The age-herald., 1898-12-20
5 LIGHTS OF THE
 LATURE'S ATLANTA TRIP
SOME
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No one who spent week in the Alabama legislature at it's last session can fail to remember Hon. Wilson R. Brown, the jolly, good-natured and courteous repre- sentative from Shelby county. Mir. Brown stands out in the distinct position of hav- ing been the central figure of the only re- markable episode characterizing the jour- ney of the Alabama solons to Atlanta's peace jubilee. Generally on such occasions more than one experiences narrow es- cape from death In this instance MT. Brown is the only one able to relate such an experience. It came about in this way.
 The presidential train had just arrived in Tuskegee. The governors car was well up in the middle of the train, but still oe- hind the presidents travelling domicile. The president was received by the appointed committee and taken to the industrial school soon after his arrival MT. Brown and a number of friends loitered awhile in the governors car. After the presi- dential party had gone a crowd suddenly gathered about the train and began in- quiring as to the presidents whereabouts. Not knowing that he had already gone, they were bent on seeing him.
 One member of the governors party who had remained behind walked down on the platform. member of the curious throng asked about the president. A smile light ing up his face which the inquirer mlstook for courtesy, and the gentleman said as he pointed to Mr. Brown, who was visible through the drawing-room window:
 T don't think the president can come out just yet, but that Is his brother you see through the window wonder"
 There was then mighty shout for Abner and the crowd swooped down on him. Mir. Brown hadn't an opportunity to say a word at this point. He was hustled out of the car on to the platform. Then the crowd be- gan shaking his hands. Women and children were largely in the ma jority. The former grasped his hand and the latter kissed him. Speech" speech" was then the cry carried down the line Urged on by his friends, Mir. Brown was forced to comply. He made the few customary opening remarks and then said something like this: q would have been the president of the United States now instead of my brother who is on the plat form up wonder with Booker Washington had it not been for one thing. The thing
 
 veloped in early manhood for strong drink My brother has never drank too much and I hope never will"
 Next he went on to eulogize his brother and compliment his Atlanta speech, being careful to endorse that part only, which re- fered to the graves of the confederate dead The women wept over the supposed Abners weakness and the handshaking was re- newed.
 At this juncture party of young ladies joined the crowd. One, typical southern girl who can appreciate joke as well as any one, took in the situation at a glance. She leaned up against friendly freight car for support and the pent up laughter ex- ploded.
 A rather elderly woman of the crowd grew suspicious at the young ladys actions. When she saw some of the alleged Abners friends were about to become convulsed her suspicious were confirmed. "Now, you all ought to be ashamed for deceiving lot of country folks this way" she exclaimed, looking at the counterfeit Abner.
 "You are a nice young lady to be a party to such deception" shesaid, turning to the unhappy girl.
 It's nothing to be proud off," she gave as a parting shout.
 MT. Brown saw the turn affairs were talk ing, and he thought discretion the better part of valor. The crowd was now an an gry mob, and he moved in haste toward the car. Bounding up the steps, his ability serv- ing him well, he disappeared inside and was seen no more until the thunder of can- non announced that the presidential train was nearing the cradle of the confed- eracy."
 This brings up the story told by Balti- more newspaper correspondent about being taken for Lieutenant Hobson s brother while on a train. The following conversa- tion led up to the climax: "There are some funny features of an aftermath sort in connection with the hap -- . |. - - - . - . - - . - . -