The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-13
CREDULoUs MEN.


CREDULoUs MEN.
Prominent People Who Are Imposed Upon
and FIeeced by Sharpers.
special so the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON Sept 12.-Many public men are
credulous and such poor readers of human ma
ture as to be readily imposed upon. People who
associate much with men in high Offices here
soon come to the conclusion that these officials
are only trained in politics. and often called
to their positions by simple freaks of fortune.
Gen. Robert Drank Vance, of North Carolina
although fftyeght years old, graduate from
Cincinnati and European colleges, and having
served through the on tho confederate side
with distinction, reaching the rank of brigadier
general, afterward serving III various local
offices, then going TO Congress for twelve years,
and now being Commissioner of Patents is
probably one of the most credulous men who has
ever figured prominently, and has paid very
dearly for it. While in Congress he was the
prey of all sharpers He is Christian gentle
man. and alleged church members and represent
atives of all kinds of charitable temperance and
religious institutions imposed upon him to their
hearts content He never complained, though,
on account of his losses.
Your correspondent has just been told of an
instance which illustrates the character of the
men who came to Vance. 1t was but few years
ago. He was in the House of Representatives
one day, when card was sent to him from a
door. On it was the name Of some man Vance
didn't know, but the prefix Reverend" was sufi
cient to instil the utmost confidence. The man
twas tall, piouslooking, and dressed like minis
ter. He told Vance that he was just passing
through the city, aud called to pay his respects,
being resident of \ orth Carolina
II receive you as brother" said Vance.
'Now, while you are here" continued he, 'just
come to my rooms, over on street. and accept
my Inequalities"
Vance probably didn't think the stranger would
CALL but he did, and brought his valise with him.
He was assigned a room. Three or four days
passed. The reverend gentleman was sociable,
and often talked to Vance, but cautious not
to become bore. One morning Vanee's private
secretary remarked to the General, in serious
mood, that the strange minister would yet do
him up" before he left the city, and gave him
caution.
''Oh, you unkind; you much mis-
taken replied Vance THAT is Rev -,
Christian gentleman. But why do you caution
me against himp
Because" said the clerk, The opened the door
this morning SO that could hear him praying.
That's suspicious"
General Vance pooh-poohed the warning. The
next day card was sent into the House for
him. On it was the name of his ministerial
looking friend When Vance went out and met
his guest, the latter said. in apparent distress:
II am in great agony. l have just received
message calling me home to sick ones in my
family. | am out of funds. Can you loan me
$l25 till get homea I have the money there
aud will remit at once"
Certainly" replied Vance And he took his
friend around to the Office of the sergeant at
arms, drew the money and handed it over.
Nothing was heard of the alleged minister until
few days ago. Vances clerk read in far
Western newspaper that he had been admitted
as a minister and had preached his first sermon.
On the very heels of this announcement came
letter from the now real minister asking Vance
to make liberal contribution to help the new
society along
'sGreat gunsw exclaimed Vance; ''what
mountain of GALL" and then the christian
!. Statesman as Vance is well-known, perpetrated
practical joke on his whilom friend. He
wrote letter In reply which was something
like this
81 am glad to be able to help along Christianity
in your far-away field. Just credit me with
1925 cash, which loaned you a few years ago
until you could GO home"
1t is said that Hon. Lycurgus Dalton, of In
diana, present door-keeper of the House, has
often been imposed upon by impostors. Mr..
Dalton is one Of the most credulous men in the
country, and his goodness it is said has lost him
many hundreds of dollars.
Senators Anthony, deceased a year age,
Charles Sumner, Oliver P. Morton. lack Chand-
Ter and the late Secretary of the Treasury
Folger, it is likewise stated, were credulous
characters, and were very often feeced of good
money by persons who worked upon their sym.
pathy. There are many public men, however
q majority of them-who have little or no
financial faith in anybody, and would refuse to
indorse constituents whom they should know
are responsible. These meh draw the line at
money-unless it is coming their way.