New-York tribune., 1901-09-22
QUAINT SAN HOUSTON.
AMUSING STORY OF THE FAMOUS TENAN
WHEN HE WAS IN THE SENATE.

w
RecolIections of Galusha A. Grow. in the satur
day Post
General Sam Houston, of Texas the
most picturesque figure in the Senate during my
first years of service at the Capitol Like zen
ton. he was very fond of young men ana so1.l
came to count me as "one OF the boys oiiiE
those who youngsters in the fortles can
realize the interest people felt in Houston III 'ie
days when his part in the struggle Tor the IN
dependence of Texas still fresh in the pub
lie mind. Visitors to the Senate chamber IN
varably asked to have him pointed out to tEen
and they never disappointed in their hero
for he was large of frame, of stately carriage
and dgnfed demeanor and had a loniiKe
countenance.
now and then appear at the Capitol wearing a
vast and showy sombrero and Mexican
blanket, sort of ornamental bed quit Win a
slit in the middle through which the weaTer $
head was thrust, leaving the blanket TO hdnS
in folds around the body. His principal en-
ployment in the Senate whiting pine
sticks of which he seemed to have an unlimited
supply. 1t only at rare Intervals that re
broke silence. but when he did speak ne 'lw lys
proved himself capable OF contributing his quota
of sound and patriotic advice to the deiibera-
tions OF the Senate.
No passage in Houstons career was nouer ,'I't
than the heroic stand against disunlon NElCh
marked its close while OF his kindness OF
nature and generous helpfulness to those in oIs-
tress could recall stories sufhcleht 10 HI Il
volume.
Near Quincy H.. there a stretch OF
country known the Indian tract 10 w.lich
al
thereon careless pioneer brood, failed 10
search out. one OF them called upon William
a. Richardson. long a member OF the House
from the Quincy district and subsequently a
Senator from his State. conhded to hin thdt ne
had inadvertently settled upon 100 acres OF
Houston's land and that all ne was worth stood
in improvements on it, He wanted Richardson
To see Houston and make the best terms that nc
could. Richardson upon his return To WASH
ington told Houston the story and asked "hat
he would take for "A quitClaim deed to the IL"
acres.
what sort of a man is this constituent of
yours who has blundered upon my iand aSk''
Houston.
"A good square honest man was the reply
When turn him off my land reckon he and
his family will be heggars:
Richardson nodded
What's this farm worth now" asked
Houston. ,o
what was the bare place worth when you
fellows went it, Guerici Houston.
About 50 an acre, SNp IN all, answered
Richardson.
Coed fellow. this man Of yours. Richardson? ??
This after moments th"ught.
BEST in the world. said Richardson.
Tel him to send me $500 and III make him
In due time the $3.50 reached Washington in
/ the shape Of a New-York draft. Richardson
sought Houston. who. having executed decd
took the draft and indorsed it,
You say this man OF yours is Il good fellow I"
he asked. thoughtfully.
couldn't be better one, was the einDhatlt
answer
Houston has changed his mind. What can you
! buy a good saddle horse for in that country
He was told that 5000 would do IL We'll
+ then" said Houston. write to your friend and
tell him to buy first class saddle horse, about
four years old. and keen him for me. When
Congress adjourns will go home with you and
ride the horse down 10 Texas
! Without delay the man in Illinois received
back his draft and bought saddle horse the