Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-04-08
CRANKS AT THE CAPITAL.
Government Officials Beset by
Crazy Claimants.
An ANNOYING Class of People Who Seem
to BE Attracted Toward Those
Who Hold Political


Who Hold Political
Places.
"The recent developments in insanity
remind me of our experiences in WASH
ington." said lady whose husband has,
through two administrations, held
high Office in the government. why
men in official places" she continued
''are not one and all victims OF crazy
malevolence is a wonder. Cranks and
lunatics of all kinds seem to be partic-
ularly attracted toward those who hold
political places. As rule, their mania
chiefly consists in writing letters innu-
merable on every subject under the
sun to the heads of the departments.
This, of cours,, is simply annoying, but
sometimes it takes most serious form.
Insane claimants come to Washington
by the hundreds with preposterous de-
mands of every kind. Of course, at the
departments and in their houses the pres
ident and his cabinet arc guarded as far
as NAV be from these intruders; but
they sometimes gain access to the peo-
pie they desire to see, and give great
deal of trouble.
Owing, probably, to my name hav-
ing been more or less in the newspapers,
| had not little annoyance from these
people myself, and women as well as
men used to deluge me with the most
absurd applications. One very funny
incident, which, however, was most an
moving at the time, occurred after we
had been in Washington only short
time and before had warned my serv-
ants against these eccentric gentry.
We had had big dinner, and l was
alone in the drawing-room about eleven
o'clock, Just after our guests had de-
parted. | heard little hustle IN the
hall, but, fancying it was some one go
ing away, did not disturb myself about
it. Presently the door opened and the
footman announced Miss Clark and,
quite as if she was an expected
guest. in walked a very lady-like look
ing woman, who calmly informed me
that she had a claim against the treas
urv department for one million dollars,
and that she had come to stay with us
until she had arranged matters salts
factorily. 4 have brought my trunk,
she explained. very composedly, as |
suppose l may have to stop with you
for some time And to my consterna-
ton | found that the cabman (for she
had arrived in 4 carriagc) had brought
her box into the hall and that she had
paid and dismissed him. Her whole de-
meanor was so quiet and assured that
the servant who opened the door never
dreamed but that she was expected.
To have n crazy woman in your
house at midnight is not n pleasant
position, assure you; l felt that she
must be humored, and, making
same excuse, hastily sought my hu6-
band and acquainted him with the stu
alton. Fortunately DR.. -, our good
neighbor, lived within few doors, and,
writing him n line to ask his advice and
assistance, we entertained our strange
visitor until he arrived with a carriage
to take the poor lady to safe shelter
for the night. With great tact he per-
suaded her to go with him, and she
took leave of US with many apologies
for her short stay and abrupt departure.
My next experience was more Sc
rious. My daughter was to be married,
and on the afternoon before the we'd
ding l had gone up to my room for q
little rest when l was disturbed by one
Of the servants, who informed me that
a gentleman was downstairs who in
sisted upon seeing Miss Mary my
daughter) or myself He wouldn't give
his message, ma'am,' exclaimed the
man. although | told him that you did
not wish to be disturbed Thinking
that it might be something of impor-
lance went down to the reception room,
where l found tall, very good-looking
man, who in an agitated manner told
me that he had long loved my Mary,
had seen her marriage spoken of in the
papers, and had travelled night and day
from his home in the west to be in time
to prevent such sacrifice. He insisted
upon seeing my daughter at once. He
was so excited that / was terribly
frightened, but kept my presence OF
mind, and contrived TO ring for the foot
man. Show this gentleman out |
said, and fairly flew upstairs. Some
way or other they got rid of him, but
that evening he returned, and again the
next morning. OF course he was not
admitted, but was made so thoroughly
nervous that my husband sent for
couple of policemen in citizens clothes,
who remained with the wedding party
until the young couple were fairly off
on tho train -