The Evening critic., 1882-03-30
CoNoREssMEN's KIDS,
And How They Keep Things Lively
In tho

Looking down from the reporters gallery OF
the House the wlelder OF the quill now and
then has an opportunity OF Witnessing some
very funny sights, and like n man up n tree,
makes mental comments and says nothing. 1t
often comes under his notice that congressman
have children, though why they should have
is n mystery, and that some of the children
are very good, and that some are very pretty,
and that others are ugly and very, very bad,
exact counterparts OF their fathers, as It were.
In this connection 1t is not out OF place to say
word or two of the children that frequently
grace the floor OF the present House.
To start with, there are Congressman
Belford's Boys,
pair Of flory red-hcaded chcrubs. There is
no mistake as to whose boys they are, for
their "top.knots" pronounce them veritable
chips OF the old block. These little lads come
up 10 the House quite often. They are each
about two feet high and very bright. Whether
the father is present or not they are by no
means Disconnected, and scramble over the
desks and make themselves at home, and are
favorites with even the gravest statesmen.
"Belford's boys" are frequently the envy of
the most Juvenile OF the pages because they
are such pets. Suoh members who have red
hair are most considerate of this pair. Should
gouty member drop in some morning and
anchor himself on a bent pin, ''Belfords boys
are held responsible. Should another ind
his ink-well illed with water, 'Belfords
many boyish pranks OF which members are
victims are credited to "Beford's boys"
however innocent tncy may DC.
Leopold Morse
has pair of bright little lads who often visit
the House. They are mischievous, as their
venerable papa used to be, perhaps but more
daring. On more than one occasion they have
caused the heart OF pater familias to quake
with alarm as they approached and asked
some sturdy Representative point blank ques-
tions, or when they rolled spittoons over the
floor or drew pictures with chalk on Members
desks. Morse is proud of his heirs, but he
can't manage them, and the little fellows
make 1t lively enough for him sometimes.
The Prettiest and Most Favored Chill
Of the Congressional group are the bright
eyed, falr-haired boy and girl of Congressman
Skinner: Their pretty manners and charm
Ing pratlte has made thcm popular with every
one connected with the House. They can
climb over desks and all that sort OF thing, but
unlike the majority Of children Of their ages
ness. Mr.. Skinner is proud of them, and when
the House is in session and he can sit behind
happiest man in Congress.
Congressman Hammond, OF New York, has q
fine little son, who always makes friends, and
when he stands around the floor he is
DigniRed and Polite,
and shakes hands and chats brightly with
Members on all Sides He's friend Of Bel
ford's boys, and when these little chaps get
together 1t is pleasant picture to watch their
many pranks.
Two Of the Brightest Children
are the daughters OF Congressman Mills and
Dlngley. They are handsome girls and al
ways prettily dressed. Little Miss Mills is an
especial favorfte with Joe Blackburn, who
takes particular pride in teasing her with ref
erence to her fathers political status.
Mr.. Mills Is u Greenbacker, but Blackburn,
| when talking with the little miss, always
| speaks Of him as Republican, at which the
| littlo girl fires up with Indignation, and with
| all the language her baby lips can command,
| rebukes Mr.. Blackburn fiercely, fact which
| pleases the latter immensely, and always at
| tracts group of statesmen about tho two.
| Congressman Valentines DOv ia another w hD
| is a favorite in Congress, and is a friend OF
| Master Harry Smith, son of the journal clerk
These little chaps are bright, handsome and
full of vigor, and complete the list of as fine O
| body Of youngsters as ever adorned Congress