The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-02-06
WITCHES OF THE LOBBY.
HANDSOME WOMEN WHO VISIT THE
HALLS OF CONGRESS.
Interesting Sketches of the Persons
Whose business IL is TO Influence
the lcgfsIatiOn of Congress.

]
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 DR.. Bradford eyes, am
lobbyist, and am proud of it. 1t is
only profession" 1t is, therefore, ex-
trcmely 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 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
uninterrupted. When a Senator is
anxious to hold special private CONVEX
sation with q visitor he can invite her
into the marble room. The men,
bers are denied this privilege They are
al oil 30, J,o .
together and talk in whispers.
Mrs. Jane Spencer is handsome
widow and can be seen almost any 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 conversa-
tionaist 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 eyes
would turn heart of stone
Miss Elizabeth Hawley is under thirty
and says that she hates all men, but she
makes exceptions to members and Sena-
tors. She is regularly engaged by
large pension firm here to look after their
claims before Congress. Miss Hawlcy
can out talk any Congressman. She
re ho nl nf
and never lets go her hold upon a 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 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 $4,000
Mrs. Margaret Davis is the widow of a
retired army officer. She finds, she says.
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 vote is
at 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. ID. Morgan. 1t was there
he got his start. lie is not very aifablc
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 a handsome income aside from any
outside work
He is over sixty years old, has snow
white hair and side whiskers and walks
with a slight stoop. lie 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 a mania for betting
He will bet that it will rain to morrow,
or he will bet that it won't, and give you
odds either way. lie has the reputation
for never taking bluff.
A short time ago Western Congress
man meeting Hickey in bar-room alone
thought he would test his " sand" Call
ing several of his friends around him the
Congressman said in loud voice: 4" Pm
a better from Bettersville. Who has
got the courage to match nickels with
me for $500Y"
81 will" said Hickey.