davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

times, like a spirited horse FESTIVE under re-
straint he losses his head in the air and threat
ems to stampede the whole herd. When the
Senator wishes to speak he rises quickly. shakes
his head gets his left hand deep into his trous-
er's pocket, scatters the papers about his desk,
knocks book or two to the floor. and then
proceeds straight to the gist of his subject.
He makes no attempt at oratory, but his voice
is clear and his words vigorous. He commands
the attention of the galleries and Senate alike.
Mr.. Plumb goes very little into society, but in
personal intercourse is frank, generous, and
approachable man.
CAMPAIGNING IN TENNESSEE.
Senator Harris, of Tennessee, evidently con-
siders his age matter of slight public interest,
for in the brief sketch of his life in the con-
gressionl directory (written by himselD the
date of his birth is not given. His colleague,
Mr.. Bate, entertains the same opinion, and any
inquiry addressed to either for information on
that subject would probably be treated as an
impertinence. From the fact, however, that
Mr.. Harris was admitted to the bar in Al. it is
obvious that he is not far short of three score
and ten. His seat is the fourth from the left in
the front democratic row, and he Is always
conspicuous figure in the chamber. He was
the confederate war governor of Tennessee,
and when his state occupied by Union
troops he exchanged the gubernatorial chair
for the army saddle. In Tennessee it has
always been the custom for candidates for gov
ernor to visit every county and jointly address
the people from the hustings. In former
times, because of the limited means of trans
portation, opposing candidates often travelled
together, used the same vehicle and occupied
the same room. As stump-speakers Isham G.
Harris and John Netherland had no superior,
and in $50 found themselves the gubernatorial
candidates of their respective parties. They
were well matched. and the story of their cleo
tioneering skill and artifee furnishes one of
the most amusing and interesting contributors
to the political lore OF Tennessee. The end of
a close campaign found the rivals at the cabin
of an influential mountaineer in an east Ten
nessee county. This mans influence and vote
was earnestly desired bv both.
HOW HE CONQUERED.
The master of the house was absent, but its
mistress entertained them Hospitality for the
night. The candidates had learned that she
aXerted a donainant induance over the mind
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

flights Of eloquence. But despite little faults
his was Q masterful and controlling mind and.
II nice distinction may be allowed, he was
rather o commander than a leader of men.
During his long public career no whisper was
uttered against his integrity, and he left to his
countrymen great example and stainless
name.
sN BLAINE AND HILL
came to the Senate together fresh from their
memorable contest in the House in the sum-
mer Of 1876. II has been said that when they
shook hands on meeting in the Senate each
thanked the other for sending him there. The
former, as Speaker Of the House and leader on
~ door, had hlled the measure Of fame; but
Hill, although his ability was well known in the
south, had mot before attracted the country's
attention. To Mr.. Blaine's aggressive nature
the conservation Of the Senate must have
been distasteful, and he doubtless left IL with
out regret to become Secretary Of State for
Garfield Ben. Hill was the biggest man the
south has sent 70 Congress since the war. He
was great.as . lawyer, and possessed remark-
peAred best when discussing great principles
Of government and the relations Of men and
parties 20 them. Az . dialectician he was nm
rivaled and in the Aerce thrust and parry Of par-
.tisan wrsnsling the Georgian's gifted tongue,
Ike s'the Gaxoil's blsde, was sword and shield. !"
30 akillful IVES he Of fence. the adyersary's
Point seldom touched Re weak spot in his cost
Of mail
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05
"REMINISCENCES.


