Los Angeles daily herald., 1875-04-15
King Of the Lobby.

SAM WARD-the immortal uncle
SAM! Though full of the extreme in
fluences of European civilization, he
is a thoroughly American product.
His life is a perfect epic in its way.
Once wealthy banker, he is penni-
less politician now. The widower of
two wives, he is to all intents and
purposes an old bachelor; he looks like
one and lives like one. 1t is said there
is poetical sensuality about his name
that makes Senator, or Congress-
mani s mouth water. They associate
it with sortoldus, truffeed capons,
canvas-backs and pampanos, of Bur
gundy and old Bordeaux, with gold
ell bowl full of Cognac. Though pen
-niless he occupies position and exer
cises certain influence in the affairs
of the Lation. He has occupied posi-
tions of trust and honor in different
countries but is the same veritable
SAM WARD in every place - good
hearted, jolly, quick of perception,
with wonderful memory, and has
knack of making himself agreeable to
everybody, treating everybody alike
and caring for nobody in particular.
Many statements have been made as
to his career in Washington, but all
more or less incorrect. His own ac-
count, as given to New York re-
porter is to the effect that he came to
Washington in 1865 in behalf of the
New York bankers, to aid in procur-
ing the passage of Mr.. HUGH MCCUL-
LoUGH's contraction bill. He brought
ST. 900 in his pocket with permission
to draw for as much more as the ne
cessity of the case required. He did
draw for $4,000 more and the bill was
passed to the satisfaction of the bank
ers. This was a new occupation to
SAM, and his stock in trade consisted
of a pliable conscience, pleasant
temperament, a good knowledge of
human nature and fine gastronomi-
cal taste.
The fi-st dinner ever gave here was to a
party of twelve--nine Republicans, two DEM
ocrats and myself On that day Gen. Garfield
had a quarrel with Jim Brooks, and Fernando
Wood another quarrel with Gen. Schenck.
learned of these quar- els on the afternoon ol
the dinner day and Immediately hurried to
Welcker's and changed all the seats f. the
nrfV " go x.r fpI ri a sih
Of Brooks and Wood by the side of Schenck.
/ ordered Welcker to serve his verN.pest hook
with the oysters, noble old sherry with the
| soup, and an exquisite Chateau Yquem with
| the fish, l knew that would be q fair start
| The glasses were always kept full, and in less
| than quarter of an hour after the dinner had
| begun Garfield had concluded peace with
| Brooks and Wood with Schenck Wh,D an.
| other bottle of choice old Johannsbergcr had
| been drunk hey not only shook hands with
each other, but were ready to drink Brilde''
| scIqJt. Ii is my usual policy not only TO be
| friends with everybody but TO reconcile those
| who show any inclination to quarrel among
| themselves; and there Is no better means OF
doing so than by giving them fine meal ano
| fine wines. fy
| In lew days had another party oftwelve
| and then another. The subject was inter
ested in was thoroughly discussed at these
| dinners, and the bill passed by q majority o
seven votes. 1t was not great victory, but
| was a great success for me, for IL was the mrs
| experiment. Subsequently came every yea
| 10 washington, ana nau always Two oi thre'
affairs OF that sort on haud. One of them
| among others, was the lottery tax, where
acted on behalf OF John Morrisey, who pre-
| sented the rather exceptional sight of a mar
exerting his best efforts TO be taxed, knowing
of course, that none of his competitors coult
afford to pay the Tax and that by its bein!
imposed he would remain almost alone'in th'
field 1F d tl - .ta il
Though my policy of handling my guests b,
means Of joyialty and good fellowship re
mains substantially the same, the dinner
themselves naturally change according t
circumstances. A Senatorial dinner must b.