The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1890-04-24
DICK WlNTERsMlTH OF KENTUCKY

DICK WINTERSMlTH OF KENTUCKY.
Two Stories About Him Which Mako Con-
| grossmen Laugh.
WASHINGTON, April 17.-Hard fight
ing Oh the floor of the House produces
good stories. The rougher the ground
the better the crop. At the end of o
vicious spat in the House some sol
emn statesman usually secures the
t1oorand dulls the intellectual atmos-
phcre with platitudes. This drives
the bright fellows into their restau-
rant or elsewhere. The pie cater of
the West, the bean consumer of the
East, the "chitling' masticator Of the
Gulf States, the terrapin admirer of
the Eastern Shore, retail many an
amusing story while smaclling their
lips over their beer, ice wator, whis-
key or champagne. There were a
great many Of these stories told in
the restaurant during the Oklahoma
debate.
One good story of good man
always brings another of the same
man.
One of Col. Dick Winters1nith of
Kentucky was rotniled 1t is said
that not long ago he went to John
Chamberlin's hotel for breakfast. He
lndulged i'll breakfast and onions. The
steak was succulent and the onions
were crisp and not greasy. The Col
onel enjoyed the meal hugely. After
swallowing all extra cup of coffee he
called for his check. 1t amounted to
over 80. He protested strcnuously,
saying that it was IN outrageous
price. John Chamberlin laughed at
! him and offered to "chalk his hat. "
The Colonel, however, with true Ken
tucky hauteur, refused the fnver. He
paid the bill. Not long afterward an
acquaintance entered. Turning to the
Colonel, he said:
My appetite is little of this
morning. hardly know what to or
der for breakfast
The Colonel advised him to try
beefsteak and onions.
There ls nothing more palatable," !"
his friend responded, land nothing
that would satisfy my appetite 80
well, but have to attend several re-
ceptiOhs this afternoon, and an afraid
that that tho onions will tnint my
breath"
That needn't trouble you," the
Colonel replied. "Sit down and or
der your steak and onions. When
you get the check for it, it will take
your breath away"
| OF 4D1< >f ~, VI
tersmith is well worth repeating.
When the Colonel first went to Wash
ington, many years ago, he strolled
up to the Capitol. While wander
ing through the corridors ho acci-
dentally stumbled into the public
gallery Of the United States Sen
ate.
The galleries were packed. Charles
Sumner was making speech, Every
body listened with breathless interest.
When Mr.. Summer closed, Garrett
Davis arose. Mr.. Davis enjoyed the
nickname Of Gal1ulous Davis. AS he
began to speak there was a rush from
the galleries. Colonel Wintersmith
was astoundod. He recognized Mr.
Mr.. Davis and became indignant.
Drawing brace of rcvOlvcrs he
said:
"Gentlemen, you will please keep
your seats. The Senator from Ken
tucky is talking, and you must hear
him."
Every man resumed his scat in
stantly. Among the number was an
old Jerseyman, who was wcdgcd in u
front scat between two negroes Gar
rett Davis talked for three hours.
The Jerseyman drew many long
breath, but he nevor swerved When
the speech was ended ho walked up
to Colonel Wintcrsmith and with
sOmo emotion said:
Did understand you that it was
the Senrtor from Kentucky who was
addressing U.S."
eyes, sir, responded the Kentucky
Colonies; che was Senator Davis from
Kentucky. Have you any fault to find
with his spccch?"
"N--n-~no," tho Jcrseyman STAN
mcrcd, "but want to ask ono favor
Of you. The next time you catch me
in this gallery when tho Senator from
kentucky arises to speak, please
don't warn me, but shoot-shoot
right off-the quicker the better"