The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-08-13

notonous Singsong refrain. "Weneed, All
this new, ah-meeting house, brother Gree
ley, ah-so many precious souls, a%h-perish
ing-so many, ah-going to hell"
"That's right!'' said Mr.. Greeley sudden
ly from his pile of manuscript. Good
enough for them. Let 'em go. There DOM
half enough people go to hell"
And II long streak of sable coattails might
have been seen flying toward the gate as
the shocked missionary rushed away from,
such proclamation. One can fancy the
chuckle with which Greeley settled down
to work.
Hero is another story told by Thurlow
Weed to the writer's father: Mr.. Greeley
had often urged Governor Seward to visit
him and finally captured him one Satnr-
day and took him to his place to spend Sun
day. The two sat up until midnight talk
ing, and then Greeley suddenly sprang up,
saying:
Seward, you'll sleep here" indicating
the room, and without another word disap-
peared,
Next morning Seward Weakened, and aft
cr waiting several hours to be called and
hearing nothing, but feeling very distinctly
the pangs of hunger, rose, dressed and ven
tured forth. He soon discovered his host
sitting by u table, deeply engrossed in h
Tribune, which he was holding in one hand.
and with the other carrying a spoon to his
lips from a BOW of corn mush and milk.
Good morning, Greeley" said Seward.
II laid until was tired out, and to tell the
truth pretty hungry too"
"Well here, take this said Greeley, and
quickly showed over his bow of mush and
milk to his astonished guest.
When the Greclcys brought home their
children, the neighborhood rang with sto-
ries of their eccentric bringing up. No one
was allowed to speak to the children save
in the presence of their mother. The little
boys were never permitted to touch meat,
and an unused bureau was set apart as a
playhouse for them. One drawer was filled
with sand, and another with sawdust, and
another with cornmeal. In these various
substances the little Greeleys wallowed
and played. One can imagine what n rip
pie all this would make in q quiet country
neighborhood where babies were allowed
to revel in mud pies.
Mr.. Greeley was very anxious to makea
newspaper nan of his brother Barnes and
offered him every indncelnent and advan-
tage, but Barnes preferred to remain on the
farm and become the neighborhood oracle,
teacher, arbiter of disputes, spiritual adj
- ttdst NEsptAokio "a
tenets! 1t is his boast that he has discom-
fitted and put to rout every one who has
ever challenged him to religious discussion.
With q twinkle in his eyes he describes the
flight of those with whom he has battled
intellectually. The old gentleman reads a
great deal and is interested in all the ques-
of the day. He lives and dresses in
primitive fashion, goes barcfooted in sum-
mer, wears an old army coat and a tall,
.conical hat, shaped like a clowns.
The writer drove to call on Mr.. Greeley
long since and was received with n gen.
tie, old time courtesy. II am always glad
to see VISITORS" he remarked, but some
times l have to laugh at the people who
come here and undertake to tell me all
about Horace. You see, they forget l was
acquainted with him"
He asked about the statue of his brother
in Park row. II see it once" he said,
first time I'd been to New York for years.
l shan't never go again." he added pathet-
ically. New York amt the same place
since Horace passed over"
The simple faith and love characteristic
of this region was exemplified i'll the close
of the conversation.
"Well, goodby, Barnes" said Horace's
lifelong friend as we drove away. "If you
go before i sec you again, give\ n,y love to
Horace"
II will" said the last male representa-
tive of tho family. standing looking after
us, a lonely, pathetic old figure, Il will.
He'll be glad to hear from you, Walter"
EDITH SESSIONS TOPPER.