Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-23
AN OBSTINATE DOORKEEPER.
Exnspernting Experience of the
Governor of West Virginia.
Cincinnati Enquirer.)

Governor George Wesley Atkinson, oil
| West Virginia, arrived in Cincinnati last
evening at 7:45 o'clock to take part in the
| exercises OF the Grand Army encamp-
ment. He left Charleston at $40 r. NJ.
| the train on the Chesapeake and Ohio
road being three hours late when II ar
rived at Charleston. and about that much
late when 1t reached Cincinnati.
Governor Atkinson was down on the
programme FOR a speech at the big camp
fire in Music Hall last night. But the
Governor didn't speak. That is, he MADE
no remarks to the immense audience
which had gathered in the hall But ne
said a few things at the main entrance
10 the hall and a good many more when
he got into the West Virginia headquar-
ters. Room 103, Grand Hotel.
The Governor couldn't get into the hall.
He wasn't a veteran and he had no tick
ct. and tho doorkeeper didn't care a con-
tinental If he was a Governor or a state
or half dozen States.
The story Of the turning down or
governor. Of an honored guest, Of an ex-
pected speaker, and of an individual VINO
has a national reputation by person
given a little brief authority is pest told
in Governor AtkinsOn's own words.
Because the train was late said
"A
friends in the West Virginia headqudr-
tiers. II didn't stop to get anything 10
eat after l registered at the hotel. L Hur-
ried over to Music Hall as fast my Iess
would take me, for the reason that l We
down for a speech, and didn't want 10
disappoint the committee or the audience.
| had telegraphed to Chairman Mensh
that the train was late, but that 1 Would
arrive in time, yet there was no one d.
the station or the hotel TO meet me.
tVNn
any one after / arrived; or. In fact;
didn't deem IT necessary. L thought al 1
had to do was to 90 over TO the nan, anu
to get there as quickly as could.
Gentlemen. 1 have occasionally peen
IN nositions where / had TO meet officers
lower in authority than myself ana once
in awhile l have observed disposition
unon the part of a subordinate 10 eNdg-
oerate his importance, but l never ran
across a man quite the equal or that
when went up to the door, with tns
intention of passing in, that doorkeeper
stopped me. ] expected that, ana Elk
nlained to him that my name was Athln-
SON. and that / was one of the speakers
for the evening. .,.,...o, ho ,s,,ed
Where's your ticketF ne asheu'
az have no ticket | replied.
care YOU a veteran? was his next
question. IL. ,ooorse
I was too young to go into the army TN NV
did lie about my age ana eillIst' pul hs
father nulled me out before l could doh
a uniform. l told him. .-, ,,o,,
"'Xell. if YOU are not veteran, you
can't get in here without a TICKET III.
sisted the doorkeeper. GU couiun ,.,.a,'5
in here without a ticket Tor a thous1hu
".But. my dear sir said, I haven't
got a ticket, don't know where to get one,
and haven't time to get one even II
knew where to get IT.. -,. 3,
lyon can get a ticket easy enough IL
vou are entitled to one by going over 10
headauarters at Fourth and Race streets
replied the doorkeeper.
"Then L showed the man my lnVitauoh
from Mr.. Melish," Governor Atkinson
continued. "but it was no go me door,
keeper said the invitation might De an
right. but that it was no good WITHOUT
a ticket. .r 5,dr,t
want to confess IL before told the uoot
keeper. but L am Governor OF a SIaIe'
{" THE HI you are! was the reply.
"Yes. I am Governor Atkinson, OF
West Virginia. | replied, ana came
here primed for a speech; in fact, l am |
of a speech, and want to get |
it off,
"'Well. you might be the Governor of |
West Virginia or of ten States. but you |
can't get in here without a ticket, ne |
said. and 1 concluded he meant 1t.
Gentlemen, didn't go into Music Hall
That speech / didn't make is weighing |
upon me- / was sick, anyhow. before l |
started, and my experience tonight has |
not made me any better | think I'll go
home the first thing tomorrow"