San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-04-07

Stevens did so at once, and the door
keeper promptly disappeared to come
again presently with the information
that the member would be out directly;
and sure enough that august parsonage
was at his heels stout, smart, prosper
GUS looking man, with professional
smile and sly eyes.
"Mr. Bassett, believer he said, ad-
dressing Windward ~Ecerdially. arm
very glad to meet you, sir; always glad
to meet my constituents. Your friend,
Mr.. Stevens? All! happy TO meet you,
too, SIR On visit to Washington, gen
tlemen2 Charming city, this. Fine win
ter climate"
II called to ask you about the French
spoiiatien Claims" said Windward, a
little abruptly and awkwardiy.
''Oh! yes, yes" replied the member
rather uneasily, but smiling his best and
broadcast. 1.-THE French claims. Yes.
Well, we hope to do something on that
this winter. I've introduced the bill,
and / shall push it; yes. shall push it.
It has been read a first and second time
and referred TO committee H.
''Ah! indeed" said Windward, quite
IN the dark as to what all that meant,
but conscious that he was called upon
to feel and show gratitude.
''Of course the representative went
on, ''these things go slow, but I mean to
push it."
80 Mr.. Blamms said you told him"
observed Windward.
'Oh, you know Blamms, them" said
the congressman, with his blandest,
wisest, kindest smile. ga most estima-
Bile man. l had letter from him only
the other day. Yes, Biamms is a fine
man, and what charming wife he has!
You don't know her? All, you miss it.
Mrs. Blamms is grand, good woman,
and notably handsome, too, and such
sweet children. Pray give them my
best regards when you return. You
said you were to be here only for a fly
ing visit?' .'.. .-
81 may remain some time" explained
Windward. ''
"Ah, yes replied the member, s1nil-
ing resoiutely in his pain, like an Indian
brave under torture, or Spartan youth
at his lessons in fortitnde, or an early
Christian on the frying pan. Eyes;
happy, then, to see you at any time. We
can't do much about the Claims, You
know, for a month or two, as everything
is put off till the last moment. You find
Washington very attractive, no doubt.
Have you been to the patent Office? Nos
A most interesting place. All, have you
been in the house yet? Nos Well, let
me write you a card for the members
gallery. That way, up the stairs and
turn b the right. There's the card. Oh,
don't mention it. Always glad to be Of
any service Good day, gentlemen, good
dayr And he rushed back, vanishing,
like the cat in ''Aice in Wonderland,
in a smile.
'@Now, that's kind of him, q" said Wind
ward, as they turned away.
"Kind," sneered. Stevens. Meat,
should say. He evidently knows how
to get rid of people handsomely"
Now, Stevens, that isn't fairr' Wind
ward began.
"Pshawl" interrupted Peter. "He's a
frand, like all the rest of em. Why,
Windward, bin is always read first
and second time and referred to COM
mittee,' when introduced, and the whole
thing is the merest formality. What he
really said was that nothing had been
done and nothing would be done with
the claims this winter-ask McArdle if
I'm not right. Oh, these shoddy states
men; certainly am sick of them!"
Evidently" said Wiadward, laugh
ing. "Well, here are the steps-what a
noble painting! Westward Hon Those
old fellows were made of stern stuff. l
don't care what the critics say; these
paintings are grand, and SO is freedom
congress and all-even if members do
snub obscure claimants"
Here is the members gallery; it's no
better than any other, but we might as
well have the good of our ticket" said
Stevens, bound to have his growl out.
The pass was handed to a crippled sol
der, who opened the doors, and the Wis
itors entered the chamber, and were at
once overlooking a scene of INDISPENSABLE
hubbub. Below them on the floor was
compact mass of desks and chairs mar
rowing to the speakers seat. Pages were
running up and down the aisles on err
rands, the representatives were reading
newspapers, writing letters, and telling
stories, some even at lunch or at toilet;
brazen throated clerk was reading
something no one regarded. Now and
then a man would rise up and toss his
arms and shout. Then the speaker would
bang upon his desk for order, and thus