Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1901-03-07
WASHINGTON LETTER.
lectures 10 Middies Precedence
Among Coachmen-Berths In the
Navy Go Begging.

Especial Correspondence
The navy department has had under
consideration for some time the project
OF instituting IA series of lectures at the
Naval academy TO be delivered by men
eminent in their profession or business
and designed TO bring the naval cadets
into close touch with the world outside.
The plan has contemplated the deliv-
cry OF three or four lectures only dur
ing the term. 1t is with great difficulty
that time can be found for this small
In view can best be accomplished by
making the visit of the lecturer an
event of special Importance.
The first lecture will be delivered by
President Tucker Of Dartmouth college
on the evening of March s.
The naval cadets are expected TO
gain much from thus meeting In person
and listening to leader of thought or
activity in the political, educational or
business world. The experiment will be
watched with great interest, and II is
hoped that 1t may come in time TO form
a most important feature OF the educa-
ton at Annapolis.
Precedence Among Coachmen.
The coachmen of Washington had a
ball the other night. The rules OF So
cial precedence are strictly observed at
these functions. The Washington
coachmen drive famous people, and
they rank as their employers rank.
For instance Mr.. William Blatcher,
the coachman for Secretary Hay, takes
and took precedence over Mr. Henry
Il. Petit, the coachman for Secretary
Root. And Mr. James Campbell, the
coachman for Senator Chauncey De-
pew. comes behind Mr.. James Smith.
the coachman for Secretary Wilson.
The men who drive the horses of all
the cabinet members, senators. repre-
sentatives and government officials
were there with the exception of Mr..
William Biglin. the coachman for Lord
Pauncefote. the British ambassador.
Owing TO the recent death of Queen
Victoria Mr. Biglin was forced to fore
go the gayeties of the evening.
Navy Berths Go Begging.
The medical corps of the navy is
experiencing considerable trouble in
securing young physicians who are
willing 10 accept appointments as as
sistant surgeons.
AS soon as the applicants learn of the
prospects for advancement they reply
that they prefer TO enter the service
of the army, where there is promise
OF brighter future. An assistant
surgeon in the navy is a lieutenant in
the junior grade.
There are at present 10 vacancies in
the corps, and two more will occur
during the year by the retirement Of
Medical Director w. X. Schotield,
senior officer of the medical corps, and
Medical Director j. G.. Ayers. Surgeon
General Van Reypen says IL is impos-
sible to lower the standard. and in or
der to get efficient men it will be nee
essary for congress TO offer better in
ducements than exist at present.
One on Justice Harlan.
Justice Harlan of the supreme court
is the most democratic of all the
Judges He will talk to anybody who
will talk TO him and Is not too dignitied
10 laugh AT joke. especially If the
joke be upon himself.
one of the best jokes upon the judge
was the remark of a local lawyer at
the Loyal Legion banquet few nights
ago after Harlan had made speech.
1--WE have listened TO the eloquent JUS
tice." said the lawyer. land now that
he has finished we cannot tell whether
his speech is an obter dictum or an
obter drinkum"
The guests around the banquet room
laughed heartily. but none more than
Justice Harlan, who told the lawyer
that If he wasn't careful he would be
summoned for contempt.
The Blind Chaplain.
Rev. Henry ~ Couden. the blind
chaplain Of the house, is always led TO
the capitol by his wife. Just before
noon each day the venerable pair come
along East Capitol street arm in arm.
There is nothing about Mr. Couden to
Indicate that he is blind. He is spright-
~ despite his age. Mrs. Couden is one
of the sweetest and most benevolent
looking women IN Washington. She is
a devoted attendant on her husband,
who seems perfectly happy despite his
affection.
Thomas l.. Turnipseed is the unique
name of the beneficiary in a private
pension law that was recently passed
by congress and approved by President
Mckinley Private Turnipseeds name
goes on the pension roll for $l2
month as late OF Captain b. T. FL
more's company, South Carolina volun-
teers. Florida Indian war"
When Senator Morgan was speaking
in the senate, some one suggested that
a quorum of the senate ought to be
present.
Don't call 1t on my account" said
Morgan. with smile. 81 always feel
as II there were a quorum in the SEN
ate when am here"
CARL SCHoFIELD.
BIoOdhounds For Railway Service.