Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-03-25
WRITTEN FOR THE STAR.
A sHORT CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY
OF An OFFICE SEEKER


and a larger supply Of fsnciful snticipations.
Nebat was an aspirant for office, building his
hopes, rs he conceived, on a very substantial
basis. A few months preceding his ihtrOduc-
hon TO the Federal Metropolis he had
stumped his native - district for his favorite
political candidate. had been elOseted with
hIehllleu Gass, Esq. and received the solemn
promise from that gentleman, in view of his
election, the fattest office in Washington. and
this promise had exhilarated the hopeful Nebat
to such an extent that he shouted himself hOarse
In praises Ot the - Incompatible patriot and
peoples friend, y and witnessed with lively
eXaltatiOn his triumphant success by a sweep
ing majority.
1t was a smiling December morn that well
coined the opening of the sessi0n-everyb body
looked bustling and cheerful but none more so
than tho happy, expestant Nebat. lie dressed
himself with scrupulOus neatness in his best
brosdclotb, and hurried down to the lodgings
of Hon. Riehilieu Gass, NJ. C., To announce his
arrival; he was Informed that that gentleman
had already gone to the Capitol, thence Nebat
directed bis steps. singing,
Where is the life that late / led
Why here il is. welcome these pleasant DAYS ~
The Capitol was crowded with an assorted
mass OF human beings, the greater part circling
round the entrance of the House Of Represents
tives, laughing and chatting. bowling and scra-
ping, whispering and lobbying The anxious
office seeker looked around i'm vain for his hon
essentially being the wiser; meanwhile the
crowd increased. for il nearing the hour Of
tWelye-the commencement of new Congress
and Nebst went up in the gallery and stared
down on the sea of heads, straining his eyes to
catch the familiar form of his representative
and now a distinct rap on the Clerks desk
stills g. though by magic the buzz of human
voices, and announces the preliminary opening
Of the session: gentleman in black makes a
short prayer, then the spectaeled Clerk raps
the desk again and proceeds to call the roll.
hile listening to the tedious sing-SOng calls
and important responses, Nebst accidentally
recognised in a cOntented looking gentleman,
who sat lelsurely franking documents, no less
apersOnage than his long sought friend. With
what pride he gsZel on the sublime features of
his illuStriOuS patron. with what admiration he
watched the dignity of hiS movements. the ease
and confidence with which he " clapped'' for
the pages. and the entire GGGHLO4 eyiHcing a
mind perfectly at home in n new world and
then how majestic his response. when his name
WAS called. IL was aWe-inSpiIing. and spoke of
innate grandeur of soul. Israel Nebat enthu-
siastieally pressed through the crowded gal
lery and presented himself at the entrance of
the Hall, anxious to meet the eye of the Hon.
Richilieu Gass. The fat dOOrkeeper opposed
his progress, . None but members admitted
within; there's the regulations. read EN-"
= wish to see Richilieu Gass; he's a men,
ber. and a friend of mine, demonstrated Mr..
Nebst Indignantly.
= Better send your card in then" replied
the dOOrkeeper. with professional eOOlncss;
here. Tommy" to lean page who was hur-
rying past, :, take this gentleman card, wants
to see kIm who sits yOnder. particular business,
all right Cant come in here" addressed
IL n fresh group OF outsiders; .. Ladies gallery
tOther side madam = All. good morning
Colonel; and with sundry other exclsmati0ns
and salutations uttered IN one breath. the d11r
keeper plunged into the spirit If his occupa-
n all ,IatH
Members came in. and came out, and tho
largo door slapped and banged; but no sign Of
the Hon. Richilieu Gass. Ii was Il tedious long
time to wait for the pages roturn but he finally
did appear, breathing hard under the load of a
huge srmiul of papers.
Well, inquired Mr.. Nebat, impatiently,
have you given the message -
Forgot all about il, laughed the page,
with provoking nonchalance; '' but I'll attend
u You SIR, in u second.
Israel Nebat fumed and freited, and just on
the point Of walking of in disgust met him hy-
light, and with some difficulty dcciphered the
magnificent scrawL It ran thus
Dear Nehat-Will you please excnse me. l
an very much occupied just now. Come to my
lodsinga this evening Truly yours, -,
Nebst was charmed; how familiar. and yet
how delicate; =. Well, 1 shall not fail to GO,
thought he and having nothing further to en-
fase his attention, strolled round the Capitol,
pscpei in the Senate gallery till the ladies
turned him out. and stared with a stranger
eve at sll the objects Of curiosity. In this
manner the forenoon glidcd away, and he was
descending the steps the House adjourned
Nebat caught sight of his friend and instantly
rushed up To him with genuine delight pictured
ON his open e0untenance.
My dear Nebat," / am rejoiced TO see
Won exclaimed tho honorable, extending two
aud walkinsr raItilly un Mt hR San
time s'when did y0H arrive. come instantly 10
see Lie by all means. pray DO. and smiling
nHabIy. the NJ. q. trosted down the steps with
such marvellous speed "a to leave poor Nebat
far behind--befOre he could recover from his
surpri<e Hon RIchilieu GaSs was out of sight.
A. soon IA supper was over Nobat put ON his
oversoat and with cheerful thoughts wendell
his way To hiS patron lodgings. The little
negro who answered the bell, informed him
that he was not in" Not i'm repeated
Nsbat in amazed doubt, "go and see, ii must
surely be a mistake" No mistake ut all,
spoke a shrill voice from the head Of the stairs
The Judge has gone to the Presidents, lac
will not be back this evening
Thanking the lady for the information. Ne
bat diseOnsOlately retraced his steps. Gas!
must be very busy in Congress thought tbs
0fiee-seeker and | will not try To hin
there again; will csll again to his rooms be
fore the House is in session.
In pursuance Of this reflection. tho next
morning Nebat carefully dressed himself and
got there Just M that distinguished gentle
nan was issuing forth from his lodgings. Gas
ygas ovrriiOMng with cOTliality. ' There, my
dear friend" exclaimed the VI. c., - am lie
lighted to zee you. but how unfortunate, / All
lust On the eve of starting for the ieuse; ALLOW
6Is to express the hope that You will com'
saple other time-say," addei he. noting Ne
hats chasrin. say this evening at half pas
seven clock You will excuse Inc nOwE
oh certainly" replied Nebst, consider
ably mollified and withal lsttered, Il shOulC
la. Ta.st happy to but before he could fnisl
the sentence his honorable friend was half wa,
d.Sn the street
Puneiual at the hour specified Nebat was ol
the spot and sending in his card, was directe'
10 walk up stairs.
The opening Of chamber door at the top
most landing disclosed the familiar form @
Hon. Richilieu Gass, VI c.; he was seated be
fore \ little table, earnestly engaged in frank
ing huge pile Of envelopes lie locke up " i'll
a aband smile, and extended finger" Nebat
| am delighted 10 see You; take seat; yol
perceive | am very busy, but don't mind me