The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-03-30
Miscellaneous.
THE DECAYED POLITICIANS RETREAT.

PoNDUcK, Mass July 5, lSS2.-l want
to give you an account of my visit To one of
the most admirably organized and best ad-
mnistered charities on the face Of the earth.
The Declyed Politicians Retreat is, as you
know, beautifully situated on Saline river,
about six miles from here. Being detained
in this village oyer yesterday by business, /
took advantage ofthe holiday to drive thither
with friend, and was kindly received by
the Superintendent, Gen. Butler, who went
to a good deal of trouble to show me the in
terror workings of the institution.
1.-THE selection of this site was fortunate"
said Gen. Butler, as he led the was across
beautiful lawn from his private house to
the large brick building occupied by the in
mates. "The lovely natural scenery does
much to soothe disappointment and alay
remorse, and there's always fresh breeze
blowing up Saline river"
"Are your wards contented as general
thing"
'Some of them are positively cheerful" +"
said the Superintendent with enthusiasm.
"And you, General? After your some
what active career don't you find it rather
tedious at the Retreat, cooped up with a
party of relics?"
80, I am satisfied" said Gen. Butler,
smiling grimly, and shaking the large bunch
of keys that he carried in one hand. "When
Jones of Nevada left all his money for this
object, a little more than three years ago, and
the trustees invited me to the post of duty,
l came like man and patriot. C0mme je
troure, sir, is my motto"
By this time we had reached the heavy
oaken door at the main hall of the asylum.
Our conductor raped smartly with his
knuckles.
How many outsider" asked a voice from
within.
"Three," replied Gen. Butler.
The door slowly swung open and tall
man with long red beard stood aside to let
us pase in.
Good morning, Mr.. Ferry" said the
Superintendent, pleasantly, 81 wish you a
happy Fourth of July"
cone Two Three !" said Mr.. Ferry in
an impressive voice telling us off with his
fore finer. SAN right, gentlemen, you can
walk in. Oh, good morning, General.
wish you great many"
1--WE keep him here TO open the door, Eek
planned Gen. Butler "and he imagines he
has the right to count as well as to open. II
all other respects he is perfectly harmless
and so we humor him little. It's the only
satisfaction he has in life now"
The General led the way through Ions
corridor, and as he stopped to unlock doc
an Inmate came up and, touching his cap
:. asked permission to say a few words in pri
vale.
"Well, speak up, George" said Butler
"Who has been sitting on you nowY'
"If you please, General" said Boutwell,
for it was none other than the great but un
appreciated financier," nobody has been sit
ting on me,sir, But have solved the prob
lem at last, and l want leave of absence t
go to Washington and lay my solution be
fore Congress"
SOLVED what problem, George p aske
General, winking at us.
: "The problem of silver resumption, Ger
r eral, replied Inmate Boutwell,. at is yer
+ simple when you see it. Will you perm
r me to explain"
r IN give you just minute and hal
!. George" said the General looking at h
watch.
n "You see there are from million and
s quarter to a million and half teethir
il children in the United States-perhaps tv
,ee million. Now every blessed one of 'em h
3 to have silver dollar to bite on. If "
-" pass law Withdrawing this immense su
from use in the process of dentition, slv
will flow into the national Golfers, will fl
its way into the natural channels of trad
tconhdepCp will be re-established aud--n