The Washington times., 1901-12-29
PAGE In CONGRESS-
NOW LEADING ACTOR.
STUART ROBSON REMINISCENT.
Tells of the Giants OF His Days and
the scenes in which They Took
Pnrt-NeBster's Opposition
TO Extra Pay for Boys.

az was a boy Of eleven, living VITA my
parents III Baltimore" said stuart Rob
SON AT that time was Undetermined
whether to become great statesman or
a great actor Arthur Pue German, a
playmate, wanted me to become a states
man. while three other playma;es. Edwin
and John Wilkes Booth and John sleepe.
Clark. wanted me to become an actor.
After much deliberation Of my boylsb
minG / decided to 90 With German 20
Washington and embark upon political
career as a page IN Congress. had a
little influence; German a great deal. He
was speedily appointed, but hung around
for days, my prospects of obtaining the
position growing fainter and fainter. It
seemed that the fact came from the
south-Maryland- operating against
me and such men as Daniel Webster.
Charles Sumner. and William II. Seward
we're determined that no more Southern
boys should be made pages.
Toombs TO the Rescue.
Then it was that Toombs Of Georgia
came 30 my,rescue He learned that my
ancestors were all Georgians and that
settled it in his mind. He called Clay and
Calhoun and Davis to his aid and together
they went to the Doorkeeper. can re-
member to this day how Toombs lowered
over that covering official. He was a big
man. with a mighty voice.
This boys people came from Georgia.
sir he Numbered, and we demand his
appointment as a rage, sir. II he does not
u a..
and five minutes later was made a page
Of the House, and was later transferred
to the Senate. II is surprising that great
men should have made so much signih
cance Of trivial matter. such as the
appointment Of a page, at 81 a day, bur
It certainly anCered Webster and Seward.
and they never forgave Toombs, l he
always thought
Davis Handsome Man.
Jefferson Davis was always kind and
considerate, and with Henry Clay and
stephen A. Douglas. Was idolized by Us
boys. recall well The scene in the Sen
ate when Davis arose and announced the
withdrawal Of Mississippi from the Union.
That was years after had lost my politi-'
cal ambitions and had gone on the stage,
but I chanced to be in the Senate at the
time. II was the most dramatic scene
ever witnessed.
Davis was, from his waist up, the
handsomest man ! ever saw, but his legs
we're short. Seated, he appeared to be
man OF great heaght. On the day in
question, / saw him arise slowly from his
scat, and walk down the aisle. His face
was pale and his eyes were shaded by the
l. hu ha UEAs44Hgf
with his speech he grew vehement, and his
breast heaved conyulsiyely. There was
no sound in the crowded chamber save
for the thunderous tones OF his voice.
''You drove us TO this. he said, shaking
a trembling finger at Sumner and then at
Seward and 80 on. until he had included
in his deuunciation all the more prominent
Northern Senators. who. without oScep-
tion. twisted unoasily In their seats. When
he had finished the entire body OF the
Senate sat Ike a great inanimate mass.
It was not until Sumner arose that the
painful tension was relieved.
Clay. th. BEST Beloved.
''Clay. / .ihnk. was the most beloved
man In the Senate Little stephen a.
Douglas seemed TO fairly worship him,
personally. while they differed politically.
l>remeHDer seeing clay on lhe HoOT uuT-
ing debate. one arm about the neck OF
Douglas and the other thrown affection
ately about the shoulders OF Davis.
Webster was not we'll liked hut he was
greatly feared and respected. Clay won
many OF his victories because his col
leagues loved him. Webster brow-beat his
way to triumph.
"oHiy once do ] recall Webster over
reaching himself. 1t was at the close of
the Thirtieth Congress. and a bill mad been
introduced 10 appropriate $500 to each
page. Webster and Andrew johnson were
opposed to the measure, claiming we had
been paid all to which We were entitled.
by ruse we got johnson out OF the Sen
ate, but Webster was there to oppose.us
In our little grab. He was in quick tenn
per. III vote not one cent TO the little
rascals,' be cried. I have missed many
a gold pen and other articles from my
desk. They are a pack Of thieves. Clay
was on his feet in an instant
'' For shame. sir: for shame he shout
ed, to brand these worthy little fellows
as thieves. The State of Massachusetts
should blush for its senior Senator. move
a vote, and so saying he sat down and the
bill went through with a rush. Had Web
OF. ly..r..~ II E1. ~.