The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-02-07
HOME CORRESPONDENTS.
SCENES IN THE SENATE.
MoRroN's MAJESTIC MANNERS.


WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 1ST6-I have become
accustomed to running across IndianiaDs
and especially those of republican prccliyi-
ties about the Ebbitr House. This hotel is
Mr.. Morton's home in Washington. TIE
departments are filled with Indiana repub-
licans and as in their native home. they ans
wer every beck and call of that rapidly
fading statesman, 1t is owing to him, di-
rectly or indirectly, that so many Hoosiers
are located here, and they show TO him that
same disgusting servility that marks their
life in Indiana. few nights, since going
into the Ebbitt House, 1 noticed
an unusually large number OF
Morton proselytes grouped about the office.
The old and young henchmen were there,
the former in readiness for carrying out the
orders of their imperious leader, and the lat
ter foreordsined servants of the mighty man
awaiting instructions to go on some errand
out of town. Buck Terrell. the chief re-
fainer, was there, and he, with ex-member
Tyner, now an assistant postmaster-genersl,
were marshaling those of higher standing
in Morton's confidence for a meeting in
Morton's room. In few minutes these nall
dozen faithfuls proceeded up stairs into the
presence of their king. They do his bidding,
knowing that he cares nothing for them as
men but only for their use to him. This
was a meeting TO set to work the combined
forces OF
MoRToNIsM IN INDIANA,
in smothering the avowed and rising op-
position in the hitherto truly loyal ranks.
Morton is fully aware that there has existed
for some time an unexpressed and strong
opposition to his overbearing rule of his par
ty in Indiana. His hope was that there
would be no incentive to start this strong
feeling into motion. Seeing that great dan
ger was upon him he called his confidential
man, Terrell, to Washington, and the result
of the meeting the other night will be the
notification to all of his dependents in Indi-
ana to work up Morton sentiment, and thus,
If possible, drive back the opposing element
py bull strength, as is his custom. Terrell
is still mere having himself filled with orders
TO be disseminated throughout the state, and
then to go to Cincinnati to work in antici-
patton of the convention. Speaking of Nor
toms imperious manner with his menials,
reminds me of the PERSONAL bearing of sena-
tors while in the Senate, a study that have
made for weeks past. tbs in the little cour-
tesies there that to great extent gives one
a more intimate knowledge of the character
OF some of the famous men. In their treat
ment of the pages there is fine opportunity
ton will snap his finger. or make
a sound with his lips halt like a whistle, as
II vexed that one of the boys had not an
ticipated his desires. Each OF the boys who
are grouped on the steps around the presi-
dents chair, when not attending senator,
look hastily at one another as II to see IL
some one else is not going in answer to the
call of
THE "cRoss SENATOR"
as they call him. This causes delay, and
Morton shows the vexstion, as he does many
times duriDga days session at little mat
ters. He claps his hands loudly, not caring
how much he may interrupt his next sena-
tor. If he happen to be speaking. One of the
unwilling lads then gees slowly mp to within
a few steps OF him. He looks into the boys
face in that unfeeling, cold -blooded way OF
his, tells the half-terrified page, In short,
abrupt manner, his wish. Between his ter
ror and the uDintelligibility-to him-short
order, the boy feels that to attempt to carry
the instructions with only an indistinct
knowledge of them would be loss of ii me,
as he would probably make mistake, and
then to have to meet the wrath of the disliked
senator would be like being forced to make
halt dozen swallows OF very bitter medi-
cine. So he hesitates and asks for informa-
ton, thinking that be will take the whole
dose at once. This actually makes Morton,
angry, and he catches hold of the boys arm,
pulls him down close to him and gives his
order in language which can be heard
| through the chamber, shaking his head, as
he Is wont TO do when excited, in the way of
| task, as it is to him, and goes to his fellows
to be looked at sympsthetically. Some Of
them, when they hear bis signal, and Ii Is
easily recognizable to the ear, will dart sud
denly tor door, as II on an errand for an-
other senator. One lay counted five OF
them doing this. and as they passed Nor
tons desk hs reached out TO catch them,
but they were too sharp for him.
He does not use the boys much as his body
servant, private secretary, clerk of his COM
mittee, and tissue paper holder,
BURBANK,
! is geHerally at his side. Burbank is a rels-
tive, and at one time was governor of a
territory, but his capacity fell short of even
the very light duties of that position, and
now he is known in the galleries as ''Mor-
toms big boy, Burbank" He is as large as
Morton, and looks as old with his big round
bald head. You bump against him at all
corners about the capitol. One minute he Is
hurrying through the halls and the next he
is at the side of Morton's desk with his
lips fairly in Morton's ear.
If Morton wishes to reply to some one on
the floor he fretfully and roughly pushes his
very confidential servant to one side, and
scrambles up on to his trapeZe which Is
stationed at the side OF his desk, TO reply to
the senator who happens to be speaking.
The servility of" big boy Burbank at such
moment as this is disgusting in the ex-
treme.
fe JONES, OF NEVADA,
never has to call twice for a page. They
know he is rich and kindly of manner and
half dozen run to his side, lean filially In
front of him on his desk, listen attentively
to his instructions, and scamper off on the
message. Bsyard Is fayorite of theirs, as
he is with all the employees of the Senate,
be,ause he is always pleasant aud forbear-
that true American is, probably the most
| general favorite In the Senate, so far as his
personal manners are concerned. In debate
| be will pun when others pun, and do it as
gracefully as any senator, bat when hot
shot is sent, the weli-to-do, farmer looking,
old man wipes bis mouth with bis red ban
daIns. and always gives as good as sent,
and generally little better. He is kind