s. Git the hull crowd, from the old man down to the last young un, into the house, and then fasten 911 the doors and begin poppin* at ’em ijhrew the winders. Keep it up till the last one has turned up his toes, and when you have come back with the news, thar’ll be an end to the quarrel and we’ll have peace.”—Philadelphia Press.