Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol. 1 no. 18, August 21, 1858
History
Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol. 1 no. 18, August 21, 1858
New York (N.Y.) -- Politics and government
Alderman Reed is represented as saying:—“I don’t deal in that kind of
beef. I stated that as an alderman, not as a butcher.”
Ald. Tuomy makes two complaints against Mr. Leslie. In the first one
Ald. Tuomy is represented as a ranting, roaring Irishman on board the
Ericsson, with a bottle of whisky in one hand and a shillelah in the
other, saying—“If I catch the “Tribune” reporter I’ll throw him
overboard, G—d d—n him.” The second one embraces an alleged libellous
article, and a caricature of Aldermen Tuomy and Reed, in which their
nasal peculiarities are most outrageously magnified. Mr. Graham stated
to the court that he desired to compel Leslie to give $2,500 bail in
each case; in the two former instances, to keep the peace for twelve
months, and abstain from publishing any more caricatures; and in the
third case to answer criminally to the Sessions. Mr. Graham proceeded to
say, that they intended to show these English scoundrels that they could
not libel and caricature respectable citizens with impunity.
Mr. Leslie said—“You had better keep cool, Mr. Graham.”
Mr. Graham, who was evidently very much excited, jumped up and
said—“Don’t speak to me, you scoundrel, or I shall not be answerable for
the consequences. I ask your Honor to note that this is an attempt to
intimidate respectable counsel. These fellows intend to caricature the
whole court. I’ll neck the first man I see take out a pencil. [At this
juncture our reporter took out his pencil and began to take notes.] The
first acquaintance I ever had with him showed him (pointing to Leslie)
to be a d—d scoundrel. If they will meet me on any flat in New York
(pointing to Leslie and his friend Watson), I’ll take the heads off both
of them. I’ll show them by the swelling of their chops there’s no Miss
Nancyism about me” [shaking his fist in their faces].
Mr. LESLIE—“We are gentlemen—we are no pugilists, Mr. Graham.”
Mr. Graham.—“You are a G—d d—d English thief. I can lick the pair of
you.”
Judge Osborne.—“Mr. Graham, you must stop this, as I can’t allow it.”
Mr. Graham.—“Within the past seventy-two hours he has sent a shaft to
the heart of the only remaining parent I have on earth, and the other
night I went down alone past his establishment, intending if I met him
on the curb to whip him like a dog.”
Mr. Leslie asked if the court intended to allow such procedings to
continue. They were gentlemen, and not blackguards.
Ald. Reed.—“If they are gentlemen, one has sailed under an alias for the
past five years.”
Mr. Leslie.—“That is not true.”
Justice Osborne.—“Gentlemen, you must stop this.”
Mr. Graham.—“The only question is, are two gentlemen to be constantly
libelled by these English transports? They contaminate the air. If I
stay in the room with them much longer, I shall suffocate. [Pointing to
them.]. See what mean-looking English thieves they are!”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol. 1 no. 18, August 21, 1858 — John Shaqi
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account