The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1878-07-31
FROM The .3pringieII RopubIIcan.I

From the springfield Republican,
WAsuINGroN, july 3, ls7S.-A young
lady who holds clerkship iu one of tho
departments, told me an incident connected
with Senator Bruce, which illustrates both
the wonderful changes wrought by the
whirligig OF tune, aud the nmiability which
Il ever the characteristic Of the l0ng-suilor-
ing African. While the ubhorrcd carpet
bag government existed iu Mississippi
very heavy municipal taxes were levied in
the towns, and some dispute arose between
a gentleman, who had been one Ofthe veal
thy citizens OF Bruce's district, and the
"Iankce Mayor" of The town in which hC
lived in, regard to tile collection thereof
The Mississippian refused To- pay bis quota
because the city had failed 10 make repaira
necessary 10 tho reservation Of Che Wall
surrounding his grounds. The controversy
continued for some time, until At last, in
the absence OF the owner Of the property.
deputies appointed by the Mayor entered
the house, and without ceremony carried
OFF the piano and other pieces of furniture
which were at once sold for taxes. Tho
family had suffered many losses from tho
war, and this act, when related t9 him bY
his wife, so eXasperated hot-hchdcd South
crner, that he went a. once t8 the Mnyurs
Office and shot him dead. lie was tried by the
the authorities, and being released on bail
at once left the State by the advice OF hiE
bOndsmen. The family moved To- Baltimore,
where they lived in great poverty for
awhile aud the unhappy Mississippian sunk
under his many cares ANA dlCu.
All this occurred some years ago, and tho
widow had undergone many trials and pri-
vatiOns, when she reached Washington
some months since, with her two little chill
drcn and attempted 20 getau office under tho
Government. She took board 40 The house
where my young friend was living au0
after vai0ly appealing for aid 90 suudiy
Democratic friends in high position, having
nearly exhausted her slender means, was
advised by my informant 90 ask the uasi7-
lance Of the negro Senator from her own
State. The high born Southern lady, WHO
Il described as very handsome aud refined iu
bearing. at first shrluk from tho thought.
But her board bill was nearly due, heF
purse was nearly empty, aud deemlug her
cup OF sorrow iull 10 overlooking she accept
Cd the offer OF her new friend 30 accompany
her to the dreaded interview, and the two
specimens OF tho old nOblesso went % thc
door Of the senate chamber and sent lu ga
card % MIR. Bruce. The negro Senator APP
peared al once, ana my informant assured
me that the respect and courtesy Of his mau-
ner could not have been surpassed. To re-
spouse 70 the ALTERING request OF the unhnp-
py lady for aid for herself aud her starving
children, Bruce answered quiCklyi 600 tones
OF much feeling. "Certaiuly, madam. % viii
/ do ali ia my power 10 aid you. when
was a slave, working on my masters plau-
| tatiOn, you were known us one DIT the richie
| est and most elegant ladies' Of the country,
| aud now that times have so greatly chang
/ ed for us both, / shall be glad of uu OppUr-
/ tunity 10 serve YOU The eN-aluYo went
at once TO the departments, and his effort.
! were so successful that few hours later tho
| desolate widow was rejoicing in her ap-
/ pointment 70 "a cl0rkship.
| GuuA T.ANgu0EeF.