Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1857-06-04
Presentation Of the Elk-horn Chair to the
Observation-Disclosures Ceremony.
.cuvucrny Mo,.

Of the Elk-horn Chair to the
Observation-Disclosures Ceremony.
WASHINGTON, May %.
The most interesting feature Of the past
weeks was the presentation. on Saturday
last Of the Elk horn chair to the President,
by Mr. Seth klnman, the California trap
per The ceremony took place at . o'clock,
T. NJ in the east room Of the Executive
mansion, where was witnessed for the first
time. the novel and attractive scene Of a spe-
cial public interview between the American
Trapper of the tar distant western wilds of
the Pacific. and the President of the United
States Mr. kinman was escorted to the
White House by Gen. Denver, of California,
Col Stambeau. and Maj Arnold Harris
The chair had been previously deposited in
the East Room, where a large concourse of
ladies' and gentlemen had assembled to wit
ness the ceremony The legs Of the chair
are made from the horns of the stag or elk,
with the antlers forming the back and arms.
being highly polished; and the seat OF a soft
beautifully dressed white skin. 1t is very
colnmodious, and seems especially made for
ease and comfort. AT = O'Clock the trapper
entered the East Room accompanied by his
escort, dressed in his deer skin hunting
shirt and trousers, with his rifle on his
shoulder He wore his hunting shirt open
AT the neck. exposing red flannel waist
cont. and the legs Of his boots outside q;
his trousers lie is about five feet eleven
inches in height, spare but well made, and
of great muscular power and activity. His
features are regular and rather proposes
ing He has "a sharp, keen blue eye. dark
L Il FILL
beard and moustache, a shade lighter than
his hair. On his entering he was immedi
ately surrounded. and several persons were
introduced to him. Col Buchanan, U. S.
A.. who had been for some time in Califor-
MIA, approached the trapper and said:
Seth do you know me-
The trapper, after scanning his features,
made movement Of surprise and pleasure
towards the Col. and said, Eyes, it is not
easy to forget your sign-you are Col Blu
chanan, and am right glad to see You. =
The two heartily shook hands. and inquir
ries were made after mutual friends.
"Do YOU remember this old shot potch?'
asked the trapper, putting his hand OH a
square leather bag which hung with other
trappings over his shoulder.
81 do well" replied the Col, and while
| acknowledge its services, have no long
ing to be one Of its companions again under
similar circumstances lean fully endors.
you. seth
The trapper then passed on and took hi'
position by the side Of the Ek-horn chair
leaning upon his rifle, and the assembly
formed large circle around him. The
President. entering from the main corridor
was then announced, and the circle opened
TO receive him Gen. Denver stepped for
ward and formally presented Mr. kinman
to the President Mr.. Buchanan took the
trarper by the hand and cordially WELDON
ed him, saying. Il believe you are from
Berks county. Penn"
NO. sir replied the trapper, in low
and modest tone. 81 am old Union. That's
my native county. | left it 1880, for the
West and have since then twice crossed
the Rocky eMountains. l return to the
States for the first time with the only pur-
pose of presenting to you, sir, this chair.
killed the elks myself-four Of 'em--and il
took some time before could get the ant
lers that I wan.el This sir, is the first
piece OF cabinet making that ever tried
my handat. Great laughter by the audi
ence Yon will find it steadfast and true.
quitting his hand upon the chair as it is
Sound by the native iron of California,
assure you sir. it will give you a safe sup
port to the end of your life, which l hope
will be prolonged and happy one"
The president, in reply, said, 4 accept
this chair with pleasure. ! shall value il
highly. 1t will serve to remind me Of the
wilds Of California and the Califcrnans.-
They stamp of men that can be coaxed
but cannot be driven. l will carry it home
with me to Penn. after | retire from the
Presidency, and prize it Is one of the most
pleasing "reminiscences Of my official caree.
Then turning his attention to the rife of
the tr upper. Mr.. Buchanan said: What do
you call your gum
many a time depended on her a stady nerve
Again rreverting to the chair, the trap
per said: 4 have never permitted any mar
to sit in this chair, as determined yor
should be the first hope, Mr.. President
YOU will take a seat in it, that | may tel
my frienes that l saw you sitting in it,
Mr.. Buchanan smilingly acquiesced, say
ing: Certainly, must crafty you in this
as well as myself there Mr.. B. reclin'd upor
the chair, and it will give 'me great plea.
ure IN the reflection of having received it a
your hands
While seated, an old, brokeen-down. rud.
politician seized the Presidents hand ant
attempted to have . parley, bat Mr.. Buch
anan shook him off and turned to the trap
per. who said:
You will find,- Mr. President, that on,
fork Of the antlers at the foot Of the chair
will make you good boot jack, 90 thai
YOU can draw your boots with ease ani
pu. on your slippera' Great merriment
Mr.. buchanan having risen from the chair
DIR. Wozencraft of California, or some suci
name, was presented to the President Ths
DR.. took occasion to make little speech,
abiding to the California iron which bound
the chair, reminded the President Of hi,
promise to carry out the iron bands Of tn.
Pacific Railroad Mr. B. replied that he al
WAYS kept his promise, and referring to hi.
services as Secretary Of State during tn.
war with Aexieo, said he had done his bes'
to acquire California. and it would be hi.
greatest wish TO see her more closely bound
to the Union with rails Of iron and wires o
electricity. The audience being over, III.
people. and the trapper and Ms kiends. die
pcrsed. highly gratiiisd vithtas interview
~. i. LfBeeA ~.y.,.., t..ss 4. -, .z..