The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1898-07-06

that il he could reach the Capitol. ana
the Congressman would 60 to the
Presidentcwith him, he would be able
to secure place as quartermaster.
This letter was thrown in the shade
by another letter from the son of an
old schoolmate in Oklahoma. In
some way he had secured an appoint
ment in the army, and was detailed
for duty at Tampa. BE asked the
Representative to 60 to the adjutant
general and secure transportation for
him. Subsequently it was ascertained
that the adjutant general was over
whelmed with similar applications.
The law, however, is specific and does
not allow transportation in such cases.
The Congressman also incidentally
learned from the same source that
there were from five to six thousand
applications for every Office within the
gift of the President that called for
the wearing Of uniform.
A third letter was from the presi-
Gent of Western college. He had a
smart boy who had attended private
military school, and who was anxious
to be made lieutenant in the volun
teer forces. he had already made his
application to the President and
thought that little political influence
would secure the appointment. An
other application was from we'll
known hotel proprietor, whose step
son was anxious to serve his country.
1t seems that some years ago the
President was guest at his hotel.
He fancied this gave him claim upon
the Presidents attention, and if the
proper influence was brought to bear
the step-son could secure the position
to which he aspired.
A dosep or more letters Of similar
nature we're opened, and the Repre-
sentative was dressing himself when
two cards were sent up to his room.
When the visitors were admitted they
bore letters Of introduction from par
ties unknown to the Representative.
One was seeking a position in the
engineer corps Of the navy, and the
other wanted to be commissioned an
officer in regiment of sharpshooters.
When told that no such regiment had
been authorized by Act of Congress
he seemed dumfounded, and presented
a newspaper clipping which stated that
such regiment was already being
organized.
After breakfast the Congressman
hailed street car and started for the
Capitol. He had hardly paid his fare
before the son-in-law Of anold friend
claimed his attention. He was riding
wheel at the side of the car. He
shouted that he had heard there were
several vacancies in the marine corps,
and that it was within the power of
the Congressman to secure his ap-
pointment as a second lieutenant.
BE thought that if the position was
obtained he might quickly be promoted
through the same influence to cap
,taircy. He based his application on
the fact that he had been Confede-
rate soldier. AS he was not more
than 25 years old the Congressman
expressed some astonishment Ii
turned out that he had served in the
Confederacy in Brunson Howard
! play Of Shenandoah
When the Representative arrived al
the Capitol his real troubles began
A lady besought him to do what he
could toward getting commission fol-
her son in the.navy. He had recently
graduated from college, his grand
father had been distinguished Officer
;; in the navy and she was anxious thai
her son should follow in his patriotic
footsteps. At the door of the House
"a giant confronted the Congressman
He had.a fierce military air and spoke
broken English. The giant had :
letter of introduction from a vel
known commission merchant of Bos
! ton 1t stated that he had beer
actively employed in the militar.
service Of the King Of Greece, ant
that he was desirous of giving th'
American Republic the benefit of his
practical education. When asked
what place he desired he replied
''Cheneral Of prigadiers, if bosseeble,
but he intimated that he might b
content with the rank of colonel.
At every turn there were applicant
j for positions in the army and tn
navy. 1t was impossible for tn
Representative to remain upon tn
floor of the House and give his atten