The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-07-08
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
President Harrison's Human Side---Car-
Isle, Reed and Other Stars.
WASHINGTON, D. c., July 6, 1890.

WASHINGTON, D. c., July 6, 1890.
| To the Editor Of the Eagle.
Mr.. Harrison is essentially what Is
known as family man." and he is
never so happy as when in the midst of
his children and grandchildren. He
has been twice disappointed about get
ting away to visit his family at their
Cape May cottage, but tonight he is to
go without fail and he is anticipating the
trip and his stay by the sea shore with as
much pleasure as a boy does his first trip
to the circus. Mr.. Harrison is very fond
of children. l saw him spend an hour
late yesterday afternoon in going from
one group of laughing, shouting young
sters in Lafayette park to another, and
chatting as freely and easily as if he had
been a near relative Of the children His
private secretary, Mr.. Halford, who was
with him, is equally fond of children,
and perhaps this similarity of taste &C
counts for the close personal relations be-
tween the two men.
Ex-Speaker Carlisle is one of the first
senators that visitors to the senate gallery
ask to have pointed out to them. He has
acquired no additional dignity in carriage
since becoming a member of the senate,
in fact it would be impossible to add any
thing to his dignity. He represents, in
his appearance, the ideal statesman;
closely shaver, seldom smiling, and no
matter what the condition of the weather
always dressed in a long, double breasted,
closely buttoned, black frock coat-the
statesman's garment-and dark trousers.
And yet, with all his dignity, Senator
Carlisle is one of the most popular men,
personally, who ever sat in either house
of congress.
Speaking of dignity in appearance: 1t
is very scarce on the floor of the house of
representatives; The comfortable sack
and cutaway coats have nearly driven the
long tailed frock out of the place, and
the insidious flannel neglige shirt Is daily
increasing in numbers and prestige,
while stovepipe hats are at a decided dis
count. and even the dudish waist scarf or
sash has a few devoteeS among the mem
bers. All of this is very comfortable TO
the members. but all the same it looks
queer 10 see a member stand up and
make a long speech attired in a light col
ored suit with sack coat and flannel
shirt There is no denying the fact that
a black suit with long, closely buttoned,
frock coat adds to the impressiveness Of
a public speech. no matter who the ora
tor Is. Mr. Reed looks, and doubtless
feels very comfortable presiding over the
house in a grey suit of clothes and fan
mel shirt; but he does not look dignifed
By the way, speaking of Mr.. Reed,
reminds me Of little scene Of which I
was a witness the other day. Just be
fore the House met in the morning there
were q half a dozen little boys-pages In
the House engaged in playing marbles
in what is known as the Speakers lobby
which Is Just in the rear Of the floor Of
the House. Speaker Reed was passing
through the lobby when his attention
was attracted bv an unusually loud yell OF
triumph from one Of the urchins, who
had Just made good shot. Mr. Reed
stopped. hesitated a moment, and then
walked over TO where he could Sc the