The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1893-10-11
Hamilton Fish.

when he was Secretary of the State
Lady Brassey, of Great Britain, arriv-
ed here in the yacht Sunbeam. She
desired to see President Grant. Hav-
ing the idea that the Americans were
commonplace people ready to defer to
Euglisn nobility, she proposed 10 be
shown into General Grants private
office. Mr.. Fish suggested to her that
he would confer with the President,
and she appoint q time. When the
time came Lady Brassey arrived in
her riding habit, having with her q
small dog, which she proposed 10. take
in with her when received by the Pre-
sident. Said the Secretary Of State 10
a man in waiting "Remove the dog.
Lady Brassey protested. 1T is against
the rules for dogs to enter the parlor."
She still protested. Madame" said the
Secretary, "yOu must choose between
the removal of the dog and your being
admitted to the presence of the Presl-
dent of the United States" Reluctant
ly she consented to the dogs being
taken out. To say such thing to
lady of distinction, and to insist upon
it, was unpleasant to Mr.. Fish but
what he believed right he had the decl-
sion of character to do.
We will relate an incident communi-
Gated to US by person present OH the
occasion, never before published. which
may serve as a model for the imitation
of all Christians. Mr.. Fish often gave
dinners in honor of distinguished
guests, or as q iDunifcent expression
of hospitality to his personal friends
and acauaintances. On one of these
occasions amrng the guests wasa Unit
ed States senator, widely known, fami-
liarly spoken of, of great wealth, OF
rugged ability, once also cabinet office.
This man, up to the aye of thirty-six
years, when he went into politics had
been q devout Chris'ian.. in the habit
of taking part in religious meetings
with fervency but after he became u
politician he underwent O sad degen-
GRAFTON in most elements, except COM
mercial honesty, yet his wealth, bold
ness, and abilities kept him prominent
until bis death. He was famous
story teller of a rather boisterous sort,
and, like many formerly religious, had
much to say against the Church and
and against religion, usually Indirect
ly by narrntiDg scandalous Incidents
interlarded with irreverent references
to Christianity.
On this occasion lie was particularly
coarse and loud. Mr.. Fish listened for
O time, his face wearing an expression
of astonishnent and disapproval
which would checked more sensitive
nature. III this case it seemed rather
to incite to further efforts, ,as though he
would compel laugh from his host.
The result was otherwise. Said Mr..
Fish "Senator- me, but
must requst you to desist. firmlybe-
lieve in Jesus Christ as the Saviour of
the world; of His Church I am a MEM
ber, in my honse have tried to honor
Him, and in His faith I expect to die /;
aud it is painful to me to hear you
speak in this way" Our informant
said that these remarks were made in
low tone, with such dignity and be-
nightly that it was impossible to take
offense. There were 30 more vulgar
Jokes nor anecdotes derogatory to reli-
yion. The chief characteristic of Mr.
Fish as man and statesman was the
power to restrain himself from action
or decision until he had profoundly
reflected upon the whole case.-N. Y.
Christian Advocate.