The morning news., 1889-05-20
JAcKsoN1AN vULGAR1TY.
Buchauan's Story of How lie Received
Lady Visitor.

From me Mem YORK sun
HARRrsBRG, PA, May 1S.-The mug
wump reference to what they are pleased
to call the vugarity of Gen. jackson, said
an old time democratic politician, reminds
me Of a story James Buchanan used to tell
about jackson, which would seem TO prove
that that sturdy old soldier-statesman was
possessed of a personal courtliness and
elegance of manner whi ch would not have
been likely TO tolerate an atmosphere Of
vulgarity in his surroundings, either official
| or private. Tho incident referred to oc-
Cured sixty years ago, while Buchanan
was in the United States Senate.
"a famous Baltimore lady, one Of the
leaders in society Of that day, and related
to an English family # title, had spent a
long time in England during Jackson's
administration, her family connections
admitting her to the inner circles Of aristo.
cratic and royal society. George tho Fourth
was then king. and short time before she
left f. gland to return to America she was
presented to him. He gavo her a message
10 jackson, which he requested her
10 deliver in person to the President. The
reputation his political enemies had made
for jackson was such that the lady was
most unfavorably impressed, never having
met him. She was vory much disincli1 ned
to 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 see and hear She was we'll ac-
quainted with james Buchanan, aud she
sent for him and solicited him 10 accompany
her on her mission and introduce her to tho
President.
"I ent with her. Buchanan used to say,
in telling the story, and leaving her in the
reception room, went to the Presidents
room 10 arrange for the Interview. found
him alone. His face was covered with "A
bristlng beard OF several days growth.
He had on a dressngSgown which was very
much soiled aud much the worse for wear.
He was smoking an old pipe. IL was IA dis
heartening moment for me, for 10 present
tho refined and elegant lady TO the President
OF the United States in such an attire and
personal uucouthue5s seemed 20 me but lit
te better than a national disgrace. | told
tho general about the distinguished woman
who had come 70 sock an Introduction TO
him, and made bold to say:
"'"But, General, you ought not TO sec
hor without making an appropriate toilet.o
"'The grim old soldier took his pipe out
Of his mouth, stretched himself 10 his full
hight, shot a fiery look at mo from be-
meath his shaggy eye rows, and exclaimed:
% buchanan, | knew man once who
succeeded admirably In getting along,
simply by minding bis own business /"
"'He told me 10 60 back and wait with
the lady, and he would SEQ her In a moment
/ returned 10 the reception room and
awaited tho Presidents coming IN u torture
of suspense. Ia Il short time jackson co
tored the room. He was noa1ly shaver, and
Ia plain but correct attire. A more digni-
fed and c)urtly presence could not VOL be
imagined. A heavy load was lifted from
me. introduced the lady, and retired TO
await the termination Of the Interview.
From what she had said b me ] could SEQ
that she was anxious TO make it az short as
possible, and ! was therefore surprised when
an hOurbad passed and sho was sim talking
with the man she had boen led b. believe
was but little better than wildcat She
finally appeared, escorted 10 the door by
the President. She was radiant. handed
her into her carriage, and asked her what
sho thought Of the grim aud much-abused
jackson.
"'"I am captivAted l'sho replied. "I never
80 enjoyed an hour. | have been at all the
courts OF Europe, and l can truly say that
at none Of them hayo / ever seon man
who in elegance Of manners could compare
with Gen. jackson. While intensely digni-
fed, they we're so kind that my dread dis.
appeared In an instant, and before knew
10 WAS captivated. II will never do to
charge Gen. jackson with yulgarity IN my
presence againp"
buchanan always told that story with
great relish, and l wish all the mngwumpt
could have heard him.