Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-12-16

and Springer were roaring ana shaking
their fists at the Republicans A storm
OF the elements was raging outside.
Suddenly there was flash OF lightning,
ana the Capitol was struck by thun-
der-bolt. The lightning was so vivid and
the peal 40 appalling that many mem
hers sprang to their feet in terror. For
half q minute there was profound
silence. Then the wordy warfare was
resumed. When asked what he thought
of the scene the Major replied: " Ii was
God Almighty calling the House to or
deF."
SOME or his SAYINGS.
Not long afterward James @. Blaine
wrote his first letter declining the nomi.
nation for President II was cabied
from Europe, and itcreated much specu-
lAtion 10 the House. Archie Bliss. who
sits near Major Martin, asked whether he
had read il. "Oh, yes. y was the reply.
II always read what Jim Blaine says.
"What do you think Of it," Archie
inquired
"WelI," said the Texan, tearing
plug of tobacco from his teeth, 81
reckon there's mighty big black bug
under that chip"
The Developments at Chicago prove
that the bug was under the chip and 1t
bids fair 70 remain there until the crack
OF doom. The Major received his SOU
briquctof Old Hogdy" from his CHEEKY
greeting 70 his colleagues. he shakes
hands with them every morning, saluting
them VITA such expressions as "howdy,
Bob. g." Howdv, John, and other COM
panioDable ncknames. be has never
showed temper but once since he was
member Of the House. 1t was when he
met the correspondent who started the
story TINT he blew ont the gas The old
mon coniented himself by slipping bis
face. The story that he placed his hand
in his pistol-pocket IS denied.
GENERAL STONE, or KENTUCKY.
Tho Major is not the only interesting
Confederate soldier in the Capitol. ln
the heat Of the debate on the Nicaragua
canal bili a wcli- knit gentleman stood IL
on aisle Of the House converting with
General William J. Stone, OF Kentucky.
The General has only one leg His
silk handkerchief was NOTED around his
neck, and there was the usual southern
carelcssness about his attire. Alter his
departure General Stone was asked who
he WAS
zone OF natures noblemen, he re-
piled. "a brave soldier and an admira-
bio citizen. Misfortune never daunts
him, nor does prosperity spoil him. We
both served in the Confederate army, al
though never met him there. "
The General told an exceedingly in
teresting story. The war left the Gene
raj himself penniless and in restitution.
He returned to his little farm and began
% scratch tue face of the earth to sup
port his family. Day after day he limped
after the pillow. 1t was hard work, but
he was earning an honest living, and he
did not complain.
HIS BIG HEAET.
Within three years he was elected to
the lower house of the Kentucky Legis-
lature. he served several terms and was
finally elected Speaker. Then no came
to Congress. one day, while riding
through Galloway county, he saw a man
with one arm ploughing. lie was clad
in bomcspun. He carried the reins
around his neck and turned n neat fur
row. "Who IL that man the General
inquired of friend who was with him.
His name Is John y. Williams, y
WAS the reply. "He lost lis arm III the
war. and he ls having bard time OF 1t.
He has a wife and two children and 1t Is
as much as LIE can do to clothe and feed
them.
The General rode on. He thought OF
his own struggles after the war, and re-
solved that be would do n good turn for
the one-armed veteran If the Opportuni-
ty ever served. On the organization Of
the tiitieth Congress he was made chair
man Of the Committee on War Claims.
lie had the appointment OF clerk to
the committee at salary of $G day.
He telcgraphed to his friend in Galloway
county
"Iell John Williams to put on bis
best clothes and come to Washington i'm
mediately. J have place for him.
The old soldier came on and was made
clerk Of the committee. He afterwards
sent for his wife and children and to-day
there is not happier family in the Dis
trict Of Columbia.
Amos j. CUMMINGS.