The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-11-21
Lazar,,s Mt the Gate,

Lazarus ut the Gate.
Ono OF the modern marvels OF courage.
pcrsistency and hope Is at present on OK
hibition every day. rain or shine. in West
Fifty-ilrst street. Thousands have seen
him and wondered who he was.
West Fifty-frst street. between tho
Fifth avenue and the Sixth. is now one OF
the worlds great thoroughfares. If We
were using the commonplace tropes OF
rhetoric we should describe 1t as the road
to the political Mecca: but nowhere be-
tween Jowf and Dezat Irk. nor on tho
Eastern caravan route through the Ncjed.
nor again on the side OF Ghumfooda and
Tuggcrat. does the approach to Mecca give
tho fuintest idea Of the congested aspect OF
Fifty-irst street since the ninth OF Novem-
Der. The throng surGes in, and 1t surEes
out again: and everybody who is drawn
into the street either by business or by lido
curiosity wonders who the little old gentle
man with white chin whiskcrs is that
stands watch day and night just opposite
to Number -.
The policemen on the beat long ago salts
fled themselves OF the honorable intentions
OF this odd and interesting figure. They
pay no attention to him now. except to
wink. smile. or growl. according to individ-
ual temperament, when he accosts some
body emerging from Number 70 with his
invariablo formula OF inquiry. Did Mr..
CLEVELAND intimate that he is ready to re-
ccive me now 2" The answer varies. but it
is generally kindly expressed. The heart
would be unchristian. indeed. which took
offence at the polite demeanor and cheerful
smile Of the little old gentleman who has
become n fixture in West Fifty-trst street
since election day. Once in q while poll
tician coming down the steps in happy
mood has been seen to tumble in his pocket
for a coin when approached by the little old
gentleman: but tho affair never goes
further. Tho look Of dignity and pathetic
reproach which Immediately overspreads
the little mans singular countenance is his
al-sui1cent protection against the impend-
ing humiliation.
So it has como about that the moro regu-
lar visitors to Mr.. CLEvELAND's house ex-
poet to encounter the little old gentleman.
They look to see whether he is still at his
post, and often greet him with a friendly
nod or word or two OF encouragement. A
member OF the Democratic National Com
mittee from Northwestern State once
actually stopped and talked with the tire
less sentinel. "If you want to SEQ Mr..
CLEVELAND" he asked. why in hades
don't you ring the door bell and send in
your card 2" The reply was prompt. 1T
would not DO decorous." said the little old
gentleman with white chin whiskers. My
presence in your city must not be officially
declared until Mr.. CLEVELAND has minated
IL, t> ~ 7
you," said the Committeeman, I'D risk
the breach OF decorum rather than the
pneumonia. Tell me who you are; perhaps
can arrange an interview" The little old
gentleman shook his head. ut will AZ
range itself in due season." he replied with
dignity. as he withdrew to the curbstone
across the street.
Night and day. In sunshine or in pelting
rain. and whether the moon is out or not.
tho little old gentleman with white chin
whiskers is at his vigil. awaiting the sum-
mons which never comes. Where he eats.
when he sleeps. are problems not yet solved
by any person who has observed his move
ments. He is always on hand. His bizarre
face. although somewhat drawn and wan
from exposure and long waiting. Is always
cheerful. His slightly seedy but still re-
spectacle cont is always neatly brushed. as
il by the palm OF the hand. His trousers
are little frayed at the ends. but his shoes
are blackened every morning by boy from
Sixth avenue. for whom he always has a
nickel. Perhaps the most curious feature
of the affair Ia the circumstance that
whenever Mr.. CLEVELAND himself appears
at his front door. the little old gentle
man with white chin whiskers stands atten-
tive for Il moment. as il expecting a per-
sonal invitation to enter the house. and
then hurriedly withdraws to the shelter
Of neighboring area. where he cannot be
seen from MIR. CLEvELANDs stoop.
Who is the patient. cheerful. and modest
watcher in West Fifty-frst street? Thou
sands are wondering. but no one knows for
certain except the little old gentleman him
self. All that is known is that day before
yesterday. at half past six O'Clock In the
evening. the little old gentleman. while
taking from his coat-tail pocket his hand
kerchler In order to blow his nose dropped
this visiting card upon the sidewalk just
under gas light:
....