The Evening critic., 1883-05-21
THE CRITIC ABROAD,


Reading of the career of the remarkable
Washburne family recalls an incident that
occurred in Congress many years ago.
Elihu b. Washburne was q Representative
from Illinois. There were three other
Washburnes in the House at the same time
viz, Cadwallader c., from Wisconsin;
Henry D., from Indiana, and William B.,
from Massachusetts,. Ignatius Donnelly
was n Republican member from Minnesota,
and he had got into quarrel with one
of the Washburne family, who
lived in that State. The quarrel became so
bitter that Mr.. Donnelly felt that the whole
tribe of Washburnes were his enemies, and
he availed himself of every opportunity to
denounce them in Congress and out of Con-
gress. On one occasion. when there was q
session for debate only, Donnelly saw
chance to get in a speech, for which he
knew he would have been called to order
at regular session. There were but few
members present, but perusal of the Globe
the next morning showed the most
and among other statements that they read
with amazement as well asa good deal of
amusement was one that if the hardest part
of the physical system of every member Of
the Washburne family was examined it
would be discovered that tho letters U.
S. had been branded there as with red
hot iron from their earliest infancy, for
they were never satisfied unless they
had their mouths in the public
trough The Washburnes and their
friends were furious, and good deal of
time was taken up in discussion whether
the offensive words should not be ex-
plunged from the bound volumes of the
Globe, and the Critics recollection is that
the vote to expunge prevailed. In the end
the Washburnes proved too much for Dom
nelly and he was relegated to private life
shortly after this incident.
A clerk in one of the Departments started
home few nights ago very tired. He had
on very fine gold watch and chain, worth
about $3.50. He also had about that
amount of cash in his pocket. As above
stated, he was very tired. When he got to
judiciary Square he sat down to rest. While
sitting there he commenced to hum that
favorite song Of the day, "Sweet Yiolets,"
etc. He succeeded in humming himself to
sleep. While asleep some fellow, without
that due regard for the commandments or
the proper respect for the laws of man, re-
lieved him of his watch and money. Suf-
fee it to say, he has not heard of either
since, nor has he been tired from the same
cause since and he has forgotten the words
of "Sweet Violets."
Western statesman was met at the
Ebbitt House last night by the Critic, when
the subject of the political outlook was
talked over in a general way. 1t is we'll
known fact that as rule Western men
have ideas, and are not averse to giving
them to the public when in their opinion it
becomes necessary. This statesman, like
many others, however, while he had no OBJ
lection to giving to the Critic his views on
the political situation, owing to the uncer-
tainty of who will be Speaker of the next
House of Representatives, requested that
his name be withheld from the public for
the present
On the subject of the Speakership he
said: Il don't think any man can tell at
this time who will be Speaker. am satis-
fed that Mr.. Carlisle, Of Kentucky, is not
only the proper man to elect, but that he is
the choice of large majority of the Demo-
cratic masses. Bnt he is not q schemer. He
is road-gauged, straightforward man, an
honest man and a statesman. He will not
nor can he be persuaded to enter into
scramble for the honor. If he is elected
Speaker it will be because majority of the
Democratic Representatives cannot be
hoodwinked or cajoled into voting against
him upon the promises of other candi-
dates.''
who do you regard as his most formid-
able opponent p
"Mr. Randall. Randall, you know. is
one of the keenest, shrewdest wirepullers
in this country. He will promise anything
to accomplish his purposes and he is now
pulling the wires for the Speakership."
DO you think he will succeed ?"
II do not. think that the next Speaker,
if not Carlisle, will be Morrison, of Illinois.
He, next to Carlisle, is the best man in
Congress for the place. He is honest and
capable, and cannot be used by the lobby or
any body else"
How about Joe Blackburn ?"
"Oh, Joe has no idea of being Speaker.
He would make good one in some re-
spects, but he is too indiscreet."
well, there is Sunset Cox"
"Yes, Sam is running know, but he has
no show. tell yoa the next Speaker will
be Carlisle or Morrison; mark that"
Laying aside the Speakership question,
who do you think at this time stands the
best show for the Democratic nomination
for President in 15S4?"
II don't know who will be nominated,
but am satisfied that Joe Mcdonald is
the choice of three-fourths of the Demo-
cratic voters of the country. If we nomi
nate him we will have a walkover; mark
that"
Some time ago the Critic overheard Presi-
dent Arthur singing, in one of the White
House parlors, the popular air, "Wait