The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-10-22
MARK TWAIN.
A. Extract freu, n Private Letter 70 = oensic-
nan Of this City.

HARTFORD, Oct. ls.-I called yesterday
upon our old friend Clemens, better known Il
the police az Mark Twain, for the purpose Of
ascertaininR the truth OF certain stories whicf
have reached me OF late regarding the presen
condition Of bis nne mind.
Clemens lives In q surprising house on Farm
ipeton avenue, In the outskirts OF the city. The
resources Of taste and wealth have been l1vlsh cd
upon this residence an the result is structure
intellectually midway between a medI@v al
churcn and modern game OF base ball. Herein
Mark lives tho elegant life OF a man of leisure.
cutting coupons, smoking long and strong pfpee
from morninR to night. and drinking lager beer,
which he buys by the key, and often.
was shown into the library, tho appoint
ments Of which are characteristic OF the owner,
originality. The tints are all neutral and the
furniture Of the homeliest and plaincst desorip-
ton. On the study table stood a plaster bust OF
John Calvin, on whose face some BODY had ink
a goatee and festooned moustaches. The
charm OF the room Is In the immense open nre
place, where generous logs were burning upon
old-fasbioned brass andirops. The mantelpiece
lie Of heavy black oak, purchased by Mr.. Clemens
In England. Over the fireplace IL a brass plate
on which the following inscription Ia engraved
IN old English text;
"A HANDSOME MAN If THE ORNAnENr or HIS
OWN HOUSE"
While ] was reading this legend our friend
came In. He is as tall and az sad eyed as ever.
The unequal disposition OF hesh upon his face,
which is puppy In places and lean in Others, tells
OF the struggle for supremacy That IL going on
beer and the fatedestr"y,ne tobaccoi The to.
bacco appears to be getting the better OF the
beer.
Clemens came 10. wearing a long dressing
gown OF sombre hue. and after Rlancing fur
lively around the room. advanced aud took my
stantly. We are observed. Do YOU not hear
their derisive lauehter2 Fly, my friend; fly at
onoei'
"Thev are not laughing at u.s." I replied, hui
morine his strange fancy. They are laughing
over your books-your Jokes"
Now look here, pard," he said LAYING his
sincwy hand upon my shoulder and dragging
me toward the door. "Thst was million, ten
million years ago. | know the humorous laugh,
and know the political laugh. Escape without
delay II they capture us here together they
will make you President and me Inspector OF
hleotions for this ward"
tired to soothe him, but In vain.
rhere was a time, ages and ages now gone
Are wben IL vas my abi,on so ha ,eo
OF Elections for this ward. / worked for 1t; l
pulled wires for II; | prevaricated. aye, false-
me Inspector of Elections " 1 would preside at
polite Al meeting in Hartford-a town on the
Hal l hear their nendish laughter still. 1t has
rung In my ears these centuries. They gave the
place to another man. l staked my soul and
But am a desperate man. See here"
He seiTed the tongs, and with one powerful
blow scattered John Calvin into a thousand
fragments. Then he turned on me. Seeing
that 1t was useless to reason with him in his
present frame OF mind fed.
Clemens has done many things lately which
give his friends natural alarm. Last week he
hoisted little nag OF black Grape on each OF the
numerous lightning rods which adorn his man
sion. Last Sunday re walked slowly up the
aisle Of the Rev. Nr. Twlchels church. stood a
moment before the desk, and then turned aud
ned, utterinR piercing shrieks. Yesterday he
attended IN stcn game OF the California polo
players, who are exhibiting at the trotting park,
Insisted on mounting an almost unmanaee Die
mustang. known as the "bucking horse" aud
rode Wildly up ana down Asylum street shout
ins, W e woe unto Israel ~ His actions are
specially queer at or near the full OF the moon.