The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-31

An Alert and Active Man Who Is Almost
Eighty Years Old.

An Alert and Active Man Who Is Almost
Eighty Years Old.
Jules Guthrdge in Chicago News.
Mr.. Hamlin was conspicuous figure on the
streets OF Washington. He was object OF
curiosity to strangers always. He wore invara-
bly, frock coat very similar in style to the mod
ern dress coat He was scrupulously neat in his
attire, and presented the appearance when in his
seat in the Senate of being dressed for dinner
party or state ball. Another of his peculiarities
Was his objection to wearing an overcoat
have yet to discover one person among his init
mate friends who has seen him wear an extra
coat, even on the coolest days of the winter.
Notwithstanding this fact, he has never
he is one of the most remarkable men of tho
day. At the age of seventy nine he boasts of his
ability to run faster and jump higher than any
young man in the neighborhood. Mr.. Hamlin
has been married three times. His wives were
all sisters The first Mrs. Hamlin was the eld-
est of family of three girls. When she died
he married the second sister, and upon the
death of that lady the third sister became his
wife. Mr.. Hamlin lives in Bangor, and while
not rich. is in possession of sufficient means to
enable him to spend the evening of his days
in quiet and content. Mr.. Hamlin had
an intense dislike of snobbery conscious SUI
periority. He was essentially man of the peo-
ple He was democrat in the purest and best
sense of the word. No one was more accessible
than he. while. at the time there a
something about him that forbade the slightest
approach to familiarity. He was honorable to
the last degree my word is my bond /" was the
exclamation oftenest upon his lips IF he prom
ised a constituent an Office he saw that he got it
He made no promises he could not and did not
fulfill This was the secret of his wonderful
hold upon the people OF Maine. He was honesS-e
and he wouldn't tell lie
/ was once told characteristic story of Mr..
Hamiin that do not think ever found it's way
into print A few weeks after Mr.. Lincoln's
second election, Mr.. Charles Templeton, of
Newark, was sent to Washington as the bearer
of the electoral vote Of New Jersey, which, it
will be remembered, was cast for Mcclellan and
Pendleton, the Democratic nominees. Dir.
Tempeton was very pompous individual. with
grossly exaggerated idea of the Importance of
his position He invited number of his friends
to accompany him to Washington, and, it ID
said went so far to charter special car for
the occasion. At all events they were present
the following day when Templeton appeared
package in hand, at Mr. Hamlin's ROOM
II have the honor. Mr.. Vce-president," said
he. ito deliver to you the electoral vote of New
Jersey New Jersey, sir, casts nine votes for
that splendid soldier and patriot George B. Nc
Clellan, for President. New Jersey, sir, casts
nine votes for that eminent statesman and gen.
tleman, George Fl. Pendleton, for Vice presi-
dent"
''The hi she does!" exclaimed Mr. Hamlin
disgustedly, as he snatched the package from
Templeton's hand, and throwing it across the
room to his private secretary, resumed the work
which Templetons appearance had interrupted
A GOODNESS existed between Mr. Hamlin and
President Hayes during the entire period of the
latters incumbency. It arose, l am told. from
the following incident.
Hayes offered Eugene Hale seat in his cabi-
net. Hale declined the honor. The President
thereupon, with view to complimenting the
State, invited the Maine delegation to the White
House, and asked them to select from long list
of names some one who would be acceptable to
them as Secretary of War. the portfolio he had
rendered to Mr. Hale Mr. Hamlin glanced
the list hurriedly, and then said, in a quiz
zical toner
I'm the name of common sense, DIR. President,
IN what political graveyard have you been dig
gingr'
Hayes made no attempt to conceal his annoy
ance at MIR. Hamlins sharp thrust and shortly
afterward the delegation withdrew. Hayes new
er forgave Mr.. Hamlin for his impertinence. and
it is said the latter ceased his visits to the exec
utive mansion until Hayes's successor was in.
augurated.