incident was intensely dramatic. and no man
who witnessed the scene can dismiss from recol-
lection picture 80 vivid or words so burning.
In that Congress (the Forty-sixth) Ohio's Sem
ators were Allan G.. Thurman and George H.
Pendleton. Georgia was strong in the persons
Of Ben Hill and Gordon. and Wisconsin had
just returned the brilliant Matt Carpenter to
the place he had before so ably filed. Logan,
after an absence Of two years, had come back
from Illinois, and lack Chandler again held
the commission Of Michigan. In these states,
and in Minnesota, Nevada. Pennsylvania, Cali
fornia, Nebraska, Kentucky, Colorado, and
others, the processes Of elimination and SUBJ
stitution have since been going on constantly, in
some cases the change being political, in others
only in the personnel of their ambassadors.
@ SENATOR JONES' FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
Florida sent to the Senate in rs a strong man,
@. W. Jones, powerful physically and mentally.
When he entered Congress, Mr.. Conkling, who
admired all things stalwart, was attracted by
the vigorous frame and fine head of the new
Senator, and took occasion to make his early
acquaintance Sitting by the burly Floridian
one day, the New Yorker remarked:
''Senator, you have had opportunity to look
about you; what was your first impression of
the Senator"
Mr.. Jones replied: 81 was first impressed
with the notion that the members Of the Florida
legislature had made d-m-n-d fools of them
selves by sending me to the Senate"
Struck with the answer, Conkling added:
"And your second impression?"
81 then found myself wondering" said Jones,
"why the members of the other legislatures
had been such d-m-n-d fools as to send
these other fellows here"
Conkling laughed heartily and used to tell
the story with great relish.
coNKL.Na's CHARACTERISTICS.
With all his strength Conkling had the weak
ness of egotism. He was vain of his personal
appearance and probably found more pleasure
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

times his humorous sallies throw the senatorial
dignity on Its balance and provoke roars of
laughter from the usually solemn visaged So
Ions The other side of the chamber is not
lacking In handsome men. Hale, Henderson,
Frye, Cameron, Quay and one or two Others,
coming within this classification. Republicans
concede that the preponderance of good looks
Is with the democrats, but console themselves
with the knowledge that the homeliest man in
the Senate sits across the way. Brown, Of Geor-
gia, though a man of decided ability. IL no
beauty and pulls the average or Democratic
pulcritude down to modest figure.
GREAT STATESMAN
In the very midst of the republicans sits
their greatest statesman, John Sherman, who.
Of all men now In public life has longest been
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

WE'VE years SENATOR DON CAMERON.
ago, and their friendship is said to be the out
growth of the fact that when Gen. Buffers seat
was contested. Mr.. Cameron's vote was cast in
the Carollnians favor. Gen. Butler was doubt
less deeply grateful for Mr.. Cameron's support.
but 1t can hardly account for their long and
enduring intimacy. 1t perhaps brought the
two men together, and being attracted
each by the others personality and social
qualities they naturally drifted into pleas
ant acquaintance. needing cultivation only
to ripen into friendship. There are other
notable intimacies between public men who are
as wide apart politically as the poles. Among
such may be mentioned that of Frye and Cor
man; and those of the old days between Conk-
ling and Eaton and Garfield and Ran Tucker
of Virginia. Such bonds do much to soften the
asperities of partisan life, and carry a moral
well worth CONSIDERING
HANDSOME LEGISLATORS.
CHANGING over she democratic side of the
chamber the observer cannot fail to note the
unusual proportion of handsome faces, that of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

II they shall survive the term for which they
have been chosen. The former is little the
elder having been born April IA, 1910; the latter
Nov. 30, the same year. Mr.. Morrill, plainly shows
his advanced age; his figure is bowed and his
hair is snow white, but his mind is as clear as
in the days of his physical prime. He is a man
of amiable disposition and kindliness Of heart,
qualities that age cannot wither nor custom
stale" For several sessions past the Vermont
Senator has been working diligently for the erec-
ton of a suitable building for the congressional
library. In this labor of love, (for such it isl,
his chief assistant has been Mr.. Voorhees,, of
Indiana, between whom and the venerable
Senator from Vermont there exists
WARN AND CLOSE FRIENDSHIP.
1t is the hope of all who know these Senators
and appreciate the valuable work they have ac-
complished and the difficulties they have sur
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05


loft. He at once proceeded to light the fire
in the sitting room, and was energetically blow
ing it, when the mistress of the house entered
After struggling with the obstinate fuel for
sometime he rose to his feet glowing with sat
isfacti at having stolen march on Harris,
to be dumbfounded on turning around to see
that gentleman dressing tow-headed urchin
perched upon his knee. Recovering quickly,
he went to the woodpile and chopped an arm
full Of wood. His task was completed just in
time for Harris to pick up the sticks and carry
them indoors. Netherland then returned to
the room where Harris was replenishing the
fire, and Mrs. - placed before the former
a basin of water and a towel. Thank you;
never wash in the house." said Netherland, and
picking up the basin proceeded to the perform
ance of his additions on the porch. As he was
drying his face and hands he heard Harris
say: "Much obliged. ma'am, always wash at
the branch and if you'll give me bucket I'll
fetch you pail of water from the spring."
With a God-help-me sigh, Netherland gave up
the contest, realizing that the vote of Cooke
county was lost. Mr.. Harris is a laborious
man, and is accorded the distinction of being
the best parliamenterian in the Senate.
THE GENTLEMAN FROM MISSOURI.
The third desk from the center aisle in the
middle democratic roy has upon its silver plate
the name of George g. Vest Senator from
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

