Omaha daily bee., 1896-02-08

Senator Nye's Homespun Argument
ON tho Chinese Question.

On one occasion a bill 10 admit the Chinese
20 equal privileges Of citizenship was under
discussion in the senate. and Mr. Sumner
had the floor. says a writer IN the Forum.
His speech-as usual elaborate. studied, and
classical-was an earnest appeal for the chill.
dren OF the Fowefy Kingdom, and at Its con-
clusion 1t was evident that he had made
deep impression. But, as coon as Mr.. Sum
ner had taken hls seat, Mr.. Nye sprang TO
his feet, AMI spoke somewhat as follows:
mir. President: | was born In the grand
old county Of Steuhen. New York state, and
raised upon farm. My parents were hard
working, God-fearlng people, and we had
morning and evening prayers, in which ap.
peals we're always offered for the freedom of
the slaves. My good mother-green be her
memory-was cheerful housewife, and
among other standard iellcacies, doughnuts
were always provided. We all loved dough-
nuts and | often watched my mother when
she made the dough, and knesded and short
ened 1t until 1t was in NJ condition. The re-
suit Of my observation was that she always
took a small piece of dough and fried II in
the fat before she rlsked the whole batch.
She tried II first. and awaited results. live
on the Pacific coast and know good deal
about the Chinese. They have nothing in
common with u.s. They save their money.
and then return, pigtail and ALL to China.
You cannot make n citizen OF a man who VIII
not sacrifice his pigtaill We have enfran-
chised the blacks they are now free and citi-
gems and | am content. My friend from
Massachusetts, has made an able and ex-
haustive argument, but suggest to him that
It is far better and safer TO follow my good
mothers example, and fry little piece of
this suffrage dough before we risk the whole
Chinese BATCH
The effect of this speech was marvellous.
Mr. Sumner seldom had a ready appreciation
of humor, but on this occasion he leaned
back in his chair and laughed until the tears
ran down his cheeks He did not attempt to
reply and the bill failed through the home
spun argument adduced by Senator Nye.
How blaine Gained u Champion.
One Of the late James G. Blaine's strongest
and most useful accomplishments was his
power to persuasion, an example of which Is
given by Washington writer who relates a
story told by a western member of congress,
describing how the Maine statesman won
over an enemy to his own camp.
''I question:" said the raconteur, "if II
would be possible for any one now in politics
to accomplish the same thing in the same
way. Blank. you know was always bitter
against Blaine. He fought him on every
possible occasion. In fact he made occasions
for the express purpose Of fighting him. Any
number OF common friends had tried to make
peace between them, but without avail. and
Mrs Blank, for some unaccountable and
feminine reason, was more bitter than her
husband.
Mrs. Blank Is charming woman and
a brilliant musician. One day she happened
to be playing in the drawing room Of the
Fifth Avenue hotel so wrapped up in her
music that she was obivious to everything.
She played number after number-Beethoven
shumann. Bach. When she arose to go, an
elderly and distinguished man stepped from
the shadow Of corner. 1t was Mr.. Blaine,
whom, it so happened. she had never seen.
"I am an old man. he said and love
music, so take the privilege Of begging you
to play again for me- and he added a compli-
ment for her playing. She played for him,
not once, but many times. Played over and
over, at his importantly. his favorte pieces,
and when she was too fatlgued to play they
chatted for a long time about music He, of
course, revealed his identity. and they be-
came fast friends, she yielding, as every one
did who came In personal contact with him.
to that indef1nable and subtle charm. The
conversion of the husband quickly followed,
and until the time Of his death Mr.. Blaine
bad no more enthusiastic champion than
Blank"