Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-04-02
The Smile Of Colfax.

l FROM the DOstou TOst.J
The amiable Colfax, whose smile il
perpetual, and whose demeanor is re-
garded as urbanity itself, has not been
able to smirk out of a suspicion of un-
fairness toward bis old hencbmsn and
warmest supporter, Defrees. Poor
Defrees has recently had his nose put
very badly out of joint by the vote of the
Senate, and seeing the nice, fat things
of the printing taken away from him in
a manner which it is mildness to term
inconsiderate, is weeping about the
capital and telling his SORROWS to all
who, not being in quest of Office, have
time to lend an ear. The bsseuess oi
| ingratitude he fixes upon ex-Speaker
Colfax, for whom he had worked
early and late, improvised serenades
and addresses, caused to be roundly
and continuously puffed in the
newspapers, and in his behalf performed
those numerous acts of attention which
secure an aggregate of prominence and
popularity for an individual of the pre-
tensions of the Speaker of the House. AT
Chicago there was not wink of sleep
for Defrees, SO busily aud increasingly
did he press the nomination OF his idol.
He was lavish of money and promises
promised everything under the sun il
Colfax could be the nominee, and
Smiled" himself almost as much as his
smiling chief until success was won.
And then he reposed, supposing no re-
ward could be too great for his exertious,
and none too great for the Vice Presi-
dent to bestow.
But while indefatigsble in the service
of Colfax he was hurting the feelings of
other aspirants. Senator Morton was
one who viewed the rising of the Colfax
star with dismay. Trumbull was anothes
indeed it is difficult to say who was not
an applicant and who was not dismayed
by the final choice. Then as now the
great army of patriots whose politics
were Radical, were possessed with an in
satiate desire for the substantial part Of
the business of politics-the satisfaction
Of power and place; and Deiree's ac-
tiviiy and Mr.. Colfax's success were
unpalatable to the last degree, as
we'll as confusing generally, to those
whose hopes were dashed by the
convention. Subsequently, looking to
see what minor spoiIs could be secured,
they arranged their plans slyly but sue
cessfully, and even. so the report goes,
made ovtrtures to the prime cause of the
trouble, tie Vice President himself, for
shuttle Of the pack which should bring
'honors and good things to him and them,
but grief to the humble, though faithful,
satellite. The caucus for the election Of
officers was held, and the result is known.
Poor Defrees' head rolled into the basket,
while the ex-Speaker smiled just as Sc
renely as ever.
1t is hard for Defrees, but after all tits
only the bitter fortune Of political war.
While the ex-Spesker is proud and
"happy" and "pleased" about everything,
Defrees can console himself only by epis-
tolary rebuke, or in turning over his
bank book and reviewing the profits OF
position which will know him no more.
BE has been a forehsnded man, as we
saw in New England, and is not, perhaps,
40 much to be commiserated as his ep-
peals for some other place might lead
one 10 suspect The lessen, however, is
a bitter one, and will serve him for the
balance of bis life. The trust to be put
in Vice Presidents evidently should be
limited, for individuals may smile and
smile and be-a Colfax.