Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1881-10-22
WAS GARFIELD HUMAN ?

Ihe hIgh-strained religious sentiment
>of this part of the country has received
" terrible shock, in consequence OF the
publication Of an interview with Con-
gresham Arson G. McCook. of New
York. in which Gen. McCook, innocentIy
supposlng he was adding to rather than
detractlng from President Garfeld's vir-
tues, stated that the late president was
very fond of q game of euchre, sancho.
pedro, or seven-up, and used to come to
McCook room in the evening, where,
with Congressman Amos Townsend and
Mckinley, of Ohio, the four would In
dulge in social game of cards. Some
times the monotony would be varied
with "penny-ante" poker or party at
billiard pool, but according to Gen. Nc
Cooks testimony, the favorite game
of the late president was sancho-
pedro, which he played skillfulIy and
with undated earneetness. In the in.
terval of play some public or national
topic would be broached, and then Gar
fields keen, active mind would shine out
resplendently as he elaborated his views
in glowing periods on the subject. matter
under discussion.
The cry now that Congressman No
Cook has rudely smashed the images
which the "nnco quid" had set up and
worshipped as types Of President Gar
fields almost divine party. II these
things are true, why reveal them at this
period, when the whole world is mourn
ing his untimely fate and his remains
are scarcely cold?
Now. in reply to this query, it can be
honestly said that Gen. McCook did not
mean to play the role of inconoclast, but
in his innocence supposed he was con-
tlibuting his need of praise to the fame
of his beloved friend by revealing to the
world how really human Garfield was.
In SO doing it would seem as if he were
paying a high tribute to his manhood
IN ther than falsifying history.
Agood story is told OF Abraham Lin
coin which illustrates this idea. Some
senators and members were anxious to
effect the removal of certain Office
holder in order to secure his place for
one of their friends. They went in Q
body to the white house and demanded
the displacement of the incumbent on
the ground that he was addicted to the
use of Intoxicating drinks. Rumor says
that one or two of the congressional par
ty were at that moment redolent of the
BARLEY -bree." But. however that may
be the homely but sensible rail-splittel
listened attentively to their diatribes.
After the story was concluded ani
each one had had his say, the president
remarked that he had known the incum
bent for many years, and in his opinion
lie was an honest man and faithfu
public officer. Turning to the heal
spokesman he said:
"Do you mean to say that. Mr..
gets drunk habitually. 70 rs to unfit hin
for the discharge Of his duties? 2"
"Oh. no, Mr.. President; not that exact
ly," replied the senator. "He goes on
spree once and o while, and is very font
Of his toddy: SO much as to occasion re
mark" .
"Does he play faro; sit up all night q
draw poker, and appear IN the morning
with blood.shot eyes and splitting
headache, as sometimes occurs to hlgl
officials at Washington ?" querled th,
president with q knowing grin.
The grave and reverend lsenators sa,
! the point and blushed, only as senator
and congressman can blush.
am tell you what it is, gentlemen,
rejoined Uncle Abe. II know this ma
whom you want removed. He takes
, drink occasionally, and SO do you.
want to remind you that if you are lool
ing for angels you'll not find them o
earth"