The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1883-06-07
Washington Wrecks,

a COSBY correspondent OF the
Philadelphia Press in recent letter
presents a few common phases of
Washington life: The streets of
Washington are lined with old
battered wrecks that the waves and
winds of politics have cast ashore
from time to time. A young man
with ability and ambition, but with
no money, is lured to Washington
by the tickle light Of social and po-
litical prominence. do not care
whether he comes to the house,
whether he comes to the senate,
whether he is the head of bureau,
an officer of congress or even a de
partment clerk. The life is gay and
easy, and most inviting and seduc-
tive Money comes easy. He for
gets to look on it for what it is
worth, and is gradually drawn into
selfish life and habits by which he
is surrounded. He does not study,
he does not improve, but year by
year he becomes less fitted for self
support. He loses his energy if he
ever had it; he loses his ambition.
But here comes a flood and he is
swept from his mornings. The
party has changed, and he finds
himself with the same idle habits,
but without a salary. He cannot or
will not go back to his old home
and begin anew, but he stays here
and year by year hopes yet to get
back into Office. How he lives in
the meantime heaven onlys knows.
There are honorable executions, bet
they only serve to establish the rule.
Some of the richest and most promi-
nent citizens began life in Washing
ton as department clerks. l will
not mention names. 1t is a fact,
however, well known here. that a
majority of those who are forced
out of public life, and settle in
Washington, turn out as ''ne'er do
weels.'
L know a graduate of Harvard |
College who was himself the presi-
dent of college, a senator in con-
gress and subsequently in a posi-
ton of almost unequaled power,
who settled" in Washington
Drink and cards brought him to
ruin and he was, if am not wrong. |
once in Jail and many times in the
station-h house. He was a superior |
scholar, an eloquent speaker and an
able thinker. It was not unusual
for him to accost his former friends
and ask for quarter to buy him
something to eat. Where he is now
1 do not know.
I know of as sad a case in the
lower house-a man of command
ing mind and presence and rarely
gifted as an orator. He was at one
time a member of the constitutional
convention Of Kentucky, afterward
a member of the state legislature of
California, and was elected to codify |
OF public moneys in one of the
territories, and subsequently sur
veyor general, and then served two
terms in the house. He was sought |
by all the scientific, religious and |
literary societies here and stood as
high as any man in either branch of
congress. Well what of it? you ask.
Well, this of it. For several years
past that man kept one of the lowest
dives and brothels in the city, where
young men and weak men were
lured by rum, cards and women.
He died the other day in this mis-
cradle hovel, and was followed to
his grave by depraved creature of
the town, whom he called wife.
l can point out to you ex-senators
here who can scarcely buy their
breakfast, who are so seedy and
dilapidated that they will cross the
street rather than meet an old friend.
There are ex-cabinet officers who
used to be-spatter Gus common peo-
pie" with mud from their carriage
wheel as they rolled grandly on,
who are now not recognized by their
former associates. There are ex-
generals in the army, whose names
have honorable mention in history,
whose deeds will never De forgotten,
and on whose shoulders the double
star of a major-g general set with
pride, now so poor and helpless that
they are often hungry, without
cent to buy food. 1t is all such a
painful phase Of Washington life
that l have not the heart to go on.