The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-01-18

an, published here until its absorp-
ton into the Washington Post.
Hanscom was principally occupied
on the democratic side of the senate
and II occurred to Webster one day that
the wings were being Disseminated
against in the matter of a page. Ac-
cordingly he made a fight for the ap-
pointment of Isaac Bassett, then about
IL years old. After considerable op-
position the additional page was or
dered. This marked the only stormy
passage in the official career of Capt.
Bassett. Since the '30s his lines have
been cast in pleasant places among
dignitaries who have seemed tireless in
their efforts to do him honor. When
he had completed his fiftieth year in
their service magnificent silver salver
was prepared and presented to him.
This ne priced the most Of all his earth
ly possessions. At another time a
magnificent gold snuff box was pre-
sented him because of his efforts in
behalf of the snuff-takers of the senate.
This recalls the fact that Capt. Bassetts
principal duty during the latter days
of the nineteenth century came through
his custodianship Of the two black snuff
boxes In the recesses at the right and
left of the presiding officer of the SEN
ate. 1t is one of the traditions of the
senate that these boxes were estab-
lished because of the persistency with
which senator's used to borrow snuff
fro NJ Tho aap1y Nion- do 20,
of the United States. Finally patience
ceased to be virtue, and calling Capt.
Bassett to his ala the presiding officer
directed that boxes OF snuff be main
tanned at the public expense for the use
of senators who like to take little UP
their noses to make them feel easy.
Capt. Bassett was for years the only
snuff-taker left, but about SO is annual
ly invested in this tickling article so
that a supply is always on hand in case
it is demanded.
Capt. Bassett was never known to
divulge a secret Of the executive ses-
sions, which he always attended. He
was more like a Sphinx than anybody
around the capitol. and when he passed
away many secrets died with him.
Particularly is this true of the location
in the senate chamber of chairs and
desks formerly occupied by distin-
guished Americans, among whom may
be included Jeff Davis. Nobody was
ever able to learn from Capt. Bassett
where the head Of the southern con-
federacy sat when he was United States
senator from Mississippi, although many
attempts have been made by those who
wanted the JEFF Davis chair and desk.
Persons who visited the senate cham
Der as spectators always noticed the
pleasant-visaged old gentleman with
white hair and beard, the former curled
carefully In a roll, who sat usually at
the left Of the presiding officer of the
senate. Whenever message was re-
ceived from the President of the United
States or from the house of repre-
sentatives 1t was the duty of Capt. Bas-
sett to announce the fact TO the senate.
Although In the performance of this
duty for years. whenever he was COM
PEELED to make the customary an
nouncement Capt. Bassett invariably
made as much fuss over II as though 1t
was his first offense. His face would
turn scarlet, and as he ducked his head
at the presiding officer there was a
CULVER In his voice as he spoke the
stereotyped formula. This was gener-
ally accompanied by a hesitancy OF
speech, as IL uncertain whether his re-
marks would fall upon apprecj alive and
listening ears.