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

" Hsls, over the entrsnoe of which |
n Ill find the figures 49," and in
dition the words, "West Point
Y &cademy." The small Office was
Ehrough the war q point Of the grand
est interest; it was Mr.. Stanton's public
reccption-room. The furniture was of
the simplest kind, consisting Of one or
two lounges, some chairs, and n high
office desk, situated in the rear of The
room, and directly opposite its en-
trance. The room was pupctually
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, uninfluential United
States Senators and Representatives,
who were not allowed interviews at
Mr.. Stanton's private office.
Mr.. Stanton, accompanied by an
amanueusis, made his appearance
punctually at eleven o'clock. His APP
proach was always heralded 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 a vulgar salute of
presumed familiarity, would huricdly
utter, 'Good-morning, Mr.. Secretary;
fine morning, sir
Mr.. Stanton would give 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 Mealy-
mouth, with his papers about some
"job," would disappear.
Next, is presumed Importance, a
gentleman with brand-new suit of
military clothing, glistening like au
ignited pin-wheel with stars and
stripes:
"My card, Mr.. Secretary-"Major-
General Brassbuttons.'
Mr.. Stanton would turn on the new
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 selfpossession
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 rs
senators and generals in good health
so suddenly squelshed out, they natu-
rally asked themselves, "What is to
become of usr'
BY this time Mr.. Stanton literally
had his audience in hand; no one was
now ventursome enough to obtrude
especially his person or wants upon
his notice; so, ut his leisure, he would
glance around the room, then suddenly
stopping to examine attentively y a sick
or wounded soldier, the poor fellow
would attempt to rise from his seat in
acknowledgement of the honor, when
Mr.. Stanton would mildly, musically
say, "Keep your seat, my good man. D
And the iron Secretary would leave
his place, walk over to the silent but
eloquent applicant for relief, and ta-
king him kindly by the hand, would
ask, "What brings you here?"
The story was the same so often told
Soldiers in one of the Washington hos,
pitfalls, suffering from a severe wound
cannot identify himself, as his regi
ment ia 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 &c
home. The hospital regulations keep
him with the strictest severity in thu
narrow white-washed walls, which have
now become more offensive than a
prison.
Order from Mr.. Stanton. Advance
of two months pay, transportation
home, and thirty days furlough.
Soldier retires, his face beamine
with satisfaction, and realizing keenly
for the first time that he has a country
worth fighting for, and men in the gov
ernment who have paternal care fol
its defenders.
"What do you desire2" would be
Mr. Sfnnfnn,s nnYf nnestinn nldrasanc