Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-07-24
MEN WHO CARRY PISTOLS.
Pocket Pistols Very Generally Car
rfed-Aembers Of Congress Who %
Armed.

do members Of Congress carry pistols? Well,
yes, majority OF them do" said a dealer in
arms be leaned across a case fuu OF revolvers
AID talked with STAR reporter about bellig-
erent Congressman. at would astonish you to
know how many go armed; particularly the
men from the south and west. They carry
some pretty big 'guns-thirty-six aud thirty
eight caliber. They go armed as much now, II
not more, than in the early days, when the
code was recog nized. In those times, when
statesmen used to so to the Spa sprn IS at Bla-
densburg to settle their difficulties, they used
to have cases OF uueiing pistols. They did
not carry pocket pistols. Inc House had its
code of rules and the members had their
code OF honor, which was more effective and
more respected. A great many members always
carried their case oil pistols IN their trunk.
They formed part Of the outfit OF a man In
public life. There is commonly an erroneous
impression as to what these pistols were. Some
people have an idea that duellng pistol was
a little weapon that would not xiii ten feet;
others think they were the little stubby Der
ringers like mortarS That make an awful noise
and kick way up in tue air when you shoot
them. Now, in reality, they were that long
he marked on u section OF his arm nearly up TO
the elbow-''and carried bali like that of q
Colts navy. They had heavy wooden handles
coming up under the barrel like the stock OF a
musket, and nint locks. They were brutal
looking things-regular heavy artillery. 1t was
with one Of them that Burr snot Hamilton.
They were Of French make. You never see any
them now. Since dueiing has gone out o I
practIce carrying on the person has De-
come more common. Men who are not ia the
habit vi being out late, OF going into bad COM
pany, carry pistols for self-defense. 1t il very
common. majority OF the gentlemen You
See on the streets OF Washing ton in the evening
are armed. Carrying pistols is by no means
confined to the rough or criminal classes rne
better class OF men, and evea "A large number OF
ladies, carry them. But in particular members
and senators from the south aud west 90
armed. They carry the latest improved
weapons, double action, folding hammer, and
of the best ma Ike. Western men all want them
large and effective. The Smith Wesson and
the Marvin, Hubert g. Co., latest improved,
are most carried. The latter is particularly
popular. Ladies Of course carry smaller gums.
yes Sir, guns are carried more now than
they ever were before. The Quietest and most
respectable people in the city-the business
man and the solid citizen the most apt TO
have weapons in their pockets. And here's q
paradox. The more pistols carried the less
shooting occurs. You won't find one man out
OF q hundred That carry pistols who has ever
used IT. Gentleman carry them tor defense
against fOotpads and ruffians; and roughs
knowing they are armed let them alone. There
has BEEN much said about w aShington ladies
going about alone after dark. Most OF them
are armed. Some people are averse 10 carry
Ing arms, but there is hardly house that has
Not = pistol in it"
Are knives and sword-canes carried o. much
as tormeriy7" asked the reporter.
mo; they are carried scarcely ct all. Foot
pads and aSsaSsins may carry knives or black
Jacks-they are afraid Of the noise Of u pistol
but gentlemen all carry pistols. Negro roughs,
az every body knows, carry razors They cut
ana slash With them in q yill&inous manner"