Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1876-05-17
A Polite Letter writer.


Mr.. L. II. Fitzhugh, the Democratic
Doorkeeper of the House of Representa-
tives, turns up in this Centennial year as
the Great American Letter Writer. Mr..
Fitzhugb is from Texas, and letter
which he addressed to friend in that
tarof State has just been made public
If Mr.. Fitzhugh's style is not all that a
refined taste might desire, his frankness
is ample compensation for his shortcom-
ing in this respect. He was one of the
immense army of Democrats who swarmed
at the Capitol when Congress assembled,
voraciously seeking the spoils of office
For the first time in many years the Dem
ocrats had offices to dispense, and thou
sand Democratic aspirants for each office
presented themselves. Mr.. Fitzhugh was
one OF the fortunate ones who drew a
prize-probably his ready facility as u
letter writer was the foundation upon
which he built. 1t is not to be presumed
that one possessed Of his talent in this di-
rection, who was seeking Office, should
have reserved his fire until after his APP
pointment to the high position of Door
keeper. The deluge of petitions with
which he must have overwhelmed mem
bers IN orcer to secure their votes is some
thing regarding which speculation stands
aghast. Fortunately for the public, they
have not been published.
But Fitzhugh, being one of the fortu-
nate ones in the drawing of offices, is
so lifted up that he is anxious his old
Texas friend should behold him in his
greatness. Therefore he writes inviting
him to Washington, hating in the hearth
ness of his welcome to disclose the Won
derlul importance which attaches to the
office and the style with which he is sur
rounded. He says: Il have been trying
ever since my election to write to you,
but have been besiegued from light in the
morning until one or two at night. had
about one hundred Il thirty appointments
to make Il have had | reckon without ex-
ageratfbn three thousand applications be-
sides men women IL children pulling ~
lurking me every time would put my
head out of the door Of my office" Poor
Fitzhugh! How he was to be pited in
those days! To think of his being "be-
seigued" by that immense army OF Dem
ocratic office seekers, who, for fifteen long
years had been kept out in the cold with
out even smell of "spoils." 1t was
terrible
But if the pressure from the outside was
too great for poor Fitzhugh's endurance,
what can be said regarding that which
was brought TO bear upon him from with
in, from those to whom he owed his
place? He says; Il have more invita-
lions 10 frolicks with the members and
Senators than any man in Washington.
l am bigger man now with the members
than old Grant. | cannot put my foot on
the floor of the Hall but that they make
break for me Il some times Il dozen be-
ing at me at once tor places for some
friend, / scarcely ever git out of the Office
to go on the floor of the House.
The demands of his Democratic supe-
riors for places was SO great that he was
unable to save even one poor little office
tor an old Texas friend, whom he was
personally solcitous to provide for. I" In
regard 10 -" he dolefully writes,
tried to save place for him but the mem
bers are so clamorous for their constitu-
ants that so fur it has been impossible to
do so, my force after Christmas will be in
creased & then | will be able to do
something for him d | will stick him
in"
lie did, however, reserve nice tat
berth for his own son, and lost no time in
installing him. Fay" he SAYS, "arrived
on Saturday morning all safe. set him
to work on Monday at a 81, 100 place, d
he is the most delighted fellow you ever
saw" What respected son of Demo
cratic sire would not be delighted at
dropping in TO so good thing?
The novelty of officeholding fills Fitz-
hugh with new sensations, and his heart
yearns for the sympathy and companion
ship of his Texas friends. He writes "I
wish you could be here with me do try &
come on, the Govnt furnishes me with a
fine turn out Il spanking pair of Horses
before s. after the house Il sessions Il