The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1857-11-26
NO. 40.
A Good Congressional Story.

Hon. L. o. Ii. Smith, of Indiana, is wri.
ting series Of very interesting reminiscent,
ses OF his Congressional life, which are
published in the Indiana State Journal.
Here is one:
NORTH CAROLINA lNTELLIGENCE.-These
arose personal debate during the session,
between Judge Dorsey, Of Maryland, and
Samuel L. Carson, Of North Caroliua,
which became highly interesting to the,
llouse, AS it WAS carried on with the ut.
most good humor on both sides. 1t was
evident however, that Judge Dorsey had
decidedly the advantage of MS North Caro-
lima competitor. The debate ultimately.
turned upon the comparative intelligence
OF the constituents Of these gentlemen Mr.,
Carson had charged that the people Of the
eastern shore Of Maryland were ignorant Of
the history Of the country, owing TO their
inability TO read or write, and closed with
most ludicrous account of the subseryien.
sy OF the Marylanders to the supposed great
men OF the country. The good humor Of
the House seemed 10 be on the side of
North Carolina, when Judge Dorsey rose
to reply, his face covered with fun; John
Leeds keer, afterwards United States Sena.
tor, whispered in my ear: dorsey says
funny things" | give sketch Of his
speech from recollection: The gentleman
says my constituents are ignorant and illi..
crate; | will not retort upon those who
sent him here, but relate a few facts and
leave the House to Judge between us,
Dates are important. IKE late war was
declared in 1912, and the British army
inglorously burned the capitol in 1914, to
the lasting disgrace Of that nation. The
whole scene was Immediately published in
tue National Intelligencer, and copied into
every paper in the United States.
Tho war was over and peace restored
by the treaty of Client Just ten years af,
Ter the burning of the capitol, my business
took me into the gentlemans district. I
was approaching the principal town when
heard the sound Of a fife and drum emerg-
ing from yellow pine woods, uear the
town, where they were making tar and tur.
pentlne. | saw before me the waving
plume and the marching, with quick step,
oi regiment Of men, the stars aud stripes
borne aloft, with the motto. "Nor,h Carroll.
na now and forever" in gilt letters. rode
directly up 10 the principal hotel, kept by a
landlord that evidently lived well, and
knew how TO entertain his guests if he was
pleased with their standing. The moment
| was seated on the porch he addressed me:
"uave you heard the newsl" "What
news" why the British have burned
the capitol, and our army is moving for.
ward, as you see, to meet the enemy"
when did you get the news!" 1--WE got
1t last night about seven o'clock" That
you may understand how this happened,
we held great meeting to give information
to the people. 1t was found that there was
but one man in the country that could read.
de was elected county reader. We then
voted to take the National Intelligencsr,
aud that every Saturday afternoon the pa
per should be publicly read, beginning at
The first page and reading it regularly
through, advertisements and all; and since
then our reader has kept constantly at il
every Saturday afternoon. r
Last night he read the burning Of the
Capito! by the British. We at once dew
to arms. The old revolutionary spirit is
completely aroused Dinner was annouuc,
ed aud took my seat at the head Of tue
table, when out sprang my landlord and in
q moment announced that the President Of
the United States was approaching in q
coach and four with out riders, and sure
enough up drove the coach with four spien.
did grays, and out.riders in full livery. The
distinguished Parsonage stepped from the
coach, aud was bowed into the parlor by
my landlord, hat in hand Curiosity led
me to place one ear 10 the opening. The
landlord bowed to the floor--"The Presi
dent of the United States, presume:'
Not exactly" "Tbe Secretary Of Statei",
Not exactly" "The Secretary Of warr'
Not exactly" The Secretary Of the Navy."
Not exactly" "The Governor Of North
Carolinai" Not exactly" Joseph Gales,
the editor of the National Intelligsnceri"
Not exactly" Then raising his voice and
stamping his foot, "Who in The thunder are
you" 81 am merchant tailor frou
Washington City, and have come here 10
collect some bills" .You can pass on;I
have no room for YOU" The Judge closeI
amidst thundors of applause; his triumph
was complete, Mr.. Carson laughed heartily,
and the matter ended in the best Of person.
al feeling.
y WrFE IN HANDxERcHTEE.-The Eol,
lowing curious manner I'm which soma Ch;