The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-12
man" could not join him lie apparently pre-
ferrel his own company.

man. could not join him lie apparently pre-
ferrel his own company.
OTHER "REMINISCENCES.
A review Of incidents connected with Sena-
tor Edmunds' long career recalls facts in the
history If other Senators of prominence. The
two now in mind have passed on to the other
life, leaving behind them records Of honorable
and patriotic service. Senators Beck and
Pendieton, though cordially agreeing in poll
tics were extremely opposite types Of human
nature Mr.. Beck was rugged by nature and
brusque in manner, but under q some
what rudo exterior there beat as
kindly and as sympathetic heart as
was ever stilled in death. Senator Pendleton
was a very model Of the courtly gentleman.
and this was 50 universally recognized that
the soubriquette Of Gentleman George was
bestowed upon him, not in derision, but in
recognition Of his gentle, kind and accom-
plishcd nature and manner. Not many years
ago the Senate cloak-rooms were regularly
provided with whisky, which was paid for out
Of the contingent fund. Appolinaris water
and other side accomplishments were
also provided and it was the custom of Sena..
tors 10 enjoy their drinks IN the seclusion OF
the cloak rooms. The temperance people at
tackled the practice. with the result that the
drinking at the Capitol has been transferred 70
the restaurants in the basement. to the graft
fication and profit OF the proprietors thereof
10 is scarcely necessary 20 explain that grave
and reverend Senator. no matter how inucn
Inc might desire his usual toddy, objected
~ standing before an Irregular sort OF
a bar alongside Of Tom Dick or anybody else.
Then the custom of keeping liquid refresh
ments in cOmmittee-rOOms, behind the locked
doors OF which Temperance advocates could
not intrude themselves. became quito general.
II was deemed a part of the duty Of the most
prominent political lea ers, who under the
Senate methods enjoy possession OF the best
committee rooms, 10 make provision for
that supply which had been cut on from the
clOak-rOOms.
The habits Of visiting the conference-room
for those social drinks which constitute a
popular phase Of American life grew upon
Republicans as well as Democrats for Sena-
tor Pendlcton. while first extending invita-
tons to his Democratic colleagues, had IN
the generosity which was natural to him,
gradually included the Republicans.
One of the first changes noted after Sena-
tor Beck succeeded senator Pendleton was
that the liquid menu WAS restricted TO Ken
lucky whisky. and when a Senator asked for
something else Mr.. Beck in his impetuOus
manner replied. Kentucky whisky Is good
enough for any man. and man who wants
something else ought not 10 have drink"
wIrHAL SOBER BODY.
From this gossip relating some Of the
customs and habits of Senators no IN
ference of the excessive use Of liquors
should be drawn. 1t would be unwai-
ranted and unjust. The daily record of
the proceedings Of that body contained in
the newspapers is evidence that with the eX-
ception of one OF two unfortunate individuals
the proceedings have not for some years been
marred by any outbreak or violation of pro-
prety due 10 the use Of intoxicants.
Many Of the Senators, Republicans. and
Democrats. reserve 70 themselves the right of
determining the regulation Of their diet,
LIQUID as well as solid They do not abuse the
privilege as in nearly every instance they are
men whose habits are fixed by years Of usage,
Never vet has the slightest suggestion Of
scandal or even ground Of criticism grown out
of the custom Of dispensing hospitality in
committee rooms. II is the basement bar
rooms. called restaurants, which supply ma
terial for sensational and mischievous gossip.