The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-03-13
HEARD In THE GALLERY.
FUNNY THINGS ON COMPRESSION
AL SHOW DAYS.

Members Funny Blunder-A Pretty
Washington Scene.
From the Nei0 York Sun.
WASHINGTON. March S-During the
exciting events in the House in the last two
months there has been an unprecedented
demand upon representatives for cards of
admission to the members gallery.
The exciting scenes preceding the fights
over the rules attracted many visitors to
the members gallery. The wives, daughters
and guests of both democratic and repub-
Ican representatives were there, and the
political excitement on the floor spread to
the gallery. 1t was intensified by the pres
ence of many strangers who had cards to
the visitors gallery, but had been admitted
TO the members gallery. They gave vent
to their feelings, unaware that they were
on neutral ground.
The debate below was long and bitter
One day the discussion lasted over eight
hours. Some of the families of the repre-
sentatives remained in the gallery all this
time, witnessing the scenes of confusion on
the floor. Little lunches were sent to them,
which they shared with their friends. All
enioyed the excitement, the eloquent out
bursts, and cutting repartee that marked the
contest. Individual pleasure, hoNeve was
at times marred by remarks from those of
oDDosite political belief. Strangers used
their tongues quite freely. The wives of
prominent members heard comments upon
their husbands that brought the flush of
Indignation to taelr cheeks. 1t was GER
tainly not pleasant for the daughter of an
eminent Kentuckian to hear her father
termed ''the worst old rebel on the floor"
A stranger turned to lady at her side
and said:
"Who's that funny little man down there,
with a bald headp pointing to member.
THAT replied the lady addressed, with
freezing dignity, us Judge -, my hus-
Land"
Her questioner blushed, but made no
apology.
When Mr.. Bynum was protesting against
the rulings of Speaker Reed in terms of
burning eloquence young man in the gal
lelv audlbly expressed his dlsapprobation.
Speaker Reed said he, fought to de-
scend from his chair and knock that fellow
down"
At this the wife of prominent democratic
meinl er of the committee on appropriations
was aroused. She turned and looked the
censor full in the face. He recognized her,
and tried to soften the effect of his words.
81 am sure, he said, that you cannot ap-
prove of Bynum's action. Your husband
wouldn't he guilty of such conduct"
81 heartily approve of it," she replied. 81
think Mr.. Bynum's conduct is superb. He
bears himself magniticently, and am proud
Of him.
The young man wilted A moment af-
terward he rose and left the gallery.
The wife of a western democratic mem
Der tells remarkable story of her expert
ence during this fight. The excitement in
the galleries had reached its hight Repub-
lican ladies were encouraging republican
orators by their applause and kissing dem
ocratic speakers. The representatives wife
expressed her indignation. A moment at
forward lady at her side, in passing into
the aisle. accidentally stepped upon her
toes.
excuse me, she said in an affected tone
Of voice. Ibid | step upon your foot? | beg
your pardon. But you must remember that
you're a democrat, and you ought to have
your toes trod on"
The husband of the injured lady not long
afterward took hand in the debate Two
young men near by who were evidently not
in sympathy with his sido of the question,
began TO sneer at him. One of them re-
marked: "If ! couldn't make a better
speech than that I'd go out and hang NY
self"
OF course they were not aware that the
wife OF tho orator sat within two feet of
them. and heard all they said.
1t is hardly safe for any one in the mem
ber's gallery to express an opinion concern
ing the personal appearance or intellectual
ability of any representative. Some of the
congressman are fat and unwieldy; others
are as thin as bean poles. Some are fault
lessly attired; others pay little attention to
dress. Some are handsome and dignified;
others are quaint and homely. Nearly all
are apt to excite remark, either on account
of personal appearance or what they say.
lI.,r
sits near MIN. If the gentleman who Is ad-
dressing the speaker does not please him he
IS too apt 20 express his disapprobation
These expressions are at times unwittingly
made almost in the very ears of the mem
ber's wife or daughter Some are so unjust
and SO unkind that they bring tears to the
eyes Of the loved one who hears them.
In the late congress delegate was max
ing a speech urging the admission of his
territory into the union. His address was
sound and logical and worthy of attention.
His manner of delivery, however, was not
picturesque, nor his voice musical. The
debate had been long and tiresome and the
afternoon was waning. A lady in the gal
lery turned to a friend, saying:
Hes fearful bore | think he's the
worst speaker | ever heard"
Hush, said her companion. "Here's his
wife and daughter right in front of you"
The imprudeDt visitor was so mortified
that she quickly withdrew.
Sometimes the families of the members
tale seats in the visitors gallery. Here
they are even more likely TO have their feel
iHgs wounded by ttSoughtless remarks than
in the gallery reserved for the families of
members.
good story is told of Marcus Aurelius
Smith, delegate from Arizona. He had
taken friend into the gallery, and was
pointing out the distinguished men upon
the floor below. An Illinois member was
Speaking upon bill from the committee on
military affairs.
Who is that addressing the House" Mr..
smiths friend inquired.
That is - of Illinois," Delegate
smith replied. "He makes me sick. lie can
talk longer and say loss than any other
member of the House. He has talked away
I'll the influence he ever possessed in con-
sress. Ny feet achel"
ne delegate suddenly became aware that
lady in an adjoining seat had turned and
vas gazing steadily upon him. He recog
aized her in an instant. She was tie wife
OF the representative VINO was addressing
,ne House. The delegate knew her. but she
did not know him. Turning to his COM
Panlon, ne explained the situation in
whisper and said:
~, Il want you TO set me out Of this scrape.