The Florence tribune., 1898-05-21
Rev. I. T. Whittemore's Observations in
 Washington.
LETTER NO. ?.

around the Capitol city and view the sights (for it is the most beautiful and has more historical, scientific and art studies than any city on land) let me say word more in regard to lobbying. l Every one who has an "ax to grind, l any personal fuvor, railroad, pension, land-grabbing or selfish purpose to ac- complish and carry through Congress, I must be a lobbyist. He makes "tool" of his Senator or Representative, and 1 through him gets the ear of the com mittee, and then bores and drills and and wines and (shall 1 tell it?) possi- bly, "tips"-doesn't buy, oh, no; CD but there's bank account or stock or investment, and if he will use his infiu- enee somehow or somewhere or through some 'manipulation"-honor- able, of course, (?J-the bank account of certain Congressman grows and swells mysteriously. There are, how ever, honest men in both Fouses, nc, who have . mind of their own, who eau neither be bought, fattered nor frightened an inch from the strict line of integrity. All honor to such aen, and they are to be found in the raulSs of both parties.
 1t was my privilege to come into touch with representatives of both classes. It was the latter class who were the hardest to move and be con- vinced that our Butte dam project had no clark horse'' in it, and would not cost twice or three times the amount for which the bill called. But with rare exceptions, each and all treated me in the most gentlemanly manner. This was especially the case with our delegate, Hon. NJ. A. Smith. Whenever I called him into the lobby he was ready to listen to suggestions, and he took me in carriage to the resi- dence of Senator Cockrill for consulta- tion. The veteran Senator Ca good Democrat from Missouri) is one of your trusted, tried and true men, who has not become rich in Congress. (Would that there were more suchl. Our in- terview was very satisfactory, and through him we confidently expect to 1 win. And when our clause is rein stated, and the preliminary work of a thorough survey is done, let Hon. Mark have all the glory. He gave me "carte blanche" to call on him at the Wellington, or call him into the lobby, whenever there was any cause or l need.
 l The next day after my arrival in the city, I met our former townsman, Major J. H. Stout, an old resident of Washington, and having plenty of leisure, he took me from time to time tothe pablic buildings and attractive spots in and around the city and ! showed me marked favors, for which I owe him debt of gratitude that l shall never be able to pay.
 Fortunately, or unfortunately, the first object of wonder, study and admi- ration, the pride of every American citizen, was the Library of Congress. Some of your readers may have seen sketches of it in the magazines, but to most of them the description may be new and interesting. shall quote at : pleasure from the Handbook. Let me make distinction between the Libra ry of Congress and the magnificent and !, glorious building. The library was started in 1860 and much of it was burned by the British troops. But this grand pile of marble and granite, with it's gilded dome, is only just completed.
 A bit of information was given me, not
 found in the Handbook, from pru-
 dential reasons. It was in regard to the site. It stands on Capitol Hill three or four minutes walk due east o1
 the south wing of the Capitol. The ground was owned by a woman, whc t kept saloon on it. Effort after effori
 was made and price after price offered
 to purchase the ground. But she wa'
 immogable and memorable to all tn, f offers, for it was an inheritance ant e she would not part with it. So as tn, : Government needed just that spot, ant none other would answer the purpose
 Congress confiscated it and paid her s fair consideration.
 2 In my next I will speak of the build ing proper, it's magnitude, beautie a and wonders. l. T. WHIrTENoRE. a --------.- ..-------