Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-10-08
STAUNTON VA, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 1901
sEARGENT s. PRESTiss.

Prentiss's appearance in Congress was a
triumph that was never accorded under the
same circumstances to any other individual.
In his contest for his seat, there was Great
ed, as matter of course, strong sympathy
in his favor among his political partisans; but
when he rose to defend his rights against
all combatants, when he poured forth his
his indignant feelings at the wrong he con-
ceived was to be inflicted upon his State, ,by
rejection, he did it with an eloquence
rarely equalled in the halls of Congress, and
perhaps, the subject considered, never to
be surpassed Prentiss at once ranked a.
mong the great minds of Washington, as
one entitled to the highest honor as an or
ator and statesman. Rejected by the cast
ing vote of the Speaker, Mr.. Polk, Prentiss
returned to the theatre Of his triumphs and
laid his case before the people. Mississ-
lppi was then one Congressional district, and
he went through its vast territory appealing
for Justice. Pity indeed that some ready
writer had not followed him, and recorded
the brightest page in his eventful history.
1t was during this exciting canvass that
Prentiss displayed his most extraordinary
power of mind and endurance Of body. As
we have already limited, he had the whole
State to canvass, and tile magnitude of the
work seemed just what he desired
From what have learned from anec-
dotes, that canvass must have presented
some scenes combining the highest mental
and physical exertion that was ever witness
ed in the world: Prentiss was IN perfect
health, and in the first blush of success,
and it cannot be doubted that his best efforts
of oratory were then made, and now live
recorded only in the fading memories OF his
hearers. An incident Illustrative of the
time is remembered, that may bear repeat
ing.
The whole State of Mississippi was alive
with excitement: for the moment, she felt
that her sovereign dignity had been trifed
with, and that her reputation demanded the
return of Prentiss to Congress. Crowds fol-
lowed him from place to place, making a
gala time of weeks together. Among the
shrewd worldlings who take advantage of
such times sto coin money" was the pro-
prietor of a travelling menager:e, and he
soon found out that the multitude followed
Prentiss. Getting the list of that remarka-
BILE mans appointments, he filled up his
own; and 1t was soon noticed,as singular
coincidence, that the orator always "arrlved
along with the other lions" The reason
of this meeting was discovered and the
seboys" decided that Prentiss should next
time" speak from the top of the lions cage.
Never was the menagerie more crowded.
AT the proper time, the candidate gratifed
his constituents, and mounted his singular
rostrum. | was told by person, who pro-
fesseG to be an eyewitness, that the whole
affair presented a singular mixture OF the
terrible and the comical. Prentiss was, as
usual, eloquent, and, as if Ignorant of the
novel circumstances with which he was
surrounded, went deeply into the matter in
hand, his election. For while, the audi
ence and the animals were quiet-the for
mer listening. the latter eyeing the speak
er with grave intensity. The first burst of
applause electrified the managerie; the ell
phant threw his trunk into the air, and
echoed back the noise, while the tigers and
bears significantly growled. On went Prem
tiss, and as each peculiar animal vented his
rage or appreciation, he most ingenlously
wrought in his habits, as facsimile OF
some man or passion. In the meanwhile,
the stately king of beasts, who had been
quietly treading the mazes of his prison.
became alarmed at the footsteps over his
head. and placing his mouh upon the floor
of his cage, made every thing shake by his
terrible roar. This, joined with the already
excited feelings of the audience, caused the
ladies to Shrek, and fearful commotlon tor
moment followed. Prentiss, equal to ev-
cry occasion, changed his tone and man.
ner he commenced a playful strain, and
introduced the fox. the jackal, and hyena
and capped the climax by liketiing some
wel-known political opponent to a grave
baboon that presided over the "cage with
monkeys" The resemblance was instant
ly recognized, ,and bursts of laughter follow
ed, that literally set many into convulsions.
The baboon. all unconscious ofthe attention
he was attracting suddenly assumed grim
ace, and then serious face, when Prcntiss
exclaimed: II see,my fine fellow that your
feelings are hurt by my unjust comparison
and humbly beg your PARDON The effect
of all this may be vaguely imagined, but it
cannot be described .-Whig Repicm.