The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1873-01-15
VrANToN Az sEcnrkARv.

al find the figures 40" and in |
hdition the words, "West Point |
lcademy." The small Office was
Shrough the war a point of the grand
est interest; it was Mr.. Stanton's public
reception-room. The furniture was of
the simplest kind, consisting Of one or
two lounges, some chairs, and high
ofiicedesk, situated in the rear of The
room, and directly opposite its en-
trance. The room was punotually
opened at ten A. NJ, and was soon
filed with an audience of excited peo-
pie, generally made up of claim agents,
contractors, friends or rebel prisoners
asking for exchange, "army widows"
anxious relatives Of wounded and miss.
ing soldiers, uninfuential United
States Senators and Representatives
who were not allowed interviews at
Mr.. Stanton's private office.
Mr.. Stanton, accompanied by an
amanuensis, made his appearance
punctually at eleven o'clock. His APP
proach was always hcralded by the
noise of the rapidly disappearing feet
of messengers and idlers, who were by
some fascination hanging about the Vi
cinity.
Mr. Stanton passed on to and be-
hind the high desk without reoogniz-
ing any one, and having poised him.
self, he cast glance around the room
which, while it sent cold chill through
the very bones of tho spectators in
the sufferings of the war, gave assur-
ance of sucoor and redress to the Wild
ows and wounded soldiers.
Instantly tall gentleman, supper.
ted by bundle of papers, fawning
and gushing, but with very weak knees
and stereotyped smile, would APP
proach, and, with vulgar salute of
presumed familiarity, would huriedly
utter, 'Goodmorning, Mr.. Secretary;
fine morning, sir
Mr. Stanton would give a nervous
twitch as the familiar voice met his
ear, and, turning abruptly to the speak
er, would growl between his teeth:
"Sit down, sir. I'll attend to you
by-and-by." And Mr.. Senator Mcaly-
mouth, with his papers about some
"job," would disappear.
Next, is presumed Importance, n
gentleman with a brand-new suit of
military clothing, glistening like an
ignited pin-wheel with stars and
stripes:
"My card, Mr.. Secretary-"Major-
General Brassbuttons.'
NJ, Ctantnn p.o,,11 t,,c,, ~, fbo no,,,
speaker like tiger at bay, would ex-
amino the caricature Of Mars from
head to foot, and thunder out:
"Come, sir; what are you doing in
Washington? Ifyou are not needed
at the front, I'll see about mastering
you out" General Brassbuttons
would gasp for breath, and his capa-
cious boots, less sensitive than the
man, would retain selfpossessiou
enough to carry the discounted soldier
from the field.
CONSERVATION would now reign su
preme in the room: even the widows
and wounded soldiers would grow pale
When they beheld such great men as
senators and generals in good healtl
so suddenly squoshed out, they natu
rally asked themselves, "What is to
become of usP"
BY this time Mr.. Stanton literally
had his audience in hand; no one wa!
now ventursome enough to obtrudr
especially his person or wants upoT
his notice; so, ut his leisure, he woulc
glance around the room, then suddenly
stopping to examine attentively sicl
or wounded soldier, the poor fellow
would attempt to rise from his seat il
acknowledgement of the honor, whel
Mr.. Stanton would mildly, musically
say, "Keep your seat, my good man.
And the iron Secretary would leav,
his place, walk over to the silent bu
eloquent applicant for relief, and tn
king him kindly by the hand, woulC
ask, "What brings you here?"
The story was the same so often toll
Soldiers in one of the Washington hos
pitfalls, suffering from a severe wound
cannot identify himself, as his regi
ment is on the move, and no descrip
tive list can be obtained. Can conse
quently get no pay, draw no clothing
wants furlough, and leave to g
home. The hospital regulations keel
him with the strictest severity in tn
narrow white washed walls, which hav
now become more offensive than |
prison.
Order from Mr.. Stanton. Advanc
Of two months pay, transportation
home, and thirty days furlough.
Soldier retires, his face beamini
with satisfaction, and realizing keenl
for the first time that he has a countr
worth fighting for, and men in the gov
ernment who have palernal care 70
its defenders.
"What do you desire?" would b