St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-03-25
GOSSIP OF THE DAY.
"Reminiscences of senate leaks

"reminiscences of senate leaks are
plentiful just now, writes a Chicago
Tribune correspondent. The following
story is told of Senator Cragin, of New
Hampshire, who is now an attorney in
Washington. 1t grew out of the pre-
mature publication of the important
confidential correspondence relating to
and which led up to the agreement be-
tween the United States and Great Brit
ain, known as the treaty of Washing
ton, providing for the settlement of the
troublesome Alabama claims and the
aged and disturbing fisheries dis
putes. Two correspondents, who had
been imprisoned by the senate
because they would not tell how
they. secured copy Of the
Washington treaty, which they pub
llshed, had Just been released from con-
hnement as a result of the senate'S hui
initiating back down, and the locks and
checks had been increased and strength
ened by the senate to prevent further
premature leaks. Printed copies of the
treaty correspondence were carefully
delivered into the hands of senators
and receipt check was made against
each as he took his copy. Some locked
up their copies, others held theirs in
their hands intending to take them to
their homes, but Mr.. Cragln devised
what he thought to be a sure way to
prevent his copy from getting away
from him. He put it between the seat
of his senatorial chair and the cushion
thereon, and then sat down upon it with
his 200 pounds avoirdupois.
An interesting debate Sprang up, the
senate continuing in session later than
usual, and when adjournment was
ordered everybody, including Cragin,
hurried home to dinner.
Just then wicked newspaper core
Spondent went into the senate chamber,
and, happening to glance at Cragin'S
place, noticed that the cushion of the
chair was askew, which, by another
glance, he found was caused by a small
book. On a corner, which protruded,
was printed in capital letters the word
sConfdential."
The next day the whole matter was
published broadcast The senate was
extremely indignant ordered an inveS-
tigation, and, at an early stage of it,
frank and honest that he diSarmed Sc
we're criticism and only received stern
admOnitiOn not to do so again.
A New York paper works off the fol-
lowing at the expense of Representative
Mason, of Chicago:
Scene at the west lobby of the house
yesterday afternoon-A visitor from
Brooklyn sends in for Congressman
Billy Mason, of Chicago.
''Mr. Mason" says he. as that gentle
man appears. do you know man
named Chase in Chicago?'
Il know several people named Chase"
replied the member. Zone is member
of the city government; another is
real estate dealer, and third is men,
Der OF the legislature. Which one do
you refer to?''
1.-THE one l mean has son named
Frank. think that you can help me.
This young fellow, Frank, was in Brook
Ign at one time and took away with him
a black-and-tan pup of mine. If you
know him wish that you would find
out how that pup is getting along. My
wife thought great deal of him."
Mason said that his colleague, Mr..
Adams. represented all the ChaSeS in
Chicago who would be likely to know
anything about that dog, and he respect
fully referred the Brooklyn man to Mr..
Adams. When the visitor had gone Mr..
Mason said:
II have had great many queer things
to do since | came to congress, but l'll
be darned it this is not the first time |
have been asked to look up dog"