Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-12-20
HOW STANLEY FOUND REED.
The Memorable Meeting Of Speaker and
plOrer at the Capitol.

The Memorable Meeting Of Speaker and Ex-
plOrer at the Capitol.
All the civilized world knows how Stanley
found Livingstone, but there has been no wide
spread information as to how the great ex-
plorer found Thomas Bracket Reed The first
meeting OF these two men took place immedi-
ately after the conclusion of the reception which
Stanley held in the House press gallery In
company with Maj. Pond he was escorted to
the Speakers room, where the gentleman from
Maine was waiting for the stroke of noon The
ceremony of introduction was not elaborate As
the little party entered the room Mr. Reed (who
had received about ten seconds warning) arose
in his most dignified manner.
"Alr. Speaker, this is Mr.. Henry NJ. STAN
ley"
Both bowed as they clasped hands, Mr.. Reeds
obeisance much more sweeping and willowy
than Mr.. Stanleys.
will You do me the honor to be seated %
queried the Speaker, adding to his request the
gracefully rendered courtesy of another pro-
found salaam.
Stanley sat down slowly in the chair which
had been indicated and Immediately fixed his
gaze on grease spot on the wall before him.
Il regret exceedingly" said the Speaker.
.'that circumstances made it impossible for me
to attend your lecture last night. To be absent
was decided disappointment for me, but l
assure you it was unavoidable"
Stanleys gaze was as fixed az ever on that
spot and not muscle in his countenance gave
indication that he heard the remarks which
were being addressed to him. The silence was
becoming embarrassing when the Speaker tried
once more:
Il am sure should have enjoyed your re-
cital of the scenes you have witnessed. Your
men,"
The second pause was longer than the first
and Stanleys eyes never wavered from the
stain on the wall. For several seconds Reed
looked keeniy at the impressive features of the
silent one, and then. with a -me-meke-him-
talk" expression in his own optics, he broke
forth: You had brilliant audience under
stand; the best people of the city listened to
your enhancing narrative
Slowly did the semi-barbaric chieftain turn
his bronzed visage toward him whom impulsive
democrats call 1.-The moon-faced despOt" and
with much deliberation did he reply: Eyes; it
was a very brilliant house. 1t could hardly
have been more so.
Then Mr.. Reed laughed self-satirizing
laugh as he said: That IL undoubtedly true;
my presence would have added nothing to the
luster of such distinguished assemblage"
There was no answering smile on Stanleys
face. He was watching that grease spot again.
Not even the Speaker could catch his eye
will yOu remain in the city for any length
of timer was Mr.. Reeds next question.
Stanley shook his head slowly and then, when
Reed thought another query was about due.
said most funereally: II am going away on
Monday morning"
The Speaker looked nervously at his watch
and then asked: Have you seen the House in
session.
No." replied Stanley, 81 have not"
II shall be more than pleased if You will &C.
cupy my scat in the. gallery" suggested the
Speaker. 1.-The House will open in a few min
utes and you will then have an opportunity to
witness the interesting confusion which ordina-
rily prevails; Ny private secretary will con-
duct you to the gallery"
BY this time Stanley had let 90 his visual
grip on the grease spot. The two celebrities
once more shook hands. Private Secretary
Allen opened the door, held it open awhile. and
then shut it. Stanley had found Reed and lost
him again in less than ten minutes