The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-09-16

Senator Kenna Throws Down -Four OF q
Kind and Loses the Pot.

Senator K-nna Throws Down -Four OF .
Kind and Loses the Pot.
Senator Bowen, Of Colorado, is gen.
orally acknowledged to be the finest
poker-player in Washington. He is
also very fond of coaching neophytes
in the science. Senator Kenna, of
West Virginia. conceived longing to
learn the principles of the game about
which he had heard SO much. OF
course he applied to Bowen for infor-
nation. The latter was delighted.
For several days he gave Kenna les
sons in the room of the Committee on
Enrolled Bills, of which Bowen is
Chairman. The young West Virginian
seemed to make rapid advancement,
and the Colorado Senator began to
boast of the proficiency OF his pupil.
1t was noticed, too, that while both were
in the Senate Chamber they usually
occupied adjoining chairs, and we're
often in eager converse. This caused
some comment, as the Senators are
from widely separated parts OF the
country, belong to opposing parties,
and are not on committee together.
1t was generally supposed, though, that
poker was the subject of conversation,
since Bowen had been Boosting of Ken
mas new requirement
Well, one night friendly party
was gathered in Bowen's room at the
Riggs House. Kenna was there, and
so was Dolph of Oregon, whose skill
with cards is recognized both here and
at home. During the conversation
Bowen started off ON his favorits
theme and Landed Kenna's progress
under his tutorship. Dolph suggested
that he would give kenna chance to
show his ability in a $50-limit game.
Kenna looked dubious, but Bowen
patted him on the shoulder and told
him to go in.
The game began with Bowen lean
ing over his pupils chair to give en-
enlargement. 1t was stipulated before
hand by Dolph, however, that no
suggestions should come from the
Colorado man. Dolph put up his
dollar ante and Kenna dealt. The
latter held pair of queens, a king, a
ten and a seven. With all the eager
ness of neophyte he came in and,
laying his pair aside, discarded the
others. At this point couple of
Western members came in, and it was
some minutes before the game was
proceeded with. Finally kenna dealt
the cards. In the draw he got two
queens and an ace. Bowen could
hardly restrain his delight, and it was
evident from his expression that he
longed to yell his pupil: Go 1t, my
boy, for all you're worth"
kenna did not seem to be over
pleased, however. AS beginners gen.
orally do, he laid his second pair aside
from the first, and, putting his elbows
on the table, awaited the betting.
Dolph, Of course, thought his opponent
had two pairs. Having three aces
himself he went about the betting in a
very confident way. Putting so on
the table he looked very hard at Bowen
to detect any signals that might pass
between the teacher and the pupil.
Bowen kept the agreement honestly,
although his face was red with sup
pressed emotion, and his fingers seemed
to sink into the back of his chair.
Kenna, without looking at his cards
again, folded his arms and considered
the advisability of coming in. Final
", remembering what his teacher had
told him about Dolph's bluffing
schemes, he planked down the $40 and
called.
"Three aces" said Dolph, showing
his hand.
"Beats me-" replied Kenna; 1--WE
only got two pairs.
At this Bowen could restrain himself
no longer and yelled
"What are you talking about two
pairs, Kenna? Look at your hand,
man."
II have looked at it." oaid Kenna,
quietly. IL had one pair of queens
and l drew another pair. Two pairs,
and the other card is an ace"
Then there was wild laughter from
the lookers-on except Bowen. who sank
into chair with despairing look at
his promising pupil. Kenna caught
on" after while, but it was too late
He had thrown up his hand and the
pot went to his opponent. He laughed
heartily when he saw the point, and
confessed that he had few things to
learn about poker yet. Bowen has
given up his pupil and freely expresses
the opinion that man who does not
know that four queens beat three aces
can never carry the Democratic party
through the next campaign. HASH
ipgtora letter.