since on the death of the great Georgian, Ben
Hill; is perhaps the finest production of its
Kind. The reader will doubtless recall this ora
ton to mind, for, aside from attracting atten-
tion for its Literary merit, it was noted for GER
tain heterodox expressions of opinion, which
press as committing Mr.. ingalls, to the school
OF agnosticism. This verdict will have to be
reviewed by the orthodox critics of the Senator,
for IN his remarks in the Senate Monday in
memory OF Representative Burnes an Grafton no
less eloquent and able than the one referred to
some will consider it greater effort-he ex-
presses, in forcible and unmistakable terms
his belief in the immortality of the SOUL and
the consoling doctrine that this life does not
end all. For the position of presiding officer,
the Senator is admirably fitted. He is impair
tial in his decisions. courteous, yet firm in en-
forcing the rules, and remarkably expeditions
in the dispatch of business
HOAR AND EvARTs.
In the middle of the second republican row
one sees the white hair, and smooth. round,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

would rise slowly to his feet. glance over his
right shoulder at Capt Bassetts historic clock,
reach into the depths of his coat-tail pocket pull
out and flourish his red bandana blow a ter
rifle blast, and then trot comfortably out of the
hall, to be followed moment later by Judge
EdnAnds, who would make noiseless exit by
the opposite door. Meeting in the lobby. these
two comrades in good fellowship would quietly
make their way down stairs to the committee
room, whose closed doors put bar upon any
prying into their mysterious performances
The story, whether true or not. has a pleasant
flavor, and Is one of the accepted traditions of
the capitol 1t illustrates a fact. too often lost
sight of. that grave and dignifed Senators are
very much like other men, and we get a
clearer insight into their true characters when
we turn the side-lights on the incidents and oc-
currences of their everyday lives. At any rate,
1t may be said that the strong friendship be-
tween these two great men is not apochryphal.
1t was never disturbed by the frequent collision
IN which they came, and it survives all the
friction and strife of political contention.
Judge Edmunds has the appearance of age be-
yond his years; his hair and beard are almost
white, but his complexion is rudy and his eve
bright. His features in repose produce the
impression that he is deep in meditation and
this. In connection with certain facial charac-
terlstlcs, long since earned for him the appella-
ton of st. jerome.
WARM FRIENDS.
In the matter of personal intimacies between
public men, political sympathy seems to have
little or no influence. In fact, the closest
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

up to the highest level the reputation for
ability the Maine delegates has held in that
body for so many years. Among other
leading republicans are Senators Allison,
Henderson, Hawley, and Aldrich. In ali
matters relating to the tariff the last is
the best informed man in the Senate, while
Stewart of Nevada is the apostle Of silver. To
the decentralization Of that metal he traces
every financial evil and attributes every bless
ing to its restoration to an honorable place in
the coinage Of the country.
MR.. BEcK's VIEWS.
Upon this subject the burly scotch-Kentuck-
ian, Mr.. Beck, entertains similar views. This
gentleman has not occupied his place this win
ter. Hard work has overtaxed even his robust
frame, and he was forced to seek rest and med
ical treatment. The brainy Senator's return to
the chamber will be hailed with delight by all
his colleagues, for he is universally respected
for his rugged honesty and esteemed for his
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

taken as indicative of latent political sympathy
with his nearest neighbors. That the symme-
try Of the crescent in which the senatorial Jew
els are set may be preserved, it is necessary to
place an equal number Of chairs on either side.
and thus the majority is forced to encroach
upon the territory of the minority. So it is
Mr.. Blair finds himself among the Philistines.
The New Hampshire statesman has many curl
Gus ideas. He honestly believes that legislation
can furnish panacea for every human ill. and
nary with patent medicine cure for all social
and political ills.
But whilst some of his theories may be Chi
merical, candid men admit that they find their
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

