The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1899-10-27
STORIES FROM THE SENATE.
to Put on the Gloves with
Jem Mace.


Old attaches of the United States SEN
ate like to tell stories of the palmy days
of Senator Pomeroy, "Old Pom" OF
Kansas, and Zach Chandler, of Michi-
gan. Chandler was more of a practical
joker than story teller. Roscoe Conk-
ling, being much younger man and in
almost constant training, subjected
Chandler to some severe drubbings in
their friendly bouts with the gloves.
Once Chandler invited Conkling to
dine with him, his family being away
at the time, and at table he was intro
duced to mild-mannered, well-built
man who seemed to be somewhat en-
barrassed by his environment, and ven
tured not a word beyond the most COM
monplace expressions. Conkling con-
cluded that the stranger was back
woods constituent and, beyond the COM
mon civilities, ceased to address him.
After dinner they repaired to the bill
lard room, and presently old Zach and
Conkling, as usual, put on the mittens.
Conkling was in high spirits and seemed
to enjoy himself immensely in knocking
his old friend all around the room.
Chandler soon cried enough, and in
timated that his other guest might be
disposed to join Conkling in a bout.
The stranger jumped at the suggestion
and donned the gloves. Some awk-
wardness was shown by the newcomer,
although he seemed quite spry upon
his feet. Conkling caught him heavy
blow upon the chest which staggered
him, followed by an upper cut that
missed its purpose, and he caught in re-
turn blow on the point of the chin
that landed him fat on his back. Throw
ing back his curls, he was up in an
instant and rushed on his antagonist,
full of fire and Indignation, intending
to give him settler. Instead, he was
turned upside down by a left-hand blow
on the neck that came with trip-ham-
mer force. AS he slowly raised himself,
he caught sight of his host doubled up
with laughter, rolling on settee in
the corner of the room. Without say
ing word, he removed the gloves and
stalked out of the house. AT dinner
party next night, Chandler related how
he had engaged Jem Mace, the cham
pion heavyweight pugilist of England,
then exhibiting in this country, to
meet his friend Conkling, and the re-
suit of the interview. For few days
Conkling was boiling mad, but the fun
of the situation was too much, and he
gave in and joined in the laugh.
Senator Pomeroy used to tell of
L. ho cd
himself upon the stump after Lincoln's
second nomination and who demanded
recognition of the party for his serv-
ices during the campaign. He said he
would like to be sent as minister plenl-
potentiary to England or France, and
when told that it was impossible, in
sisted on being appointed consul at Liv-
be" considered that equally preposter-
Gus, he was quite offended at what
he considered lack of appreciation of
his services in state that nothing
could have turned against the republic
ans. Finally, Senator Pomeroy said to
him: "Pm going to Washington in
about two weeks time-think the mat
ter over, and if you should light on
something in reason, I'll aid you in get
ting it, In ten days he called on the
senator again, his head still away up
in the clouds, and being assured of the
impossibility of getting what he
thought was about his due, said:
Senator, can't you think of some
place that will suit me?"
"Yes," said Pomeroy, ''Fve thought
of place that would suit you and that
you would suit, and that there is pos
sibility of getting for you. It's an In
dian agency.
can Indian agency? What's that?"
queried the preacher.
''Well, you are to look after the well
fare of our red brothers and see that
their supplies are properly and honestly
delivered to them"
''What is it worth?"
'Fifteen hundred dollars and per-
quisites," returned the senator.
Perquisites-what perquisites?"
''Well, you see, my friend, the govern
ment contracts for so many head of
beef cattle averaging about so many
pounds. Now, in delivering these cat
tie, they are counted while being driven
into an Enclosure, and if a yearling
should happen to slip in now and then,
youa not to make too much fuss about
it, and there you will find your per-
quisites. Think it overt"
'I'll take it," said the reverend gem
tleman. 'I've already thought it over,
and do you know, senator, L think veal
is blamed sight better than beef for
Indians, anyway : Chicago Inter
Ocean.