The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-01-13
A POLITICAL ROMANCE.

administration, society in Washington was
much agitated and interested by a brilliant
marriage of the daughter of a member of
the Cabinet who then enjoyed worldwide
fame as financial and political economist
This was Robert J. Walker, a man of re-
markable intellectual acuteness, great re-
search, and indefatigab'e industry
There was no lovelier or more attractive
young woman than his daughter. Her moth
eT, a lineal descendant of Ben Franklin
had contributed by her talent and charms
largely to the success of her husband in pol
itics, law, and social advancement.
The happy bridegroom on this occasion
was a young naval officer of one OF the oldest
creole families in Louisiana
The marriage ceremonies were of the most
brilliant character. The President, every
member of the CabinetI the Foreign Minis
ters, the Senators-in fine, all the notables
of Observation-Disclosures, blessed, and were
enthused by the happy scene of a marriage.
that seemed so congeniaI, suitable and fell
citious.
After their marriage the young couple
went on the grand tour to Europe, and took
up their residence in Paris, where they So
iourned for some months.
Their means were ample and their friends
and associates were of the highest social
class.
And thus for some years the course of
their married life run smoothly, until disas-
ters-poltical, sectional, and financiaI-feil
upon them and their families.
At the e-breaking out of the civil war Rob't
J, Walker attached himself to the fortunes
of the North, and became bitter enemy of
the Southern struggle for independence. His
son-in-aw was compelled by every Obliga-
tion of honor, State pride and duty to the
ancient family of whichrhe was a member,
and to identify himself with the South.
The consequent alterations and discord
led 70 their permanent separation. The
young wife retired with her child to her
mother and family in Philadelphia, and
there resided for several years in secIusion.
In the meantime Mr.. Robert J. Walker, had
lost by the inves tment in a railroad enter
prise the fortune he had acquired by his pro
fessional success, and at his death left his
family in narrow circumstanees.
His widowed daughter, d,apite her ex-
treme reserve, could not fail 20 attract the
attention, sympathy and interest Of the
friends of the father and mother. Many ad-
vances were made by gentlemen Of wealth
and prominence to engage her favorable con-
sideration of proposals Of marriage.
For some time she resisted all such advan-
ces. At last, however, her friends and so
ciety were astounded by the report that she
had accepted the hand of a gentleman dis
tuguished in the professional and political
world, but cursed with a deformity and NUT
ilation as repulsive and revolving as that of
tie veiled Mokanna of MOore'S L.alla Rookh
In bOyhoOd he had fallen into the fire on his
face, and so burned it, as to present even
now, in advanced age, a most pitiable and
hideOus aspect.
Those who are accustomed il making sum-
meT visits and sOiourns at Long Branch have
not failed to observe in the parlors of the
West End Hotel, on the promenades and
drives of that delightful resort. the unhappy
victim of this cruel misfortune, in q stout
gentleman of good figure of dignified and
graceful carriage, but with face so blurred,
Scared and distorted, as almost to conceal,
and abolish all human resemblance, and re-
pei with disgust all advances of closer OBJ
servation and acquaintance. Upon that gen
Tenant arm leans lovely woman, whose
pale face still retains the most refined and
beautiful expression, and whose harmonious
features and 1.-THE and graceful figure may
be quickly recognized as those of the beauti-
ful Miss Walker. who twenty-five years be-
fore had enthralled all beholders, and given
her the unquestiened title to the sweetest
and prettiest girl in Washington City.
The marked attention of the brilliant COM
pany at the West End, through which they
passed, the eagerness of all persons to ex-
change courtesies and engege in conversa-
tion with the gentleman and lady, the atten-
tion and respect with which everything
which fell from the gentleman was received
by all listeners, betokened the high consider
alton in which he was held To draw him
into conversation, and drink in his everv ut
terance, appeared to be ambition of every
one
''Who is that couple ?'' would be the first
inquiry of strangers 'that terribly mutila-
ted and defaced gentleman and that unhap-
py daughter that hangs upon his arm" The
ready answer would be, that gentleman IS
the ablest, most eloquent, and impressive
lawyer and orator Of Philadelphia, who for
many yeaIs has led that bar, and is the most
agreeable and captivating gentleman of very
polished society of that refined city. The
lady is tide daughter of Robert J. Walker, 50
distinguished in our political and financial
history. The gentleman spoken of is now
I AUtorney General of the United States