Wouldn't Be a Martyr

New York, 1895

Farmer Gustave Ritchenbach of West Hills, near Huntington, who was arrested Thursday on an attachment against his body for $5 dog tax and $8.25 costs, didn't go to jail after all. He refused to pay the tax, and when the town obtained judgment against him for the amount he still continued to ignore the proceedings. His lawyer informed him that the tax was unconstitutional, so Ritchenbach decided he would go to jail before paying it. While on his way to jail his nerve forsook him and he decided he didn't want to be a martyr after all, so reaching down in one of his boots he pulled out a greasy wad of bills and paid the tax and costs.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Jan. 25, 1895, p. 4.

Shock of Near Beer Kills Inebriate Dog

1919

Booze-drinking Animal Succumbs After Losing Wet Rations.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — "Booze" was a bulldog, owned by Cal Harris of this city. Until July 1, last, his daily fare included a small quantity of beer. He was a visitor at several barrooms during the day, and as he came under the swinging doors during the summer or scratched and whined at the door in winter, the bartenders in the thirst emporiums which he frequented would "draw" a small beer, which would be consumed by their friend. With a wag of his tail as a silent "thank you," Booze would continue on his rounds.

When the saloons of Council Bluffs, Iowa, which was Booze's home, were closed, the owner of this famous canine laid away a supply of beer, but a few weeks ago, following nation-wide prohibition. the supply ran out. Booze was then forced to live on near beer. He could not stand it for many meals and the sudden shock from the sublime to the ridiculous was too much for him. He died a martyr to the cause of beer.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Jan. 3, 1920, p. 11.