The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-01-17
sEcoR R0BEs0x's SUCCESSOR.
Personal Traits OF the Hon. Richard w.
Thompson, FormerIy OF Indlnna.

WASHINGTON, Jan 16.-Secrctary Dick
Thompson rolls into the Navy Department
building about half past 10 o'clock every week
day morning. Sundays he spends in prayerful
meditation upon the Scarlet Woman Of Babylon,
whom he despises with all the intensity possible
to so simple and connding nature. Like most
old mariners comfortably shelved on shore
Dick Thompson is rather particular about his
personal appearance. He ordinarily wears n
soft felt hat with q broad brm. which would
give him a somewhat piratical air were II not
for the almost shildike simplicity Of his clean
shaven countenance. But on sundays, when
he goes to hear Parson Newman preach power
full dlscourscs against the Pope Of Rome Dick
appears in handsome and stylish silk hat
decorated with broad band Of Grape. The
management Of this hat is a source II great
anxiety. him. When he takes il Off on the
street TO salute ladies' OF his acquaintance. he is
obliged TO scrutini2c II carefully for several sec
onds before he can be sure that he is putting il
on again right side to. Coming out ~ church.
he walks down tho crowded aisle with the hat
accurately bal anced under his right arm and
when anybody accidentally pushes or lO.gles
him. he administers the severest # rehukps by
saying. with rs much sarcasm rs h., can put into
his voice. Accidental. sir presume -
For moro than forty years Dick Thompson
wore the same coat-a blue onr cut like old
Luke Poland's, and. like his. ornamonted with
into his new dignity. tho secretary has ahin-
doncf all public use Of this an lent and ser-
vic"able garment and now appears in garments
which he has made ON street. because he be-
ievcs that locality 10 no cheaper than penns VI
yania avenue. Those whose privilege IL has
been To gain admission To his private apart
ments on Lafayett" square say that he loves TO
put on the old blue cont after he has laid aside
the cares of office, and to sit in il before the
open fire, listening 10 the wind or rain without.
In unoncinl conversation Dick Thompson is
frank and nlAhlc. although he hesitates a good
deal ~ II afraid Of committing himself 10 some
infeliciy of speech. Like the late John 4.
Logan. he believes that grammatical rules arc
useless AMI arbitrary. and has invented a
scheme or system of his own. based rather on
practical convenience than on any of the books.
When approached on business pertaining 10 his
responsible ofiice, Dick il truly majestic in his
barring. He eXacts the greatest Difference from
all his subordinates, and the hall porlers who
know his weakness get little favor- by saluting
him in "a od-iashioned navy style.
There are many beautiful traits In tho old
mans character. He is fond ~ dogs ana kit
| tens and especially Of the little birds Every
| day he carries cracker or Il crust Of bread
| from his boarding place 10 the Naval Building
| ana breaks i ny on the window sill for the
| benefit Of his fcathercd friends. The sparrows
| have learned To- know his coming and they tar
| impat emily against the glass with thcir bills Il
he II delayed about getting oil his overcoat ol
| arctlCS.