The Van Buren press., 1899-04-29
WHEN DEWEY =
- WAS A BOY.
Inciacnfs Of the faEthful DzYs Of
tze Hero q Manila.
.~~~~~>-

S- ii EAIc HEA = / NAc kaatAtE u
| the admiral. while earning the
means with which 70 pay for his pro-
fessional training by teaching school
In Vermont acquired habits Of economy
which cluug to him through life.
After his marriage and establishment
in Montpelier, a large family eonnee-
ton living in his native town. Berlin.
four miles distant, fell into a way when
business called them 10 the capital OF
stopping with their teams at his house.
The doctor stood It for time in 81
Ienee. but On a certain market day his
patience suddenly gave way. and meet
ine his guests at the gate he directed
them to a hotel in an adjacent square,
where he assured them they would find
better accommodations than he could
furnish and at current rates
Prom this incident, which he fire.
enently related, he dated his prosper
IL. He had always high sense Of his
religious obligations. however. and was.
indeed. the founder Of Christ Prot
estant Episcopal church in Montpelier,
where his distinguished son vas bap-
tized, attended Sunday school and was
confirmed. and which became the eccle-
siasfical home OF the family. The house
which he occupied. and in which all Of
HE children were born, was originally
exceedingly small, but was several
times added TO.
Within the last ,xo OF three years.
wishing 70 replace this modest struc-
ture with handsomer, more modern
eslIfice, Edward Dewey. the second son,
sold the dwelling and barn lrefaining
the grounds1 for $50. Three days aft
erwaris the buildings were ressld for
500. the last purchaser. who paid the
cost of removal. placing them On lot
on State street.
Since the battle Of Manila this house,
as the birthplace and early home Of its
hero. has been an object of interest TO
tourists and relic hunters The latter.
indeed. have threatened to carry it
away pi.-cemeal. a souvenir fiend in one
instance yrenching of a silver-plated
faucet, and leaving the water running
in the bathroom with the pressure of
the fun system of l5s pounds
OF Characteristic stories of Dewey
many are preserved in the mental ar
chiyes of those who were his eompan-
ions in the boyish escapades Of which
he was the instigator. and in which he
always played prominent part.
-.
graphically portrayed by one OF these
brings eividly before US a delightful
trari-comedv. with the dramatis per-
sonae and stage setting of front yard
and sine-clad cottage.
As the two children were at play one
morning a lady, with the indubitable
tcoihache symptoms of swollen face
ard hand pressed to cheek, slighted
from vehicle before the gate and asked
10 see the doctor. Deciding to apply
the only infallible remedy, and wishing
10 get the best light upon his patient.
that gentleman asked that she would
take her seat in the front doorway,
resting her feet on the upper step. But
here a new difficulty arose. The i'm
provised dental chair provided no sup
port for the head, and summoning the
little visitor the operator directed him
10 stand behind her. put his hands on
either side Of her face. and let her brace
herself against his shoulder.
Il did as I was told" continued the
narrator, -but at the FIRST twist Of the
old-fashioned turnkey the patient ut
tered yell which. never having heard
an Indian war-whOop, thrilled ne Tith
horror, and. deserting my post. I fed
IN dismay. In an instant George was in
Iny place. and can see now the sci look
OF determination upon his face and the
Iesolute pose Of bis sturdy little figure.
a. with the lady's head pillowed Upon
his breast he grasped an ear firmly with
either small hand.
When the tooth was out and we were
again alone he endeavored 10 convince
me that 'woman's screams couldn't
hurt but had my opinion on the sub
ject, which logic failed 10 alter
On another occasion when the two
boys had come into possession Of a bot
lie Of maple sirup they agreed to 20 TO
theschoOlhouse. where fire stim burned
in the stove and sugar it."
Upon their arrival they happened 10
Try the door leading 10 an upper room.
and finding il fast. although there was
no lock upon il. they concluded that il
was being held by some intruder. who.
intent upon mischief. had concealed
himself within. They called several
times, and, receiving no answer. retired
TO a convenient distance and Held a
council Of war, when George. as facitlv
Acknowledged organizer. decided that
they would get into the upper window
by climbing upon a shed roof. and dis
lodge the enemy.
You get q club from the Toodpile.~
be said, -and l." unclasping i4. and
slipping il into the breast pocket Of his
little spencer, ''win take nv knife.
Let ne go first. and if there are two Of
them you can club one while I finish
tie other"
All Tins vas as real 10 US then said
my informant, -as was the battle at
Manila aftnr=-ard n hin. ". -.