Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1898-09-17

everybody would stand by him. He
not only felt this TO be the case, but /
he had been so informed again and 4
again. by his brothers and fellow
members, all of whom seemed anxious 4
20 show their appreciation Of his ability 4
and devotion.
While Mr.. Van Buren, Crofutt thus 7
sought the society OF men, il must not I
be supposed that be neglected the So
ciety OF women: on the contrary, he 4
was great aud respectful admirer of F.
the fair sex. But he never allowed his !
admiration 10 get the better Of his
prudence.
At all the dinners and banquets he
was chosen 20 respond 20 that very
charming aud familiar toast. THE
women-God bless them and from
long practice he got 10 DO it With i'm
mense credit 20 himself and great sat
isfactiou Of his audiences.
II Mr.. Crofutt kept clear OF the en-
tanglements OF love. il must not be
supposed that lie gave no thought 20
the subject OF marriage. Il was. next
TO popularity. the thought with which
he most busted his brain; and. "a he
desired his popularity 20 give him
honors and Office. be was anxious his
marriage should bring him wealth aud
+ high social position. IL was with this
+ feeling that he sought every opportu-
nity 90 meet beautiful Jennie Living
stons the laughter of the wealthy
Judge. who had declined foreign
mission. and who was spoken OK for
She supreme Bench.
The Livingstons were very aristo-
cratic. and this branch of the Crofutt
family lad never been named for their
position Miss Jennie. 10 is 60 be
feared, was "a coluet. for she delighted
IN being the recipient of attentions,
and q more popular man than Mr. Van
BUren Crofutt might have been fat
tered 10y The encour agcment She gave
him. au encoura cement SD marked
that NJ. Croiutt s brothers and fell
low-members began 70 joke him about
his approaching marriage. ani the
gossips. who flourish 40 vigorously,
discussed the alliance with character
istic freedom and sense OF certainty.
About this time there was 90 be q
Congressional election IN the district
where Mr. Crofutt lived He had
looked forward 70 this particular cleo
tion for years. and SO expressed no
modest surprise when many of his
brothers and feliow-members assured
him he would get the nomination. and
nomination meant an election, for
the district was overwhelmingly on
the side OF the party 90 which Mr.
Crofutt nominal.y belonged.
Not 90 extend the matter, Mr.
Crofutt was nominated. but only after
the most bitter opposition. and talk
Of "bolting" that surprised the popu-
lar man, who had even been Gathering
himself that the other party would
make no nomination.
At this tim. and for many years
before, there was young man in
Judge Livingston s. Office OF about Mr.
: Crofutt's age His name was John
Wilson, and outside OF his profession
= where be WA, successful and honored
x he was but little known.
He was tall. stulent-hke man:
member Of 40 society. and the oai-
support of q widow Ell mother. NJ
, Wilson was dignit.d and reserved il
" his manners, but those who knew hin
well sail he was the soul of gener0sit'
aud honor. and those who did no
know him well, had an idea that h
3 was very learned, as all reserved pro
fessioual men are generally suppose,
20 be.
: Though John Wilson was a brothe
lawyer, Mr.. Van Buren, Cr0futt Iii
. not like him. John was the one ma
: about whom Mr.. Crofutt did not hest
: tate 70 give a positive opinion, and al
:, ways au unfavorable one; and thi
: dislike grew very much stronge
when the rumor that the discomfort
agreed TO support Mr.. Wilson, an
!, the opposition would make no non
nation, ripened into certainty.
= Mr.. Crofutt was annoyed an
!, alarmed; for, following the above il
- formation, came an invitation frol
:, Mr.. Wilson 70 meet him before ia
! people and discuss their respectiv
: claims TO the position Of Represents
tive.
a. Mr.. Crofutt was popular speake
II but not an orator; Mr.. Wilson was a
Id orator, but his popularity was M
at tried Mr.. Crofutt had great faith
a peopl0: Mr.. Wilson had great faith
rs himself.