The Washington critic., 1888-08-23
"THE PARNELL OF HIS RACE
An Interesting Biography of Colonel
Perry II. Carson.


Perry II. Carson.
The last issue Of our esteemed contem-
porary, the Washington Bee--whose editor
by the way, Mr.. Chase, contested with Judge
Shellabarger Colonel Perry Carson's seat as
delegate TO the Chicago Convention-prnts
biography, or, perhaps, more accurately, an
autobiography Of this ''natural born leader of
his race"
It indicates that the Colonel's independence
of action was early manifest, for it states that
he was born IN Baltimore in 1882 and that his
family lived in Sommervillo County until 1896
when the Colonels father moved to Baltimore
and shortly nfter became the leading steve
dore around the exchange place"
"In 1867" the Bee says, che moved to
Tolston Town, where he engaged as a farmer
for several years, when he had his house and
barns, with their contents, consumed by fire
for his determination iu strictly adhering to
the dictation Of his own conscience
At thirteen the Colonel began to learn his
trade as a decorative artist I'm whitewash and
kasomine, and he engaged in the building
trades, working in a brickyard until 1858,
when he Joined his father, who was still I'm the
stevedore line, which, however, did not pre-
vent his getting married in that year.
In 1862 he engaged in oyster shucking,
and when the war broke out be assisted in
In 1864 (?) he enlisted in the Twenty-fourth
Pennsylvania u. s. G. r., and was promoted
to the rank Of corporal and then to a SER
geantcy land served as such during the war;"
the Bee adds.
lie came to this city when mustered out of
the service, and Sin 1868 he was solicited to
take part in the campaign in the interest of
the Hon. Sales j. Bowen for mayor of the city.
This was the beginning of great and eventful
life. Mayor Bowen was elected, and he i'm
mediately appointed Colonel Carson as his
messenger, and after the Territorial govern
ment was abolished in the District he was ap-
pointed superintendent of water-plugs"
His administration Of this important branch
of the public service was SO admirable that
Hon. Fred. Douglass appointed him Deputy
Marshal-otherwise, conductor OF the prison.
ers' van-and under his protection Assassin
Guiteau made his daily trips from jail to court
and back In comparative safety.
But with change of Administration it
was decided to accept his resignation lie
opened hotel, and his hotel is now well
known to the travelling public. The Colonel
belongs to the old school and does not boast
of his educational training but has few
equals as an organizer of his people, and he is
recognized by all who know him as natural
born leader of his race--a man of undaunted
courage, pleasing address and presents q
manly and statesmanlike appearance whenever
met.
After tracing the "Colonels" early career
in politics as an organizer and packer Of
primaries, the story continues: 1854 he en-
tered the race himself and gigantic efforts
were made to defeat him, but all TO no pur-
pose, as he carried of the honors and left his
opponents a defeated foe. His colleague,
Postmaster Conger, was to solely represent
the District being in possession Of the neces-
sary attalnments and the boasted brain of the
delegation. The proceedings Of the conven-
ton, howeveiy showed that the Colonel proved
to be more than match for his colleague,
and besides casting the vote of the District he
was placed on the National Committee over
his competitor Mr.. Congerh
"Colonel Carson's reputation now became
national, and he has been styled the Parnell of
| his race.'
Referring to the recent Willard Hall con-
vention the Bee says that everywhere could
be seen the master hand of Carson's we'll
| drilled combination
The account Of the Colones life concludes
with the statement that he went to tie Blaine
reception iu New York and called on the
Plumed Knight, and also on the knights
family, and that the Colonel is soon to inject
| himself into the political situation by means OF
| an open letter to his race.