The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-12-13

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The fortunate recipient OF such a docu-
ment loses no time in getting to Washing
ton. 1t costs him just ? cents to swear al
legiance to his country. Were he a mem
Der of congress instead of a page he could
swear-and doubtless would-for nothing
Sometimes a dozen pages are sworn in
chorus, but it costs each individual 25
cents all the same. Having taken such a
solemn oath the newly-appointed page
cannot fail TO appreciate that his new po-
sition is one of great Importance, and he
assumes a dignity of demeanor BETTING
the situation, but which presents stTik-
ing contrast to the boyish antics of some
of the old-tme members of the House
whose silvery locks suggest a close contact
with the frosty fingers of Father Time
The "old boys" can afford to be merry,
however, for they are nearing the top
Of the mountain of their ambition, where
as the young fellows have but commenced
the march across the broad plain of trial
and tribulation that lies at its base. The
ascent is serious matter to them.
Every morning at 10 o'clock the pages
must answer TO the roll-eall and during
the remainder of the day must hold them
selves in readiness to do the bidding of
the members of congress. A certain num-
Der are assigned to duty on the east side
of the House, where the democrats are
seated. Others are stationed on the west
or republican side. One is detailed for
the press gallery. After session of such
duty the press page" usually considers
himself well fitted to become Washing
ton correspondent of the biggest news
papers in the country. Such hopes have
been realized. Two pages do duty in the
ladies' reception room. These young gem
tlemen are quite likely, in a very short
time. to lose all respect for the truth,
or for congressman To them falls the
task of pNplginfnp q 81 md
tent female claimants that the member
whom they have just seen enter the
House is not to be found, and in the next
breath to state to some sweet siren who
desires to ''see the capitol" that the self
same member, to whom she has sent her
card, will be out directly. One unfortu>
nate young man, known as the riding
page" has horse and buggy to command
and attends TO the delivery of special
communications from members to the va
rious government departments The nay
OF page is $3.50 per day. 1t begins when
congress conyenes, and includes every
day on the calendar until the final ad-
Journment, when an extra months pay is
given to him by special act Of congress -
a bright little fellow of the corps said:
1t is pretty slow page who can't pick
up 50 cents day 'hustling' on special err
rands."
The pages range from 12-year-old BOYS
IN knickerbockers to young men old
enough to vote. When the same
political party holds power through
consecutive congresses they are fire.
quenty reappointed. Although when
on duty they have the air of grave
and reverend seigniors," they have by no
means outgrown a boyish love of fun.
The present pages have organized east
and west side base bali mines. and when
the House adjourns at an early hour. out
Of respect for a deceased member. or
from some equally serious cause, the
pages assuage their grief by proceeding
in body to Lincoln park and playing
a match game of base ball. If time does
not admit Of such protracted amusement
they get up an impromptu Struggling
match on the terrace. They count some
fine athletes among their number and al
together few school boys have jollier
times than these students in the school
of national legislation.
In the Fifty-first congress the pages
had a regularly organized Junior House
of Representatives" At that time the
political shoe was on the republican foot.
There We're thirty republican pages. and
but three democrats. The minority
proved themselves astute politicians Bv
dint of skillful wire-pulling they per
suaded their youthful colleagues that ex-
perience was the prime requisite Of a
speaker. The three democrats. being
hoId-oVers, were consequently the most
eligible for that important office After
spirited canvass of two weeks James
f. English, democrat. of California. was
elected speaker Of the Junior House OF
Representatives He Immediately paid
the republicans the delicate compliment of
adopting the Reed rules-with certain
amendments Of his own. The Mills bill