The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-04-25
GLIMfsEs OF HARRISON.

Appears Cold, but Is Sympathetic, Talks
Wells and Knows What Ii Going On.
/ first met President Harrison when he
was United States senator. My first
impression of him is the same that is ex-
perienced by nearly every one in first
meeting with him. He had the air then
of being very cold, very selfopinionated
and with bus marrow sympathies. 1t al
ways needs more than a casual acquaint-
ance with Mr.. Harrison to appreciate and
arrive at knowledge of his true character.
Ny first real acquaintance with him be-
gan in the campaign of 1884, in the state of
Maine. 1 found myself at the Augusta
hotel one dark and stormy night in the
month of August. Mr.. Harrison. who
was one of the speakers tn that canvass,
arrived soon after at the hotel. We were
the only guests. That evening 1 called
upon Mr.. Harrison and found him most
agreeable and OF a most social nature.
Over glass of weak grog and with . good
cigar he showed geniality rare upon his
part except when with intimates. He is
very easy talker and has most keen APP
probation of the characteristics of people
with whom he comes in contact. He also
disclosed surprising fund ofhumor. His
stories of previous campaigns and of his
law experiences were told with such con-
ciseness and effect as might well arouse the
envy Of professional story writer's.
My first experience with President Har-
rison in newspaper way was at another
time. This was prior to the Chicago con-
yention which nominated Mr.. Blaine.
The Chicago Tribune asked me to write
sketch of Mr.. Harrison's life, as he was
one of the candidates then. l called at
his house, which he then occupied on
Fourteenth street. and told him what
wanted. | was anxious to have from mis-
own lips the material necessary to write a
correct biography of his life. The best
evidence possible of his simplicity of
character and lack of vanity was shown in
the way he responded to this request.
There was not the slightest assumption of
mock modesty. He complied with civility.
and told the story of his life, IN the priv
acy oil his library, with the same clearness
conciseness and lack OF personal color as if
he had been telling the story of the career
OF some one else. In the presentation of
the salient facts of his history he showed
the clear, concise intellect of a LAWYER who
understands how TO present the essential
features while eliminating the details not
necessary TO the completion of O picture
had after that a number of occasions
TO call upon Mr.. Harrison when he was
senator. but had no specially noteworthy
experiences, although had unusual on
portunities for forming an estimate of his
character. He is one OF the most honor
able and upright men ! have ever known
in public lie. His ability is now conceded
by every one. While he has the reputa-
ton of being a cold man. he is really one
OF the most sympathetic and tender-heart-
ed. He has beea obliged through circum-
| stances to lead q life of toll, and has had
, few OF the relaxing advantages which
come from ease and an ability to escape
from the grind of daily work
have seen his eyes fill with tears at
some picture of pain or suffering called UP
| by some one neac TO him, although in the
presence of strangers he is as stoical as
an American Indian. He is excessively
independent and has that strength Of
character which susJains him readily in
going ahead without the advice of any
one. If necessary, although he is the last
man TO take any important action without
| full and free consultation with all his asso-
clates. He IS n much better politician, in
| the highest sense OF the word, than any
man IN his cabinet. His legal bent OF
mind gives him a judicial turn He sits
at the White House very much as Judge
! would sit upon the bench of a high court
published one authorized interview
| with Mr.. Harrison in the New York
| frlouEe last March. This Is the only au-
| thorlxed publication which has ever come
| from him since he Was president. except
what has been sent ont as an officia. docu-
/ ment over his own signature. This inter
| view WAS the result OF many weeks of
I effort. President Harrison is most cordial
IN his reception OF newspaper correspon-
I dents who respect his confidence. but he is
not whit more reserved and dignifed to-
| day than when he was senator
LAST winter when | was in Washington
! City could get 80 see him as easily as [
Gould get 10 see any member OF congress