The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-09-30
HON. ASA PACKER AT HOME

Correspondence Of the New York Sun.

Correspondence of the New York Sun.
MAUcu CHUNK, Pa, Sept. Way up in
the anthracite regions of Pennsylvania. where
the picturesque Lehigh river forces its way
through the narrowest gorge of the Blue
Mountains, nestles the town of BTauch Chunk.
THE MAN OF MARK
In this town resides a man of mark. When
the representatives of all the Democrats in
the United States assembled at Tammauy
Hall, in the city of New York, on TIE 4th
day of July. 1868, to select candidate for
the high office of President, the delegation in
that body from the State of Pennsylvan ia
twenty eight times cast their united twenty
six votes for Asa Packer. But though Asa
Packers turn had not come. and therefore
another was selected instead, it is by no
means certain that the wisest choice was
made. Again, few weeks since the un-
terrified Democracy Of Pennsylvania assem-
bled in delegate Convention to select can
didate for Gubernatorial honors, and, after
due reflection and consideration, the choice
fell upon Asa Packer.
Asa Packer. this faYorite of the Democrat
ic party Cf Pennsylvania. is the man Of
mark who resides in this town. In. it, and
yet isolated from it. Asa Packer is q man
of the people. Asa Packers home is tie
home of Asa Packers family. The one be-
longs to the many the other to the one
While the home is in Mauch Chunk, it is
distinct from Mauch Chunks distinct
from the town as the green oasis on the
broad, sandy plains of Sahara is from the
the desert itself This home is the abode of
elegance, refinement, luxury and ease. 1t
monopolizes a commanding point on the
hillsides, where wealth has dug out a plain,
and built terraces. and planted rare flowers,
and cultivated choice shrubbery, and in the
midst Of this garden has reared princely
mansion, and adorned It's interior with costly
furniture, ,.icapacious shelves, lined with
books, elegant pictures. ard frescoes, statu-
ary, and other works of art This is the
home of Asa Packer. located in the town of
the coal miners, yet contrasting in every re-
spect so conspicuously with the homes ad-
joining and surrounding it. And here Asa
Packers family lives.
THE STORY or THE MAN OF MARK.
But who,is Asa Packer ?
A poor carpenter from Connecticut, leav-
ing his native State in pursuit of employ
ment busy, bnstling, prosperous merchant
in the wilds Of Pennsylvania an enterpris-
ing, pushing adventurous operator in new
schemes for the development of his adopted
State; great and successful coal miner; a
founder of banks; railroad king a man of
untold wealth, the result of honest toll, pru-
dent living. and sagacity unsurpassed.
Such is Asa Packer.
MAN OF THE PEOPLE.
MIR. Packer, will you ride down ?'' said
the omnibus driver. refining up to the side
walk, as be noticed the great man with his
satche headed toward the depot.
'No, thank you; can walk" was the
reply.
.,Better hurry, then" said the driver
times most up.''
"Oh, l'n catch the train; there's ten nip
utes yet"
| Judge, let me carry your satchel," j" said
the pompous country squire, rushing up and
clutchipg the baggage of the great man.
'.Oh, no; | can carry it. 1t amt heavy"
replied Asa Packer; but the bag, neverthe-
less was wrenched from his hand
'Of again, Judge ?" said the affable mer-
chant, as he rushed out from his store to
shake hands with the domestic stranger
Yes; have got to ruu up the road
apiece"
"Well, good luck to you''
Judge Packer" said / abandoning all
expectation OF securing more favorable op-
portunity, 81 have made a diigent search
for you. and run long chase after you; but
do not see as / can run you down in pri-
vate. Here is a note that will both intro
duce me and explain my VISIT And |
handed the great man letter with which
had been favored by personal friend of the
man OF mark.
The Judge-why he is called Judge 1
do not know-rcad the letter carefully. lie
pondered over it. He studied it. He seem
ed to be weighing the words of which it was
composed. Finally he seemed to be satisfied
with it. and turning smiling face upon me
he said
81 am in something of a hurry to catch
the twelve O'Clock train. 1t lacks ten min
utes of the time now. If you will walk to
the depot with me, we can talk on the
way.
Now. the distance from the centre of the
town of Mauch Chunk to the depot of the
| Lehigh Valley road is not very great, nor is
ten minutes much time in which to discuss
the great political questions of the day
But as '.half loaf is better than no bread -
accepted the proposition with thanks, de-
termined to make the most of the opportuni-
| ty, at the same time ,despatching a messen-
ger to my hotel with bank note to liqui-
| date my bill, and order for my satchel, so
as to be prepared to follow up the opportu-
| nifty if it promised we'll.
PETTY LARCENY.
Judge, have you anything more to say
J TO me his REMARK WAS auOTcSSSQ ny
Judge Packer to another individual rejoicing
in the title of Judge" who seemed to be a
| sort of Home Secretary to the great man.
/ '-I'll walk over with you." replied the
other Judge, and. suiting the action to the
word, he took position on the right of the
man of mark, and at once proceeded to en-
cage him in a conversation of a very intri-
cate and important nature. judging from the
earnestneess he manifested. .All of which /
considered petty larceny. The time was
mine. Judge Packer had given it to me-.
1 It was none too much 1 couldn't afford to
loose a second of it. Still the other Judge
pressed his earnest confab. and the great
Judge listened with close attention, and
modestly went out of line, and otraggled
ahead, waiting dcfcrentially for a summons
to proceed with my Interviewing. And then