The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-05-24
ROSCOE CONKLING'SHOME
THE FAMOUS GRAY HOUSE,
WHERE HE AND ARTaURLIVED.

w LINN III AMI A HtA " II LII v ~ u.
Conkling Wes There During the
Stormy Days OF the Garfield Admin
istration and in Its Parlor He Wrote
His Resignation From the Senate-It
Was ASSOCIATED for Nearly Thirty
Years VITA Notabls Events in the
Capital.
From the Ne,0 York World.
For nearly thirty years a residence known
as the Gray house, No. 7OS Fourteenth
street, Washington, has been associated with
soma of the most notable events in social
and political life at the capital.
1t was built by Herman Blau, an old
resident OF Washington. and the property
to-day is owned by his heirs Among the
famous residents OF this house have been
Gen. Andrews, Of the Mexican war; Col.
Tourtelotte, Col Calvin Holmes, United
States paymaster; Gen. David B. Pickett.
Admiral Stone and Col. Don Piett. the
latter who, after being shaken up by Nc.
Garrahn at the capitol, came down to the
old tray house with bandage of tea leaves
on the bump McGarrahn had inflicted.
From this house the late DR.. Baker was
t4ANA AO0 tAilA AdIGI WAS appointed DutN6YOr
general. But the fact that the distinguished
Roscoe Conkling made this his home for
years. and that during the stormy DAYS of
the Garfield administration both Conkling
and Gen. Arthur lived there. gives the hi g.
torical significance to the house Senate r
ConkIing occupied the entire tirst floor, and
Gen. Arthur the entire second floor. A
vestloule was entered from the street by
five stone steps. A square ball, with wind
ing staircase 6iVidp1 irrh "A a;,D
rooms, in which was held some of the most
important deliberations in the history of our
country.
In the few months OF Garfield's adminis-
tration, Vice President Arthur and Sena-
Tor Conkhng were most congenial neigh
oors. They were much together, and few
nights passed, no matter how late the Vice
President returned, that Conkling did not
call out cheerfully, General, is that you?
Come in and see me-" A large and very
fine photograph of senator Conkling, which
he lad framed and presented to Gen. Ar
thur, was left in the house when Arthur
went to the executive mansion.
On the eventfni evening OF the day that
Robertson's nomination was sent to the
Senate by the President party of friends
who did not appreciate the gravity OF the
event, called on Senator Conkling between
land oo'clock. The servant hestated about
taking their cards to the senator. Ons OF
the ladies said: take the cards, please, to
Mr.. Conkling, So be may know at least that
we called" As Mr.. Conkling's messenger
was about to take the cards Gen. Arthur
came out of the senator's room, and as he
started up the staircase said: Madame, |
would advise you not to send in your cards,
for you have chosen a very unfortunate
time to call on Senator Conkling"
While they waited the senator came out
ready for a drive. Noticing the party, he
said to his servant in a voice full of weari-
ness: 10, l suppose it is some one who
wants an office.h mo, Mr.. Conkling," the
lady answered promptly, I'VE are friends
some of US are from Utica, and we came to
shake hands and make q social call"
The senator, gloved for drive, shook
hands and begged the party to call some
other time. For" said he, with both
pathos and pain in his voice, II am tired
and must rest. I have been bounded and
hunted like wild beast all day. l have
had nothing to eat since l took my break
fast. am going to jump into my carriage
and drive TO get away from every body"
With kindly good evening he was gone.
The members OF the party who had called
on Senator Conkiing had been invited to
President Garfield's that evening to a small
reception. They were under the brilliant
lights OF the blue parlor, where Mrs. Gar
field was receiving. Soon the President
entered, bringing glow OF warmth and
enthusiasm. He mingled with the guests
and seemed in high good spirits AS he
shook hands with the Utica party one lady
said: "Well, Mr.. President, you seem to
be in much happier frame Of mind than
your friend Mr.. Conkling is this evening"
At the mention of the senator's name the
President bent his head in deep attention,
and asked the lady to tell him more about
Mr.. Conkling. His manner was so earnest
that the lady's husband gave her glance
of caution, and size said, indlfferently, 20,
we just come from Senator Conkling's and
he said he was very tired and hungry"
The following Saturday night-tle even
ing on which Gen. Garfield had decided to
change the slate and make a reconcilia-
tion-the Vice President, some members or
his cabinet and Senator Conkling were
summoned to meet him at II o'clock. ALI
came promptly but the senator. The Pres
ideut, impatient at the delay, and after
waiting twenty minutes, said: "This ia in
tolerable l will show Senator Conkling
that am President. and 1 will make no
change"
The following Sunday Senators Jones and
Conkliug were together in the senators room
in the Gray house the entire day and night
and not a visitor was admitted Monday
witnessed the resignation of Conkling from
the Senate, and the storm and tumult which
followed are we'll remembered.
The Gray house soon had an air Of desola-
tion. Conkling had left it forever. Vice
President Arthur, who remained there,
looked grave and serious. The walls Of the
room were written with the history Of
strange events.
The Gray house has changed. The
fountain and the flowers ConkIIng loved
and enjoyed from his windows, which over
looked the garden, are to be seen no more.
Only the picture and the memories rem ain