Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1896-04-01
WASHINGTON AFFAIRS.

WASHINGTON AFFAIRS.
The time was when an earnest pro-
test from an an Arkansas Congressman
against the sale of liquor in the capitol
at Washington would have been con-
sidered more notable than it was re.
Gently. Temperance sentimenth has been
making Roadway in the south. The
Vice President Of the Congressional
Temperance Society is a southerner-
John Allen, of Mississippi. Mr.. Little,
the Arkansas member who assailed the
Senate and House barrooms so vigor'
ously, is a native of the State he repre-
sents. His protest al timely. Whisky
used to be served by the capitol ca
tsrers under the name of cold tea,"
and those who bought drank out of
cups. There is no subterfuge about the
sale at present. Champagne corks pop
loudly, and all kinds of drinks are
served in the glasses which custom as.
sociates with them. Wine lunches are
given in committee rooms, especially
Mt the Senate end. The restaurant
p ivileges are much sought after, and
il is because they carry with them the
sale OF liquor.
Mr.. Little was right when he de-
nouuced the present condition as a
plblic disgrace. He possibly weakened
his case, however, when he concluded
with q tribute to the sobriety of public
men, and said it was a rare thing to
see one of them intoxicated. The fact
Is, there have been disgraceful scenes
upon the floor of this Congress, all due
to the rent free barrooms established
by Congress. In the course of a night
session recently a western Senator was
in the midst of a set speech, when m
other Senator slowly arose with his
hand on the corner of his desk. The
hand slipped. the Senator lunged for
ward, but recovered his hold on the
desk before he went down. The Sena-
tor who was Speaking stopped.
"Ur, Ur, Ur, Url" began the other
in a h%esitating tone, as he swayed to
aud fro.
II entirely agree with the Senator
from Blank" sang out the one who
had the floor, with ready wit.
The Senior. leaning on his desk,
twisted his head and looked solemnly
at the other.
"Thass all ri" he said, and sank into
his seat.
People in the galleries Uttered and
the speech went on alter B. Stevens.
INDIANS AWFUL FATE.
The manufacture of distilled spirits,
locally known as hoochinoo, has been
carried on by the natives of Alaska for
IA long period, and at times during the
early days of the CASTER excitement
it was freely purchased by the white
miners as the only liquor o~btainable,
owing to the strict enforcement of the
prohibitory clause against the importa-
ton of liquors into the territory, say s
the Alaska Mining Record. Hoochinoo
ia nnthinn morn nnF lnoo thnn NJ a an
alcohol, being distilled mainly from
brown sugar or molasses and corn
m-eal. Undiluted the stuff has a double
proof strength, makes drunk Gomez
freely and but a few swallows of it will
set a man bowling in demoniac glee
aud nothing but an Indian, with his
copper lined stomach, can stand a pro-
tracted spree on it.
The Kako Indians probably lead all
others in the manufacture of these
spirits and as proof of their knowledge
in the art of making a double proof
article we give the particulars of the
awful fate of an expert Kako distiller
which happened recently on that
island.
1t seems that this Indian, while en-
gagged in the manipulation of his little
coal oil can still, imbibed too freely
of its tricklings and in a drunken
stupor lay down by his fire of cedar
logs and fell asleep with his face un.
comfortably close to the fire and his
breath tanning the flames. Through
some reason known only to the medi.
cal fraternity gas accumulated in the
stomach and the breath of the sleeper
reaching the flames the alcohol gas
ignited. The sleeper suddenly leaped
to his feet with a terrifying scream
and fell back again writhing in agony.
The man al burning internally.
Smoke and even flames were issuing
from his mouth and his agony was
something awful. His loud screeches
braught the members of the camp
about him, who looked on in silent.
terror stricken awe, unable to 90 any.
thing for his relief, The combustion
continued until the Indian was liter.
ally consumed inside and for some
time after the spirit of life had fled.