Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-08-13
TREASURY CLOCK WINDER.

The Washington correspondent OF
the New York Evening Post writes:
Down in the bowels of the Treas
ury building is the shop of the clock-
Wlrder Of tue department. The person
VINO has filled this Office for number
Of years is venerable and distinguished
looking, of pOrtly build, and with white
side whiskers. AS there are several
nundred clocks in the building, his
task is no sinecure. The dignity of his
department is the subject of remark
with all who see him, and has given
rise to many tales which have at least o
oasis of TACT underneath their fanciful
embroidery 1t is related, for example,
of x-Asslstant Secretary Hsmlin, that
soon after he came to Washington, and
before he had become personally &C
quainted with many of its dignitaries,
-ome one told him one day that the
British Ambassador was making per-
sonsl inquiry into the methods OF our
customs service for report to bis gov
ernment, and would call presently at
The department. Soon after this a
man of the proper years and elevation
of aspect, and wearing the white
'galways,' which stage traditions have
made inseparable from the Eng glishmaD
IF rank, entered the office, end MIR.
Hsmlin made the most hospitable over
lures OF welcome. These advances were
cordially met, but ihe Assistant Secre-
tary vas somewhat startled when the
visitor, Instead OF accepting the chair
offered him, moved toward the maDlel
and proceeded to wind the clock. Mr..
Vanderlip is said TO have escaped some
Shat more easily, but noC entirely ut-
scathed. 1t was during his first week
% office, when hundreds OF persons,
with as many different errands in hand,
poured in upon him. The clock -winder,
who had called at the beginning of the
week, came again at its END, and Mr.
Vanderiip was sorely puzzled. His
visitors face and general appearance
aad made distinct impression upon
nin, tut at their second meeting he
could not recall the circumstance of the
first one. The clock-winder looked So
much like a prosperous business man
hat Mr.. Vanderlip concluded that
ae must be either Senator or one oil
he tuanciers who had dropped 10 few
days before TO talk bOndt; so be graspeO
his hand, and warmed him with a smile
which would answer with either alter
natiVe. 'pm glad 10 have met you,
said the visitor, returning bo;h hand
shake and smile, and now, with your
permission, will proceed to business.
OF course-of course responded tbs
Assistant Secretary, genially; pray be
seated But the old gentleman shak-
ing his head as his host made q gesture
toward the sofa, said quietly: My busi-
ness is with your timepiece.' And out
came his key. The fact that the clock
winder is deaf increases the opportunity
for misundersIandlugs"
The time-keeper referred to is one
of our best known and iovisl citizens.
several years ago he was on the floor
Of the u. s. Senate. That body was
about to be called to order and the at
tendants were clearing the floor of visi'
tore. The time keeper was about to &C
out with the crowd when the Vice Pres :
Dent mistook him for prominent Gov
srnor. and called ou, The Governor
of West Vlrgioia has the privilege OF
the floor" and the time-keeper remain
ed.