Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 August 1907 — HAT PASSED FOB A BISHOP. [ARTICLE]

HAT PASSED FOB A BISHOP.

Incident of n Collection Talcen If* Anton* Cowboy. ' »• Bishop Talbot, the “cowboy bishop,” who has recently told In his book of reminiscences, “My People of the Plains,” of his strange life as bishop among the cowboys and miners of early Wyoming and Idaho, had many an amusing experience .and made hosts of devoted friends. „ An Incident at the close of one of his meetings In the dance hall of a mining town Is thus described: “Another hymn was given our and I was about to dismiss the congregation with my blessing when Colonel Burns, my landlord, stepped forward and in a low but distinct voice said: “ ‘Bishop, haven’t you forgot something?’ “ ‘What do you mean?’ said I. “ ‘Why, the hat,’ replied the colonel, It won’t do to forget the lmt, for yesterday was pay day and these boys have a lot of money and if yon don’t get-lt~the~saloens-wilL"awl~lt~ls much better for you to have it.’ “ ‘Very good,’ I said. ‘Have you any suggestions, colonej^’ “ ‘Only this, bisliop: I wish you would give us about five hymns. - T want plenty of time. Ido not want to be crowded. The boys are a little slow on collections.’ “I stepped over to the organ and we started In. The colonel presented the lmt to the. man Immediately on my left. He was sitting on the edge of the platform. lie brought out a silver dollar, called a ‘.wheel’ in the language of the camp. The second and -third men to whom the hat was passed followed the example..of .the first, each giving a dollar, hut the fourth man seemed nervous and hesitated while he fumbled in bis pocket. After considerable delay he brought out a quarter. — 4t ‘Oh, put that back. Come, now, Bill, the bishop Is not after small game to-day. White chips don’t go here. He wants a wheel out of you. Hurry up.’ “The hymns were being rapidly used up and at last the colonel returned to the platform with the tat. His face beamed with satisfaction. After the service I asked hiiu why It took him so long. ' —“ ‘Oh, J he replied; bishop, you-see, I charge up every feller 'accordin’ to his pile. I know these boys. Most on ’em grub with me. I made one feller cough up a $lO gold piece and you will find a good many fives in the liat.’ “I Seed not say that ( the collection was a generous one.” —Harper's Magazine.