The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1901-05-09

PRIVATE JOHN ALLEN.

+ PRIVATE JOHN ALLEN.
Former CONGRESSMAN From Missis-
sipn in Savannah.
GOOD STORIES or BIG MEN,
Savannah Morning News.
Private John Allen, sometime-quite
some tlme-representative in Congress
from the State of Mississippi, at pres
ent member of the st. Louis Exposi-
ton Commission, ever and always
prince of good fellows and man of the
Morld; albeit he halls from Tupelo, il
in Savarnah.
He reached the city yesterday morn
ing end is e guest OF Hon. F. G. duBig-
non. At Mr.. duBignon's hospitable
home, Mr.. Allen found Senator Steve
Clay, of Georgia, known by him OF
old, when and before the time they
were in Congress together. Mr.. du-
Bignon's friendship with both had its
beginning at no later date, and the
foregathering of these three was very
delightful incident to all.
Mr.. Allen was eeen last night by a
Morning News reporter, and for half an
hour or more talked in vsln altogether
characteristic of the man. His is a
most attractive and winning personali-
ty. and no long acquaintance with him
is necessary to understand the feelings
that prompted the unprecedented ex-
pressions Of regret and good WILL from
those OF every shade OF political belief
that marked the closing scene of his
career in the House.
"Well," said Mr.. Allen,"I don't know
that I have anything particularly in
teresting to say. I am reminded just
now of an old fellow with whom /
served several terms in Congress, to
whom the white glare OF publicity was
the one thing always needful and news
paper praise like the SAVIOR of sweet
ointments in his nostrils.
"He was on good terms with the
newspaper men in Washington and al
ways most accommodating in furnish
ing them with news for the papers that
circulated in his State. In the news
that he furnished, it may be added,
there was usually some incidental ref
erence TO himself. s-@
'sHe came out of the door of the
House one day, and one of the boys
stopped him.
Governor, isn't there something
new you can tell me?'
Well, yes,' was the reply, there is
something. You may say that you met
me coming out of the Office of the Sec
retary OF the Treasury-of course, you
OlOu =, Out tudt uO0Su mdAo any uII-
ference, and that told you that bad
just had an hours conversation with
the Secretary-of course, I haven't but
that's an incident, and that while /
was not willing to disclose the nature
OF the conference, you are authorized
to say that the result was entirely sat-
isfac.ory.'
II sometimes fear" said Mr.. Allen,
sadly, "that there are good many
newspaper interviews that are con-
structed on the same PLAN"
: He said that his retirement from
politics, so tar as his belief in the mat
ter extended, was permanent. and that
he never intended to enter the arena
again.
However" he added, II have not
made anybody, not even myself, any
promises" What time he can spare
from the performance of his duties as
a member of the st. Louis Exposition
Commission, he intends to devote to
the practice of law.
"But," be said, quizzicaHy, II don't
know whether I can practice law or
not. I have been SO long in Congress, I
am afraid my grasp OF the subject has
become tr1f1e slack. Not long ago /
was in New York and dropped In to see
ex-Speaker Reed. He was telling me
about case which be had recently
tried, which involved a good many
facts. Well, said, I'm pretty sure
you'll bc able to handle the facts all
right, but how about the law?' Then
told him this story. It IS one Sena-
tor Vance used to tell on himself:
Hall dozen men of one OF the little
country towns in North Carolina, were
sitting about the stoye in the store, as
men In country towns will. and another
habit of theirs, discussing the abilities
of the members of tie bar of the cir
cult. Each member Of the circle had