National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-02-25

nOucct principally arising rom tnc iuct that no
was a relative OF mine cousin of my mother,
and roomcd at our house. He was q powerful.
earnest, aud convincing debater, and for a long
time was chairman ofthe Committee on Waysnud
Means. Hewns very eccentric gentleman and on
Que occasion, being desrous Of persuading his
youthful daughter to sit for her likeness promised
her, among other things, beautiful pink silk
saddle. Nothing ruf1ed Judge lBayly more than
TO be controdlcted in debate, and in consequence
was drawn frequently into acrimonious disputes,
which was quite foreign to his gonal good.hu-
morcd temperament lie never spoke, however,
on any subject without the most careful prepara
ton and study. aud during long term Of congtcs.
stonal experience he gained tho reputation Of
skillnl party tacti1iau aud polished and
pleasing speaker. To his wife, n lady OF
rare mental culture. he undoubtedly owed
much OF his political success. Twas very fond"
continued Mr. Wise, "of stealing over 10 the Sem
ato Chomherand listening to the speeches there.
] remember sharp, fierce debate between Footc,
OF Mississippi, and Benton, OF Missouri, In which
personalities were freely indulged In. Senator
Benton was very Characteristic man. and his
political likes and dislikcs were right violent,
while his personal prejudices and antipnthies were
something remarkable. I remember one day n
notorious adventurcr nnd female gallant of the
name Of Schomberg tackled Mr.. Benton Just as he
was entering the door Of the Senate Chamber.
Gcod morning, Senator, said the count, extend.
ing his hand and smiling blnndly. Mr.. Benton
gnzed at the man u second; then he roared out
No. sir; | viii not shake hands with you, sir
You are rascal n scducor of women, sir. l for.
bid you speaking to me, sir and, following up
this attack with fierce gesticulntions eminenty
Bentonian the discomiorted Schomberg was glad
enough to beat basiy retreat.
"a fierce war Of words one day IN the House."
continued Mr.. Wise, putting irregular and flhil
columns ofsmOkc from his freshly lighted nicer
shaun, " between the Hon. william H. Yancey. Of
South Carolina, aud Thomas l.. ClingmGn. Of
North Carolina, particularly now recall. II oc.
casioncd duel between these two gentlemen at
Blndon7burg, which fortunately did not terminate
in blOodshCd. YHncey was flushed orator and
most genial gentleman; though fiery in council
he was gentle in his social relations and a kinder
or warmer heart never beat In n mans bosom;
Clingman was Il Wing then, and one Of tho
prominent leaders of his party. / frequently meet
the venerable cX statesman In the streets ofWash-
ington nowadays and when glance at his famil-
lar features 1t vividy brings back those pleasant
days Of page life"
Wore you anything of n politician then, Mr.
Wise 2" intcrrogatcd our scribe pleasantly
The slavery question was beginning to agilate
the country" said Mr.. Wise, thoughtfully, and in
common with many other Democratic youths
imbibcd strong prcludccs against the Aboli-
tonists. ] remember never could listen to
speech from Joshua X. Giddings without great ir.
ritation, though have no doubt he was perfectly
honest and sincere My present congressional dis
trict was then represented by james A. Seldom,
niterward one ofthc confederate cabinet. lie was
n pleasing gentleman and kind to his fellow man.
4 I remember him chiefly for his kindly treatment
Ufmc."
Did you avail yourself of the opportunity as
page for collecting the autographs of these dis
tnguishcd menT
a G,r 81 NJ
mot being much interested in such matters my.
self nm sorry now" he added naively, " that
did not. There was q great complaint" pursued
Mr Wise, at tho time OF my appointment as
page ofthe growing abuse ofthe frankingprivllege
aud iuumberlcss instances, some of q very ludi-
| CrOus nature. passed under my personal Observa.
| ton. Several Of the country members were in the
! habit Of sending home their soed linen under
| the freedom of this franking privilege. Thaul;
God" exclaimed Mr.. Wise, cncrgetically, that
| there arc no such privileges extended to members
| now, for there is no knowing how far the avarice
and oupidity Of some men might lead them am
for one, certainly opposed to the revival of the
frnnkipg system"
The luxurious surroundings OF our present
| House Of Representatives contrast yiyidly with
the simplicity OF the accommodations for members
thirty five years ago" continued Mr.. Wise, revert
ing back to his pGgo life with renewed interest
| the members. when their hats were not on theiI
heads, mad to stow them away in any incon-
| Yeniont hiding places, out of which grew many
absurd and humorous incidents. They had" pur-
sued Mr.. Wise. humorously, "no servants to wait
on them then; no convenient cloak. room; no bar
bers to shave them; no bath room; no restau-
rnnts, where they could get coid tea, and n
general air of republican simplicity. unexcep-
tionnlly pleasant and severe pervaded the hall
and committee rooms. AS tor the pages themselves
they were contented and happy; they were treated
we'll, and have very pleasant impression o
page life and the eminent men with whom
had the honor to be thrown in immediate con.
tnctp Here the distinguished Bourbon leader Of
Virginia paused, and reporter, rising and
thanking him for the entertaining "reminiscences
Of the past, took his hat and leave at the same
| time