A newsboy was just passing by.
“Here, boy, give me the Morning Ledger,” said the Alderman, at the same time taking the paper and handing the boy a penny. “Let us see what them blasted cowboys are doing down at Harrisburg now. Ah!—what is this?” (Reading:) “‘Blood, blood, blood!’ Aha! laugh, will you, gentlemen? Here it is.” Reads:
“‘Blood, blood, blood! The Dorrites have got possession of Providence. The military are called out. Father is arrayed against father, and son against son. Blood is already running in our streets.’
“Now laugh, will you, gentlemen? Blood is running in the streets of Providence; blood will be running in the streets of Philadelphia before you are a fortnight older! The tories of Providence and the tories of Harrisburg must answer for this blood, for they and their unconstitutional proceedings are the cause of its flowing! Let us see the rest of this tragic scene. Reads:
“‘Is there any remedy for this dreadful state of things?’”
Alderman.—“Of course not, except to hang every rascal of them for trampling on our g-l-orious Constitution.” Reads:
“‘Is there any remedy for this dreadful state of things? Yes, there is.’”
Alderman.—“Oh, there is, is there? What is it? Let me see.” Reads:
“‘Buy two packages of Pease’s horehound candy.’”
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