The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-01-23
JOE WAS Cleaning HOUSE
When the Grand Dispenser
of Federal Patronage
MUSTERED HIS COHORTS TODAY
To Hold Another Mock Session OF the
Rump House-Ambrosc Naturally
Pulled the Bell Rope-They Took a
Weeks Recess.

1t was chilly, oh, so chilly in the disman-
tied chamber where erstwhile the House
OF Representatives has met to transact the
business of the January session. A bleak
wind penetrated the gloomy rendezvous,
having free access through the northeast
window, from which the sashes had
been removed. The radiators didn't radi-
ate. The carpets and draperies had been
removed and were rolled up in solitary
looking bundles. The seats were piled up
promiscuously in different parts of
the room and the bull-pen
was concealed beneath pyramids OF
chairs and other debris. The dirt COW
cred the floor to an uncertain depth and
an odor of gas was generated from the
central reflector which was waited vigor-
ously to and fro by the wind closet in
which the stcerers conference and the
general caucus were being jointly held. DIR.
Garvin with thick ulster around his ears
studied the atmospheric conditions, and
urged his colleagues to retreat to
the room of the Judiciary committee.
Forty-two shivering revolutionists
promptly obeyed his behest and the small
army of candidates for clerkships, door
keeper and minor places of trust
and responsibility marched up and
down the smoking room and 'corri-
dors shivering, swearing and
button holing when their stiffened digits
would permit such violent exercise. Far
mer Greene and A. p. A. Sprague looked
longingly at their favorite seats
in the bull pen where
they have drank in lots OF
legislative wisdom but precious little po-
litical profit. Secretary Of State Utter
gazed coldly upon the scene of desolation
which his $1,000 mission had wrought, and
kept a sharp eye on the more 'ob-
streperous kickers to warn IL
not prevent them from smashing the
states property. The Democracy
had clear field, for not soli-
tary Republican materislized to
gloat over their misery and facili-
tate their profanity. Joe Mullen
arrived with gigantic mop and
his trusty bulldog repeater was industri-.
ously enjoyed in remote section of the
capital. Captain John Waters had dis
creetly remained in Newport, struck
down in the midst of his proud strength
and revengeful spirit by the
grip demon. Tom Kavanagh,
the whilom door-keeper, had postponed
his mission of Celestial registration
to see the sport, and ex-Deputy Shelf
Duednhu Whs0eiLluB up ETcHCn-Sdnd-
dian opponent for the Office Of seneschal
of the outer gate. Clerk Conley had
lighted his desk lamp and his
side partner Cushing was rubbing his
benumbed fingers and wrestling with
his record Of the "rump sessions" so as to
give them the right elocutionary ef-
feet. Grand Dictator Honey came in
staggering under a burden of consti-
tutional authorities, and his flashing
eye and belligerant cut of his massive jaw
made him a conspicuous figure. The
crafty Ambrose West who is not to be
"steered," was actively engaged in en-
listing recruits and parlimentarian
Mccarthy looked wise and said nothing
for a wonder. Senator Miller, the recog-
nized leader of the iron clad fighters in
personal dignity and grace Of speech ac-
quired as a professional
actor, entered the inquisition hall
arm in arm with his fellow scrapper Owen.
1t was a sight worthy of the best efforts of
a most accomplished animal painter, and
then came an amusing diversion.
Ambrose Pulled the String.
Just before IL o'clock, the willy West
rushed out of the secret chamber and as
cended the stairway leading to the bell
rope with the dexterity OF an
| acrobat. He sounded the toe
sin vigorously, something after
the style OF his enthusiastic partisans
in Ward 10 who have signalled his alder
manic victories in that classic stronghold.
Secretary Utter called the attention of the
newspaper men to his act whereupon Am
brose took Mr.. Utter by the arm and
compelled him to be witness to his bell
agitation. In sarcastic defiance to any
consequences fraught with ar
rest West joked with the official
and returned to the conference. There
was method in the foxy secretary's inter-
vention. II added fuel to the deadly ami
mostly which had been melted
by the frigidity and devastation
which his agency had effected
in representatives. hall. Sounds
of bitterness and discord came through
the key hole of the cloister, muffed some
what by fumes of villainous smoke from
two-fer cigars. The battle was on and the
factions were gated for the fray. The
result hung ominously in the balance, and
il was not enough to radiate the corridor
aud the basement. The Senate chan, her