Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-03-19
anecdotes of Ben Wade.

anecdotes of Ben Wdde.
In the current number of The Spirit Of
the Times, Gen. James q. Brisbin tells
some anec3o'o, concerning Senator
Wade.
Soon after taxing bis seat Wade wit
messed one OF those scenes 50 common in
the Senate ia those days. A Southern
fte-eater made an attack on a Northern
Senator, and Wade was amazed and dis
gus,ed at the cringing, cowardy way in
which the NUrthcrn man bore the taunts
aud insults oi the ot.headed Southeruer.
AS no allusion was made 10 himself or
State, Nj Wade sst still, bu. when the
Senate adjourned, he said openly, if ever
= Southern Senator made such an attack
IS tha, on him or his State, while be sat
on that floor, he would brand him as
liar. This coming to the ears of the
Southern men. Senator took occasion 10
poiutedly speak, few days alterward,
OF Ohio and her people as negro-thieves.
Instantly Mr. Wade sprAng to his feet
and pronounced the Senator liar. The
Sou heTn Senators were thunder-struck,
and gathered around their champion,
while the Noyhern men grouped about
Wade. a ieelsr was put out by the
Southern side. looking to 8 retra2tion,
but NJ. Wade retOrcd in his peculiar
style. and demanded an apology Tor the
insult offered himself and tho people he
represented. The matter thus closed,
fight was looked upon as certain. The
next day q gentleman called upon the
Senator from Ohio, and asked the usual
question touching his knowledge of the
code.
Il am here be responded. "in
double capacity. Irepresent the Stale OF
Ohio. and reprcson. Ben Wade. A.
Senator. l Am opposed to dueling; as
Ben Wade. recognize the code
"My friend feels aggrieyed, said the
gentleman, "at what you said in the SEN
ate yesterday, and will ask Tor an apology
or satisfaction
81 was somewhat embarrassed" con-
tnued Senator Wade, "by my position
yesterday, as | have some respect Tor the
Chamber. now take this opportunity
of saying what then thought, and you,
il you please, may repeat it. Your friend
is foul-mouLhed old blsckgusrd!'
Certainly, Senator Wade, you do not
wish me to convey such a message as
that?'
Most undoubtedly do, and will tell
you, for your own benefit, this friend oi
yours will never notice it. | will not be
asked either for ret action, explanation.
or fight"
Next morning Mr.. Wade came into the
Senate. and. proceeding TO his seat, de-
liberateIy drew from his coat two large
pistols, and, unlocking his desk, laid them
inside. TIE Southern men looked on in
silence, while the Northern members en-
joyed, TO the fullest extent, the fire. eaters
surprise at the proceeding of the plucky
Ohio Senator. No further notice was
taken of the sff4iy OF the day before.
Wade wss not challenged, but ever after
/ ward was treated with the utmost polite
ness and consideration bY the Senator
who had 50 insulling,y attacked him.
Il used to be customary for slaves in
Washington to beg money from Northern
Cougressmeu to buy their freedom. A
poor, but smart. looking bog acccsted Mr..
Wade while he was iu conversation with
a promiscuous company of Northern and
Southern Senators, and began to beg
money to buy his freedom. II never
give my money to buy slaves" said Mr..
Wade; when, seeing the pleasant looks
of he Senators, he turned to the boy and
asked: why the devil don't you run
away ?n The Southerners stared at ono
another, and the darkey started of with
a new idea in his head, when Mr.. Wade
called him back, and handing him $40
bill said "Hero is $40 to pay your ex-
psnses Now, run away ont of slavery,
NV boy. the first chance you get"