Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1886-12-18

that little children should be seen and
not heard had confirmed him in what
he had then thought was a bad habit.
While he was at Client, making the
treaty of peace In connection with Henry
Clay and Albert Gallatin, he made an after
dinner speech, in which he accused Clay of
trying to kiss q chambermaid. This is the
only instance in which I remember he at
tempted the frivolous, and this time he was
wofully worsted by Clay. Clay sat directly
opposite him at the table. It Yves at the din
Ier given in honor of the treaty after its con-
ditions had been decided upon. Clay was
astounded at Adams speech. 1t came from
a source entirely unexpected, and during it
he felt at a loss as to how to respond. AS he
looked into John Quincy Adams cold face,
however, and noted a tear trembling upon
his eyelid from his constitutional infrmity of
sore eyes, his reply flashed across his electric
brain. As soon as Adams had taken his seat
and the laughter had subsidized he arose and
said: II plead guilty to the gentleman's in
dictment. What Mr. Adams has said is all
true, but it is only a part of the truth. It is
true that the chambermaid was pretty. 1t is
true that her eyes were diamonds and her
lips were cherries. 1t Is true that, filled with
admiration, l attempted to embrace her and
offered to her five francs for a single kiss from
her rosy lips. But 1t is also true--and this the
gentleman has not told you-that she rudely
repulsed me, and asked me whether | thought
she was a fool to let an ugly fellow like me
have a kiss for a few francs when the nice
little gentleman across the hall-and here
Clay pointed to Mr.. Adams-had just offered
her four times as much.'
The joke was upon Adams, and he took it
so much to heart that he would not speak to
Va W fNr,I n xrr IgN ~, -. -
ever, before the commissioners left for Amer
lea, and ten years later we find Clay his sec
rotary of state.
Speaking OF John Quincy Adams diaries
and his habit of saving everything for future
use, an incident occurred at Client which
illustrates this attribute OF his nature. The
American comnissioners-Adans Bayard,
Clay and Gallatin-met with closed doors in
q of the hotel, and before proceeding
to business they agreed that every proposition
should be in writing and hat the mover
should sign his name. After several DAYS of
conference the provisions Of the treaty were
decided upon and the session came to a close.
As the commissioners were about to leave,
John Quincy Adams, looking at the paper
scattered about the room, said "it was a pity
to lose SO much stationery, and that he would
gather it up" The others went out, Clay re-
marking as he did SO: LET the Yankee in
dulge his economical propensities." But
Adams had a far different idea than was sup
posed. He wanted the notes, not the paper.
He saved them all, and when he came back
to America he knew more about the treaty
than all the rest Of the commissioners put
together.
Clay had a great fear of Adams magazine
OF facts. He once said that "a man is q born
fool who engages in a controversy with John
Quincy Adams on a question of fact. l doubt
whether he was ever mistaken in his life.
And then, il he happens to be in doubt about
anything, there is his inevitable diary, in
which he has recorded everything that has
occurred since the adoption Of the federal
constitution
Clay sept as he stood holding the hand of
John Quincy Adams during one OF his last
hours, when he lay. dying in the Capitol.
Adams was unconscious, and he could not
know the honor paid him. His death forms
one Of the most remarkable "reminiscences Of
the congressional halls. He had been for
years one Of the marked figures of the house.
The only ex-president who has ever sat upon
the floors of congress, his great age and his
wonderful career made him a striking figure.
Always in his seat during both day and night
sessions, he was as active a member rs the
youngest OF the representatives, and he had
arisen to present some petitions at the mo-
ment when death struck its first blow. It
came in the form Of apoplexy, and at first
John Quincy Adams tried to withstand it.
DE grasped hold of his desk, but he could not
support himself, and Representative Fisher,
of Ohio, caught him in his arms. The cry
went up: Adams is dyingln and it was even
80. He was carried out and laid upon a sofa
In the speakers room. AS he fell back upon
the cushion he uttered his last words. They
were: "This is the last of earth. am content.h
By this time both houses had adjourned.
and the news had been telegraphed all over
the Union. Mr.. Adams lay unconscious for
several days and then died. His funeral was
that of a president. Re lay in state in the
Capitol, and his remains were viewed by thou
sands. The funeral remonies We're cele-
brated in the presence of the array and navy
In full uniform, the supreme court in their
gowns, OF the diplomats in full dress, of the
president and his cabinet, of congress, and, in
fact. of all of Washington's theii great men.
The body was first carried TO the Congress
sional cemstery, the funeral car of President
Harrison being used, and this was drawn by
six white horses. 1t afterward lag in state in
Faheuil hall, in Boston, aud was finally in
TERED In the family vaults at Quincy.