The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1885-03-11
WITCHES OF THE LOBBY.
HANDSOME WOMEN WHO VISIT THE
HALLS or CONGRESS.
Interesting sketches of the Persons
whose business ft IL 10 Influence
the Legislation OF Congress.


whose business ft IL 10 Influenc
the Liquidation OF Congress.
A Washington correspondent of tn
New York Journal SAYS The member
OF the fair sex have at different time
welded potent influence in the Wash
ington lobby. There are many thrilling
and romantic stories about the parts
played by lady lobbyists in the past.
In this field the ladies have a great ad.
vantage over their male competitors.
Even in the most palmy days of the lobby
no woman was ever heard to say, after
the manner of DIR. Bradford: eyes, am
lobbyist, and am proud of it. 1t is
only profession. 1t is, therefore, ex.
tremeiy difficult now, when the DEGREES
Of society have made lobbying still more
Objectionable, to ascertain the names OF
ladies who interest themselves in pro-
noting legislation.
Many Of the fairy tales told about
charming female lobbyists at the capitol
really have very small foundation to
build upon. The ladies, however, have
not altogether given up the delightful
practice of lobbying, the Journal CORE
spondent has discovered by looking
about little.
During the sessions of Congress the
capitol building is constantly crowded
with people of both sexes At either
end of the capitol q special provision is
made for the benefit of the ladies. These
accommodations consist of large recep-
tion-rooms where ladies can retire. send
in their cards to members or Senators
and hold long conversations with them
afrrr - A11
anxious to hold special private CONVEX
sation with visitor he can invite her
into the marble room. The men,
bers are denied this privilege. They are
compelled to draw their chairs up close
together and talk in whispers.
Mrs. Jane Spencer is handsome
widow and can be seen almost anv day
around the capitol in the act of be-
witching Congressman into voting as
she wishes them to. Mrs. Spencer is
highly educated, and as a conyersa-
tionalist has few equals anywhere. She
lives in very modest style in the north
western part of the city and classes
among her friends some of the most dis
tinguished people in Washington. No
one would apply the term lobbyist to
Mrs. Spencer. She is said to be rich
and only interests herself in legislation
that will help poor and deserving people.
Many poor widow to-day owes her
pension to the efforts of Mrs. Spencer.
Very few Congressman can resist her.
The mute appeal of her large brown ewes
would turn a heart of stone.
Miss Elizabeth Hawley is under thirty
and says that she hates all men, but she
ma 30
tors. She is regularly engaged by q
large pension firm here to look after their
claims before Congress. Miss Hawley
can out talk any Congressman. She
haunts the cloak rooms of both houses,
and never lets go her hold upon victim
until he has promised to vote for her bill.
Miss Hawley is sometimes described as
the 'holy terror" She was Belva Lock-
woods chief assistant in the presidential
canvass.
The "queen of the lobby" is from
New Orleans, and possesses the clear
complexion and striking beauty so COM
mon among the Southern ladies. Mrs.
Clarendon is a good lawyer and does not
hesitate to enter into the most exhaust
i've legal argument to carry her point.
She lives on Capitol hill, and may be
worth $50, 1000.
Mrs. Margaret Davis is the widow of a
retired army officer. She finds, she saws.
in watching the movements of Congress
amusement and a diversion from the
everyday affairs of life. She becomes
interested in measures and follows them
up simply for amusement. Mrs. Davis
eyes are very captivating, and she does
not hesitate to use them when a vote is
ct stake.
General Sheriff., of New York, stands
at the head of the lobby to-day. He
succeeded Sam Ward General Sher-
rill's motto is the old one, that every man
has his price.
He began life as the private secretary
OF Governor E. d. Morgan. 1t was there
he got his start. He is not very affable
and does not believe in wasting time in
coming to the point.
Much of General Sherrill's success in
Washington is due to his charming wife
and daughter. Mrs. and Miss Sheriff.
have long been prominent social figures
here. Both mother and daughter enter
tain great deal, and are seen at all the
receptions of note. Mrs. Sheriff. is very
young-lOoking. Mother and daughter
are frequently mistaken for sisters.
General Sheriff. has charge here of
the Union Pacific interest. This pays
him handsome income aside from any
outside work.
He is over sixty years old, has snow
white hair and side-whiskers and walks
with slight stoop. He might easily be
taken for retired Wall street broker.
On any railroad day in the House or
Senate the general is always on hand, on
the principle he says that all men are
honest, but they need watching.
Joe Hickey (sometimes called Colonel
Joe) of st. Louis, is younger man than
General Sheriff., but he is almost as use
full Hickey has mania for betting.
He will bet that it will rain tomorrow,
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