manly traits. Mr..
Beck is chairman
of the democratic
caucus, and one of
his duties as such
is to supply liquid
refreshments for
its members. Prior
to his time cham
payne had been
the beverage, but
Mr.. Beck set GUS
tom at defiance and
bluntly declared
that Kentucky
whisky was good
enough for any
body. This has all
happened since the
term Bourbon was
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

structure of its kind and one of the most impos-
ing buildings in the world, at once creditabfe to
the country and an enduring monument
TO the public spirit of those who have been
chiefly Instrumental in securing its erection
MIR. Payne. when seen from the gallery, looks
much younger than his years. He is as active
~ most men Of ffty-five or sixty, and enjoys
excellent health, the result of prudent living
and good digestion He is regular and me-
thodical in his habits, rising, breakfasting.
lunching. dining. and going to bed at stated
hours. He is no less methodical about his sem
atorial duties, going to the capitol at a certain
time and leaving when his hour has come 1t
must be something Of great importance or I'M
usual interest that will bring about an infrac-
ton Of the Senator's rule in this regard. Mr..
Payne is a man Of immense wealth, and belongs
20 what is facetiously termed
THE MILLIONAIRE CLUE OF THE SENATE.
This club, by the way, has larger MEM
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

movement, despite his cork leg, Is easy and
graceful. Immediately on his right sits Nor
gan. of Alabama, distinguished looking and
handsome man. Mr.. Morgan is the leading
Senator from his section and possesses the best
qualities Of mind and heart. As an orator he
takes high rank. He is habitually dignifed
and courteous IN debate, though upon rare &C.
casions he has been evawn into acrimonious
personal controversy. 1t may be said. how
ever of the Alabama Senator that, though he has
been known to lose his temper, he never loses
his head. Among others on the democratic
side noted for their good looks are Blackburn,
GRAY McPherson Eustis, German, Daniel.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05
A very large

A very large
proportion o I
these men have
been conspieu-
Gus members of
the legal pro-
fession; so m Q
achieved distinc-
ton during the
late war in the
Union or con-
federate army,
whilst 9th ers
nave been sue
cessful in various
business pur-
suits. There are
amongst tn e m
representative
of the various
Cbrto$,ap A.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

takes his democ-
racy straight
blackburn has the
best voice in Con-
gress, IL o ready
talker and exults
in the qdudid Ger
tdminis Of heated
colloquial debate.
He has been a
leading actor in
many stirring
scenes in tn g
House, Of which
he was long q
member; but in
the Senate he
finds less oppor-
tunity for indulg-
inc in his favorifa
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

face. Thrice has he sought the presidential
reached the age of seventy before it's next con-
vention shall meet, 1t is hardly probable he
viii again be . candidate. The presidency has
been the dream of his life, and n his lofty am
bition had been realized he would have carried
70 that high station abilities Of the first order.
Mr.. sherman u recognised - the leader Of his
party in the Senate, and the responsibilities Of
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

lock; debate was
heated, and pas
sion ran high.
The attendance
was large, and the
gallerie s held
many spectators,
retained in their
seats by the ex-
element Of the oc-
casion. An acri-
monious colloquy
between Blain e
and Eaton pre-
coded the more
stirring passage
between Lamar
and Copk1inu The
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

nn9ssou. group !: ]. formed y Of Senators, whose
Brown, Teller, Call, Ingalls,, Turpie, Cullom.
Gibson, Frye, Palmer, Walthall, Vest, Jones,
OF Nevada; Paddock, MCPHERSON, Chace, Coke,
Blodgett, Cameron, Vance, and Quay. Plumb,
Blackburn, Eustis, Hale, Cockerin, Davis,
Butler and Mitchell, count their years from 80
70 50; and Jones and Berry, Of Arkansas; Cor
man, AldEch, Daniel, Eabin, Gpooner, and
Gray are an between - and 80; West Virginia
fnzomhes the two youngsters, Faulkner and
. year his senior. The only Ridlsberger i q
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

