Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-10-06
BEN BUTLER AT HOME.

his DEVOTION TO MS WIFE ASD FAMILY.
From Sketch in New York Sun.
There is an air Of comfort about his
library, with the exception Of one
chair, which is Gen. Buffers favorite
seat. II is necessary TO keep ones
sea legs on to occupy the chair. 1t is
about as difficult to sit in as a bicycle
is to ride, but the manufacturer hav-
ing furnished two legs Of the chair,
Gen. Butler contends that he has done
his share. and that whoever occupies
it must furnish the other two legs. A
visitor who wanted 20 cross his legs
found that the chair ran from under
him like a frightened steed, and in a
moment more be was gyrating his arms
and legs among the wolf skins on the
floor. Gen. Buffers face did not
change ii particle at the sight, but, as
he pulled out a little bigger cloud Of
smoke, he said N cultural tones: "The
chair is all right, if you keep your
legs straight" 1t requires some in
genuity TO master the seat, and Gen.
Butler seems TO revel in the exercise.
The book cases are adorned with
busts OF eminent lawyers, for whom
Gen. Butler has unqualified words OF
praise. One richly. bound volume rest
ing on a shelf is entitled The Repub.
lican Court" and it gives the portraits
Of the most beautiful women Of the
Revolutionary time. The book was a
Christmas present from Gen. Butler
to his wife many years ago. and after
he had been married to her about
eleven years. Accompanying the gift
he sent q letter, afierward pasted by
Mrs. Butler on the fy leaf, in which
letter he avows that no feature limned
within the pages Of the book by the
burin Of the engraver appeared 10
him half so beautiful rs those which
bad for eleven years shed 70 much of
light and JOY into his life. The devo-
ton of Gen. Butler TO his charming
wife, who died some years ago dur
ing his presence under a surgical
operation. is instanced in many ways
by his circle Of friends, and his bold
temper and rugged nature yield TO
nothing so quickly as TO her memory.
He has studiously kept her room in
the condition in which she left it.
Her pictures are nearly all within his
own apartment. with specimens of her
needlework and reminders of her wo-
manly neatness. The volume Of Shake
speare she used to read aloud, with the
skill that came from her training as
an actress, is treasured by the hus-
band. The ardor with which. as a
youth, he followed the beautiful &C.
tress from New England to the banks
of the Ohio. where he at length made
an irresistible declaration of his love,
never dimmed through life. and seems
now as strong in his devotion TO her
memory. Her theatrical genius found
appreciation and opportunity in her
own home, for Gen. Butler provided
her with theatre under her own roof,
and one must complete in its appoint
ments. 1t is now his billiard room,
but it was then also his theatre. The
billiard table is upon wheels resting
on track. When a performance was
designed the billiard table was run
upon its track against the wall, and
covered with the flooring for the stage.
The foot-lights were arranged, the
scenery was placed, and the curtain
was hung. There was dressing room
back of the stage, and a wardrobe
adequate for all needs. Here Mrs.
Butler and her little company of chill
dren and friends often gave theatrical
entertainments TO rare audiences, and
no one appreciated the performances
more than Mai. Gen. Ben Butler, the
general manager. The billiard room
has q polished hardwood door and
frescoed walls and ceilings. A rack
contains spangled Egyptian saddle,
which was present TO Gen. Butler
from the Khe.live. A practical fea-
ture of the saddle Is the construction
of the stirrups. which have the spurs
set into them. Paintings BY Mrs.
Ames are scattered about the house.
Mrs. Buffers picture Is the FIRST OBJ
ject that meets his eye in the morning.
and the last that he looks upon At
night.
Butler displayed great affection for
his children constantly when in their
presence, and when he Eas aE home be
wanted ire 4 buys buys about him. He would
make some startling assertions nou
and ihen-such, for instance, a. that
Brother jasper i right and that tie
"sun do nlove,s and then be would
marshal up the most ingenious arru.
menls II order to excite his sons -
assail them and Try . break then