Evening journal., 1889-05-23
Jaoksonian yulgarity.

A despatch from Harrisburg, Pa, pub
lished in the New York Sun, gives the
following pertinent story, which James
Buchanan used to tell about President
Jackson
"A famous Baltimore lady, one of the
leaders in society of that day. and related
to an English family Of title, had spent
long time in England during Jackson s
administration, her family connections
admitting her to the inner circles Of aris
tocratic and royal society. George the
Fourth was then King, and a short
time before she left England to
return to America she was presented
70 him. He gave her message to Jack.
son, which he requested her to deliver In
person to the President. The reputation
his political enemies had made for Jack.
son was such that the lady was most
unfavorably impressed, never having met
him. She was very much disinclined to
a personal interview, but having under
taken TO carry out the wishes of King
George, she determined to undergo the
trial, prepared to be gently shocked at
what she might hear and see She was
well acquainted with James Buchanan
and she sent for him and solicited him
to accompany her on her mission and in
troduce her to the President.
II went with her Buchanan used to
say, in telling the story, "and, leaving
her in the reception room, went to the
Presidents room to arrange for the inter
view. ! found him alone. His face was
covered with bristling beard of several
days growth. He had on dressing
gown which was very much soiled and
much the worse for wear He was
smoking an old pipe. 1t was a disheart
ening moment for me, for to present the
refined and elegant lady to the President
Of the United States in such attire and
personal uncouthness seemed to me but
little better than a national disgrace. |
told the General about the distinguished
woman who had come to seek an intro
duction to him, and made bold to say.
But, General, you ought not to see
her without making an appropriate
toilet.
The grim old soldier took his pipe
out of his mouth, stretched himself to
his full height, shot fiery look at me
from beneath his shaggy eyebrows. and
exclaimed:
" Buchanan, | knew a man once who
succeeded admirably in getting along,
simply by minding his own business.
He told me to go back and wait with
the lady, and he would see her in a mo
ment. returned to the reception room
and awaited the Presidents coming in a
torture of suspense. In a short time
jackson entered the room. He was
neatly shaven, and in plain but correct
attire. A more dignified and courtly
presence could not we'll be imagined. A
heavy load was lifted from me. | intro
duced the lady and retired TO await the
termination of the interview. From
what she had said to me could see that
she was anxious to make it as short as
possible, and ! was therefore surprised
when an hour had passed and she was
still talking with the man she had been
led to believe was but little better than
wildcat. She finally appeared, escorted
to the door by the President. She was
radiant | handed her into her carriage
and asked her what she thought of the
grim and much-abused Jackson
Il am captivated, she replied. 81
never so enjoyed an hour have been
at all the courts Of Europe, and I can
truly say that at none Of them have 1
ever seen a man who in elegance Of man
ners could compare with General Jack
son. While intensely dignifed they
were so kind that my dread disappeared
IN an instant, and before knew il was
captivated. 1t will never do for any one
TO charge General jackson with vulgarity
IN my presence again"
Buchanan always told that story with
great relish,