Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-05-04
BELFORD'S son SAM.
A NINE.YEAR-oLD BoY's TALK WIN TIM
PRESIDENT.

PRESIDENT.
Congressman Belford, OF Colorado,
a man OF positive traits, quite a charac
ter in his way, has two little boys OF,
perhaps, seven and nine years, each
with the fiery red hair OF their father;
and each endowed with true sagebrush
precocity and faculty for getting along
in the world. lie had taken them to
the White House to pay respects, and
"Sam," the nineycar. IN a late
morning stroll one day last week, en-.
countered the President taking a quiet
after breakfast constitutional all by
himself.
"TIow doyou do, Mr.. Arthur" said
Young America, nothing daunted.
Every well. my little man, how do
you do - replied the President, paus
ing IN his walk with AN amused interest
in this mite Of "A, constituent.
First rate said sam, land my faith.
er thinks you've put in a pretty good
man for Secretary OF the Interior. Ny
fathers Congressman Beliord. you know,
and my name is sam
ayes. | remember" sAid the Presi.
dent, 'and how Is your little brother p
Herbert? Oh. he's well,' said sam,
"but what makes you walk, Mr. Arthur,
when you've got that splendid hig car.
Iiage, aud horses IN your stable p
81 love to walk IN this part of the
city, Sam. was the answer, in the
sudden unbeuding strong man
will sometimes indulge in To a child,
Il used TO walk q great deal here
when | was = law student. and came to
Washington to see the dearest lady IN
the world. There il the house where
she lived. pointing 10 the modest resi-.
dence which was once the home of
Lieutenant Herndon and ms family.
81 vas just going a fishing. -sid sam,
by Way OF returning the confidence re-
posed in him won't you 60, too, Mr..
Arthur 2"
IL would love to, but I've good
many things To do up at the house, ~
said the President, adding, "Iou must
come up there to see me again. Come
some afternoon, about I clock, and IN
have the horses and carriage got out.
and we II take q ride around the city"
"Me. and Herbert, too p asked sam,
not uumindlul of the family lntcrrsts.
"Ges, and Herbert, too. asseuted the
President, ''and after our ride you shall
both stay to dinner with me"
Moved by this kindness. sam brought
out his last and greatest proof of good
fellowship.
"Mr. Arthur, Mr.--, framing n
Congressman who is a friend Of tho pa.
ternal Beliordl, is going to take me to
the circus this afternoon cant you
come aud go with us
81 would like to. very much" said
the President, smiling, "but can't
take the time"
But, when Bsrnum comes round
with Jumbo pretty soon, you'll 60 any
way, won't you, Mr.. Arthur? II wouldn't
do to miss that.
ayes, | think I will 20 then" said
the President, bidding his young in.
tervieWer good morning.
Sarl took the Presidents confidence
in a serious business like manner, and
said aiterward I'm glad | got in a
good word for Mr.. Teller"
A born politician is Sam, and may
be in the White House himself yet,
when that bushy red head OF his gets
bald and shiny with much adroit ma
nnuvering and manipulating of Pacific
Coast politics. lie is character" al.
ready, in the House, where he often sits
beside his father. On a recent bill day,
Mr.. Belford rose with folded paper in
his hand. and tried vainly. in voice,
which bellies him by being thin and
squeaking, almost inaudible across the
high pitch chamber, to catch the speak
er's eye, to offer his bill. Sam gTasped
the situation, and bore IL as long a. he
could with composure, then darting for.
ward to the area in front of the Speak.
er's desk. his figure undersized for his
age. but 1.-THE ~ grasshopper, appear
ed in full view before the Speaker, and
he called out amid the din ''Gen. Keif
er, Gen. Keifer don't you see my papa's
got paper he wants you to look atT
The Speaker, who has lads of his own,
was amused at the boys reminder, and
promptly ''saw" the honorable member
from Colorado who was permitted TO
offer his measure.