Bowie Knife Tooth-Picking Etiquette

From the Logansport Pharos of September 6, 1887:

Hotel Bill in Dakota
The following is printed on the bottom of the bill of fare at a Little Muddy, Dakota, hotel:

Hotel Guests, after picking teeth, must positively return bowie knife to belt or bootleg.  Jabbing knife into table by plate during meal strictly prohibited.  No shooting at beefsteak.