Kansas, and Blair,
of New Hampshire,
each Of whom pos
sesses marked indi-
viduality Of char
acter. Theirs are
the most conspicu-
Gus seats in the
hall, being on the
outer terrace Of the
floor chair space,
and guarding the
entrance to the
main aisle. Mr..
Blair is the only
republican flower
blooming in the
democratic garden;
but this circum-
e{a,ao roo5~~kI
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

impulse In a broad
charity, and that a
love of his species
stirs the fountain
whence are to flow
the waters for
cleansing the world
and healing man
kind. Mr.. Plumb
is sui generis. He
is a man Of vigor-
Gus intellect and
great force of char
acter. He brings
to the Senate some
of the breeziness
and freedom of the
Kansas plains. A
strong partisan n,
Mr.. Plumb always
votes W i t h h i s
friends. but some
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

of her lord, and no
effort was lost by
Harris or Neither
land to ingratiate
himself in her
favor. The even
ing was spent in
car e s in & til g
children and prais-
ing her house
wifery, and when
bedtime C a IN Q
honors were easy.
Next morning at
early dawn Meth
Q ri and slyly
slipped from bed,
hastily DIR e SIS e d
and noiselessly de-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

IN self-consclous-
ness in this partic-
ular than in his
greatest forensic
triumphs. He was
never SO happy as
when delivering a
set speech to a
full Senate and
crowded galleries,
and delighted in
the presence of
fashion and beauty
to grace the SWELL
ing scene. On such
an occasion he
would exhaust the
resources of a copi-
Gus and redundant
vocabulary and at
tain hia hinhoak
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

|eptuagen Q rians,
md Morgan, STAN
ord, Pugh, Hearst,
Beck, Sher-
man, Brown Z and
Wilson, of Md. cover
all the years from
50 to 50 inclusive.
Between 80 and IS
there are an even
dozen; Piatt, Coll
quit, Allison, Haw-
ley, Voorhees,, Hoar,
George, Stock
bridge, Stewart,
Ransom, Edmunds,
and Wilson, Of
Iowa. The moat
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

nominations, and some who have given
ess thought to religion than politics.
Blair and Colquitt are radical prohibi-
tionists, but Frye, Hale. Allison, Wilson, of
Iowa; Plumb, and ingalls,. though coming
from prohibition states, have never been promi-
nentleaders in the cause Three Senators have
each lost leg, Berry. Butler, and Hampton.
The two last have artificial limbs, but Berry
uses q crutch. There is not an empty sleeve in
the Senate. Vance sees more with one eve
than MANY people do with two
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

Senator Frye, of
Maine, has a per-
sonal popularity in
his home state
scarcely second to
that of Mr.. Blaine.
He has a reputa-
ton there Of an
able, well equipped
lawyer, a ready
public speaker, a
stanch friend, and
and q thorough
good fellow. These
qualities are bring
ing him steadily to
the front in Con-
gress, and he is
aar<osn -
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

CHANGES IN THE SENATE.
Nothing better illustrates the changes that
have occurred in the Senate than the mention
OF the fact that but eighteen men remain in
that body who were Senators in the Forty-fifth
Congress. Two, Paddock and Mitchell, went
out in 10 and 81, respectively, to return in 's5
and ~; the others have served continuously.
Massachusetts, Vermont and Kansas have made
no change in their delegations during twelve
years past, and since the Forty-sixth Congress
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

Senator Spooner, of
Wisconsin, is not a
man Of large physical
proportions, but has
so much power and
ability to the square
inch that he has fall
len heir TO the title for
merly bestowed upon
Stephen A. Douglas of
1.-THE Little Giant" He
combines brilliancy.
force and equable good
judgment to a rather
exceptionable degree,
and is both respected
and admired,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

mounted IN Sc
curing appropria-
tons for a building
worthy of the ma
tional capital. that
these co-laborers in
@ great cause may
live to see its fair
proportions rise
and take part in
Its dedication to
the muses. of art,
history and litera-
ture. Its founda-
tons are being
laid broad and
deep and when
completed, this
noble pile will be
the most perfect
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-05

ing a Prince Albert
coat, closely buttoned,
and gray trousers: He
always wears glasses,
displays a boutonniere,
and is much addicted
to fanciful reckties.
His hair is changing
from iron gray to white.
The Senator is a lover
of books, and last year
was SO unfortunate as
to lose by fire his valu-
able library. Its col
lection was the work of
years, and he was nearly
heartbroken at his loss.
The Kansas Senator is
a finished speaker, and
his Grafton some wears