The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-09-01
FROM THE BELL TO THE BENCH.

A MULATro BELL-BoY AT A HOTEL b sCoMEs A
JUDGE-THE INCIDENTS OF HIS LIFE LEAD
ING TO THIS EVENT. rl
The New Orleans Picayune gives the fol-
lowing interesting bit of biography: Three
years ago one of our well known citizens.
who resides on st. Charles street, near st.
Mary, was -traveling in the North On his
way home he stopped at the Gait House, in
Louisville, and while there came in contact
with and was favorably impressed by a
youth attached to the establish
ment. This youth, whose name
is Bruce johnson, was Young
light mulatto of pleasing manners and ex-
tremely progressing appearance, about 20
years of age, and following at that time the
humble avocation of bell-boy. Mr.. ID. saw
great deal of Bruce during his stay at the
Gait House, and both he and Mrs. d. be-
came confirmed in their original idea as to
his good qualities. So much so, indeed, that
when the time for their departure drew near.
and propositions looking to Bruce's accom-
panying them were made, they joyfully
agreed, and straightway received him with
open arms. In the fall, therefore, of 1871,
the party reached New Orleans. Since that
time Bruce has dwelt with the d. family. on
ST. Charles street, to the unmixed satisfac-
ton Of all concerned. There never was such
a dining-room servant and general facto-
tum. Bright, ready ingenious, irreproacha-
BILE in dress and demeanor, and. above all,
unvaryingly honest in all his. dealings with
the family, he has been their chief
dependence, their sure rviaScc in all
domestic emergencies. sincere affection
existed between Bruce and his EMPLOYERS,
an1 ley, on their part, liked and trusted
him with an unreserved cordially quite ex-
ceptional in such cases nowadays. But
within the past few weeks a change became
visible. Bruce was observed to be restless
and unhappy. He seemed torn by conflict
ing emotions. Finally he told Mr.. ID. that
he thought of going into politics; that Gov
him to work up the ward for them that he
was called upon to enter public life. Mr.. ID.
reasoned with him, but without avail. He
slowly
'sUccUMBED TO THE TEMPER,
neglected his domestic pursuits, fell from
the high standard of dining-room talent, so
long characteristic of his life, and at last APP
peared as an avowed and undisguised poll
tician and placeman. One night Mr.. ID.
was aroused about 1880 by very respecta-
bie-looking person. who rung the front door
bell and inquired for Judge Johnson.
Then it all transpired. Bruce was
judge-associate judge of the fourth
municipal court it appears; and Mr..
D., after having cherished him for three
happy years, was now compelled to answer
the front door bell at midnight at the sum-
mons of parties looking for Judge johnson.
The parting has finally been consummated.
The ID. family loses its brightest domes-
tic ornament, and Bruce roams the
desert waste of politics, confessed
and unmitigated judge. 1t is reported
that he will be made delegate to the
parish convention, and those who once
loved and still regret hun, apprehend that he
is fated to sink even lower in the abyss of
degradation, and become representative
If not senator, in the next Louisiana leg
islaturel And this is the mission of the re.
publican party. Our cane and cotton fields
are to be depopulated, our kitchens and
stables given oyer to neglect, even our
dining-rooms ravished of their most