The Washington times., 1894-04-02
SOCIAL DOOR SHUT TO Him
Col. Breckenridge Must Suffer Prac-
tical Ostracism in Kentucky.
STORY OF A STREET INSULT
How Dsshing Ned Turpin Caught the Colonel
by the collar-Clubs That VIII Turn Him
Dovn-Frisndship How stilled to . Mere
Recognition Feeling in Louisville.

LOUISVILLE, April Though Congress-
man W. G. P. Breckenridge is not member
of either the Pendennls or the Kenton clubs,
he has been q frequent visitor at both club
houses when he has been in Louisville. His
own story of shame in his relations with
Madeline Pollard has forever disqualified
him from being again introduced into either.
Not being member, no action can or will be
taken, but if there is club member In Louis
willie who would attempt to introduce Col.
Breckinridge into either of the clubs, he has
not been heard of. It is safe to say il the at
tempt were made the guest would be turned
down at the door.
1t is remarkable how many men, having
known for years the relations Of Col. Breckin-
ridge and Miss Pollard, have tolerated him at
all. These same men, when the suit was
brought, were rather inclined to defend him.
But the story of his sin. told by himself from
the witness stand, has forever closed the So
cial door Of Louisville agains. Col. Breckin-
ridge. The men who knew of Col. Breckin-
ridges escapades, knew only part. They
only knew there was liaison. The fact that
IL lS human 10 err, anu tIdt Luduy
men have thus shown their humanity, caused
them to pay little heed to Breckinridge's per-
formances, aside from the customary gossip
at the club. Some of these men had even in
troduced Col. Breckinridge into their own
homes
The women, it is safe to say have pro-
nounced the social ostracism of Col. Breckin-
ridge in Louisville, II not in Kentucky. The
friendship OF the men stilled to mere recogni-
ton by the development OF the life OF shame
has been turned to contempt by the women.
These women are now indignant ut their hus-
bands and friends for having introduced such
a man as Col Breckenridge has proven him
self to be to their wives and daughters.
The prominent Louisville families, such as
the Castlemans. Dukes, Speeds. Trabues, Sat-
terwhites and the Ike In which circle Colonel
Breckinridge moved, their families being re-
lated and connected since the early history OF
the commonwealth, refuse to discuss the mat
ter. The fact that they tolerated the visits Of
such man because of family name after his
escapade had been made known makes the
men of these families reluctant to speak of
the subject. But the ostracism OF Breckin-
ridge is in effect At but one home is he
likely to be admitted, as near as can be
learned after the ending of the suit, and that
is the home of DR.. Preston B. Scott, whose
sister is now his wife.
Pressed for an interview as to whether
Breckinridge will be received socially, promi-
nent men declined to speak for themselves,
giving as an excuse that he has not yet been
proven guilty Of any wrong under the law,
and that they would not, until at least the
judgment Of fair jury was rend cred, say
whether he would likely be taken back in
Kentucky. So great shame has been brought
on the names of the best families OF the state
that the ones who know him best are now
striving to have the least publicity possible
.v;,- has nsaI hv- a
man.
As it is In Louisville, so may it be said Of
the feeling of the people OF the entire state,
save. perhaps. in Lexington, where the name
of Breckenridge is a household word, and
where there are yet many to defend him
against the woman they knew than those re-
siding in other parts OF the state. That man
with the name and breeding Of a Breckinridge
would introduce such woman in good society,
whether his affianced or simply as an equal,
whatever the provocation might have been, is
an insult to the good morals of the better fam
lilies that cannot and will not be wiped out.
A story is related that goes to show that
Breckinridge was always more or less OF a
''masher." and that his proclivities for get
ting himself into trouble on account of the
fair sex developed long before he made the
acquaintance of Madeline Pollard. Shortly
before or during the war Breckenridge and
a number of companions werc standing in
front of the Gait House, when remarkably
pretty young girl walked up the street, COM
ing toward them.
''I'll bet IS can win that little miss, and
don't know her either" said Breckinndge.
One of his companions Immediately covered
the bet, and as the girl came up to them
Breckinridge stepped from the party Of men,
aud, taking of his hat, approached her.
'How are you?" he said. in a voice that after
ward made him famous for his oratory, at
the same time extending his hand.
The girl looked up startled. and, drawing
back, started to retrace her steps. Breckin-
ridge was about to continue his advances when
a strong hand caught him by the collar and
he was hurled to the stree. as If he had been q
child. When he arose he was confronted by
gallant and dashing Ned Turpin. 'You d
coward" brust forth Turpin, as he slapped
his face. you'll insult woman In my pres
ence again, will you?'
Before the men could again come together
friends interceded and further trouble was
averted. Breckinridge was so enraged that
he insisted on satisfaction, aud duel would
have no doubt ensued had friends not come
between them. 1t is probably well for Breck-
inridge that the duel did not come of, as
Turpin was then known as one of the best
pistol shots in the state.
Turpin afterward moved to Tennessee,
where he now lives. Two years ago he be-