The Washington times., 1894-05-10
CURB AND CORRIDOR.

Hon. Walter McLaurn, member of the
railway commission. and one Of the managers
of the penitentiary of Mississippi, is in the
city. His younger brother, Sydney L. Nc
Laurin, secretary of the commission. who for
number Of years was an attachs Of the
Treasurer's Office in this city, accompanies
him.
Walter McLaurin is about the youngest
commissioner Of railroads in the United
States. He was elected In 1886 by an over
whelming majority over two of Mssissippi's
then most prominent and distinguished sons.
He has made an officer Of whom his state Is
proud. There never has been the slightest
taint upon either his official or private char
acter. So popular is he among his country
men that no one now would have the temerity
to run against him for political preferment.
He is invincible before the people.
Fifteen years ago he was plowboy in his
native county Of Simpson. He read law by
the light of tallow candles, was admitted to
the bar and then made a sudden and success
full leap into politics.
He has been successful because he has been
true to his promises and courageous In his
convictions. He loves his friends and de-
spises those who resort to hypocritical meth
never yet in his official life been unwavering
in his fidelity to their interests.
These things being true his countrymen
have resolved to nominate him for Governor
to succeed Governor Stone. He is one of the
coming young men OF the progressive South.
SIR. McLaurin is n brother to Hon. A. ].
McLaurin, Mississippi's junior Senator.
Some friends OF Railroad Commissioner
Askew, of Mississippi, who is here attending
the convention OF state commissioners, had
laugh ON him yesterday. Yet it was about an
incident he does not regret. Mr.. Askew has
but one whole leg, having lost much of the
other in a sectional disturbance over thirty
years ago.
Late yesterday AFTERNOON he had wearied
himself walking about the Capitol. and sat
on the nearest step to rest. man. evidently
employed in the building, having in his arms
a lot Of waste paper, approached.
My friend. he asked, accosting the Mis-
sissippian, 'how did you lose your leg?"
II lost it in the war, as a Confederate
SOLDIER was the answer.
''You did," calculated the Capitol Iaborer;
''well, here's quarter"
Notwithstanding Mr.. Askew's protestation,
his companion insisted that he keep the coin,
saying he too had been .'rebel'' in Tennes-
see regiment and he was always ready to help
his old comrades. The two ex-Johnnie
swapped few "reminiscences and parted after
swapping quarters as souvenirs Of the meet
ing.
Did you ever notice the little two-by-four
shops about town with the sign on the out
side, Hats blocked while you wait?' Well.
this Is the season in which they reap their
harvest. Having discovered that your hat met
with an accident or needs little touching up
for Sundays, you enter one Of these establish
ments, where you are met by the proprietor
with a meaning smile. He takes your hat; the
day is hot; you take the chair beside the
screen. After examining your hat. he walks
back, pulls aside the screen, discloses red
hot stove, and leaves 1t back while he tinkers
with your tile. Now you commence to sweat;
there is no escape; the door is blocked, and
after your coat, vest, and underwear are
thoroughly saturated you are glad to pay the
price and escape from the place.
In the White House grounds Sunday morning
there WIS novel sight. twas a fight between
two large crows and sparrow hawk. Upon
inquiry the writer was informed by some Of
the men at work in the grounds that it was
only an old battle renewed. The crows have
the habit of alighting upon a very tall tree
in the Executive grounds on line with the
War Department, where by their repeated
'cawks" they challenge the hawk to battle
The hawk sails forth, and after an exciting
fight is finally driven to his nest. which is be-
hind the right wing of the stone eagle that
adorns the front of the Navy Department.