Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-11-05
A DISTINGUISHED SON OF
TENNESSEE.
Ex-senator Duke GwIn En- Route
TO California.
Nnn 0rlann, plcnvnne. 3.


DR.. William M. Gwin. ex-senator of
California, and commonly known as Duke
Gwin, arrived in the city yesterday by the
jackson road, being the guest Of Superin-
tendent Fillmore, OF the Southern Pacific,
whose special car was attached to the
train. fsaf h..f
The train was four hours late, and the
special car passed through the city imme-
diately, and was stationed for the night
on eide track of the Morgan Railroad
at Elysian Fields street, preparatory to
being taken across the river this morning
in time TO start with the regular train at
noon. I.
DR.. Gwin rode in a carriage to the St.
Charles Hotel, where he remained about
half an hour and returned 10 his car
Awaiting him at the hotel was DR.. Aus
tin, Of this city, life long friend, whom
he had advised of his visit.
IL is suspected that DR.. Gwin's chief
motive in leaving the hotel SO hurriedly
was to avoid the reporters. from
whose interviewing prooiivities he has
been sufferer during his recent
tour of the North, The writer sought
the old gentleman in his car at Elysian
Fields street, where Mr.. Fillmore
and the members of his party had just
dined, when the reporter arrived. There
was no difficulty in recognizing the ex-
Senator, whose appearance would attract
attention in any assemblage. Gigantic in
stature, with a finely shaped head whit
ened with the SHOWS of 78 winters las the
Indians would say, his countenance is in
flt keeping with the majesty of his ply
sique, being of the ancient Roman type,
and wearing an expression Of ilrmness,
softened by the kindly light Of still bright
blue eyes.
Dr. Gwin received the reporter most
courteouslv, but expressed a disinclina.
tion TO be interviewed. The writer hav-
ing assured him that no such object was
contemplated, the Doctor chatted very
sociably concerning various topics, as
politics, the future Of New Orleans and
"reminiscences Of DIR. Gwin's ante bellum
residence in this city. Born in Tennessee
he studied medicine, and settled in Mis-.
sssippi, which State he represented in
Congress from 184l TO 1843, HC
was United States Marshal of Mis-.
sissippi, and came 10 New Orleans in
1876, where he superintendent the con
struction Of the customhouse, a. Commits
sloner of Public Buildings residing in
this city for several years. Subsequently
he went to California, and was one Of th'
first Senators from that State, filing thil
position from 1850 to 1861. The Doctor
was 10th 10 speak Of his eventful career
but conversed freely about the public
men of this section with whom he was In
innate in the ante bellum period, as Sli
dell, Benjamin, Soule, and others.
Although nearly four score years Of age
DR.. Gwin takes the most active interes
in political affairs, and advocates the nom
nation by the Democrats Of man VIII,
can control the money power He cling
TO the old ticket-the Tilden ticket ant
advances the idea that if Mr.. TildeI
should announce himselfas a candidat
he should be nominated by the Demo
crats all over the country without the me
diation Of q convention. The Docto
also expresses great admiration 70
Justice Field. He holds thu
no political campaign can b
made successful nowadays without tn
, use in legitimate ways, of large fund q
: money, and tho Presidential candidAt
! must be man who has resources at com
/ mAnd. .,.....
DR.. Gwin was Chairman of the Sona,
' Committee on the Pacific Railroads, an
3 consequently took great interest in Il
4 transcontinental railway enterprises. L
: years ago felt assured that the Southel
q Pacific would be built, and thinks tina
Q now that II is completed, IL will large
!, add TO the trade of New Orleans. Gal
: forAis wheat will be brought TO this po
V for expectation. and cotton will be sent
!. China via San Francisco.
J. While the "Duke" was in the midst
h his interesting conversation, several &c
tlemen called to see him, and the report
excused himself.
DR.. Gwin will leave the city at noon {
day en- route for San Francisco,