From out of New Jersey, 1906, a policeman on patrol overheard something talking from a bush. Upon closer inspection, he discovered a talking parrot that told him to go to hell and called the man a damn fool.
Profane Parrot “Pinched”
EAST ORANGE, N.J. — The East Orange police have in custody the most troublesome prisoner they have had to deal with in a long time. He was captured this morning in William street by Patrolman Flannery, who succeeded in landing him at police headquarters only after a struggle in which the officer sustained wounds which will mark him for some time to come.
The prisoner is charged with using profane language.
As Flannery was patrolling in William street the following salutation, uttered in a harsh voice, met his ears:
“B’gee, you think you’re the swellest ever.”
Flannery stopped and looked around for the supposed impudent small boy.
“Aw, run along; don’t stop to rubber,” added the voice, which Flannery this time traced to a large bush on a nearby lawn.
Looking further, he saw a large green parrot. “Here, Polly, Polly,” called the policeman in a friendly tone.
“Go to hell! Go to hell! You’re a damn fool, damn fool-fool-fool!” shrieked the parrot, flying to another bush.
Flannery was in a great rage. He doffed his helmet and started after the bird, which seemed unable to fly very far. After a long and trying chase he brought the helmet down on the culprit and inserted his hand under the brim of the hat.
The parrot grasped its opportunity and also the officer’s hand. Flannery held on to his insulter, and, though the bird wounded his hand severely, landed it at the station house, where, through the united efforts of about six policemen, the feathered conversationalist was placed in a wooden box with slats nailed in front.
Source: Los Angeles herald. (Los Angeles [Calif.]), 21 Jan. 1906.
