New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-02

the clerk little bit puzzled by the experience
asked the captain who the old gentleman vas
That is General Buell. replied the captain.
Hes a fine gentleman, and particular about De-
havior. In future when you so into his ONCE
it would be well for you to touch your hat and
give the countersign.'
THE clerk promised to remember"
DR. Walter McNairy. who died and was buried
here the other day. had occupied clerical po-
sition in the Navy Department for nearly hfty
years He died in harness. at the ripe old age
of eghty-fiye He was a gentleman OF the old
school as that term described a bearing of gra-
ciousness and perfect courtesy to men and
women alike In middle life he abandoned the
practice of medicine and securing an appoint
ment here held It by virtue Of excellent ser
vice and a blameess career until the end he
was n bachelor and one of the interesting fig
ures at the Ebbitt House. where he took MS
meals for many years. Even transient guests
would remark upon the charm Of his manners,
and such as heard the orchestra in the recep-
ton-roOm in the evening strike up win
medley Of old songs. like The Belle OF the Mo-
hawk Vale" Robin Adair.' The Maid o Dun
dee" instnctvely turned to the old gentleman
who occupied a sort Of reserved seat IN the
corner and looked unusually dreamy and pleased
at the sound Of the old strains. For the doctor
TO the last bit sentimental thought ana
talked Of the bellies and beaus Of his youth. and
these old airs had found place along with
those Of the DAY in a programme partly ar
ranged to suit him. He loved the opera. when
the old favorites Mariana. Norma" LII
cia" "Linds" and The Bohemian Girl were
given the play when Mr.. jefferson and Days
company came TO town. and a good novel at
any time
DR. McNairy's rooms were in the building
where The Tribunc's offices are-half block
from the Ebbitt House. He was an early riser.
and made it point to feed the birds on the
street before ne had his own breakfast. He
would emerge from his door with biscuits in his
hand which he had carried home with him the
night before. and. walking along close to the
curb would the way clear to the door of
his hotel with crumbs. The birds seemed to
know him by sight. would fly to the scene be-
fore crumb had fallen and clamor for the
bounty His allowances were always particu-
larry liberal in winter. when foragng for the
little fellows was difficult and their reward
scant
The will showed that the old gentleman had
wisely invested his savings. and that his life
had been free from any anxiety as to money.
IL
for he had provided for all Of his relatives.
Or. McNary had wide acquaintance among
the officers Of the Navy. all of whom will be
sincerely sorry hear of his death.
The return Of Colonel Charles DENLY. OF Ind
lana after absence of thirteen years spent
as Minister to China. leads to some speculation
here as to his probable future. His diplomatic
service has been his only public service
although he has always taken an active
interest in politics He is a we'll preserved man
Of about ixty-ive. lawyer, widely read and
travelled and Of high culture. In figure and
face he somewhat resembles Mr.. Bayard. His
means are ample The question is asked will
ne enter the political field and try for Office
here at home? The Indiana Democracy is
stripped now, with but one exception. Of all Of
its old and famous leaders. Mr.. Hendricks Mr.
Mcdonald Isaac Z. Gray. Mr.. Voorhees, and
Claude Matthews are all dead Senator Turpie
Of the old cotcrie alone remains. The field is
inviting and there is expectation that
Colonel DENLY may decide To try his fortune.
He may not. however. find himself in accord
with his party sufficiently to lead ii in Indiana.
His long residence in the Far East leads to the
suggestion THAI he is probably not a free-siiver
man. and he has promptly announced himself
an expansonist He favOrs the retention Of the
whole OF the Philippine group. and Of active eff
fort On the part of the United States for part
Of the increasing trade Of the Orient. Colonel
DENLY is a good speaker. but with little expe-
rience in campaign management. He is a native
OF Virginia but has resided IN Indiana since
carly manhood. and he fought in the Civil War
on the Union side In 1888 while he was in
China his name was mentioned in connection