The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-04-04
STORIES OF A COMPOSITOR'S EXPERIENCE

made his debut in the Government employ
along in the early SOS, but became
separated from the office several years
later on account OF change in Admins
tration. He then departed for the Dako-
las, where he followed different occupa-
tions. namely. shoveIing snow ,helDed dig
out train that had been snowbound in
one of the storms Of that section). print
ing. and betimes taking a hand in base
hall
In the latter pastime ne had narrow
escape from an angry mob. Mr.. Tanner.
It appears. was engaged by a club to play
. game with a rival team from a neigh
boring town, and took the responsible po-
sition behind the bat. as he needed no
mask, and was good at kicking and coach
ing. The game progressed peaccably un-
iii the dnal inning. when. with his side at
the bat three men on bases and the op-
posing nine with one score to the good,
Bib" stepped up to the plate, took the
pole in hand and famed the air.
The opposing pitcher thereupon con-
graduated him. which looked suspicious
TO his companions. and raised their ire
TO such an extent that a rope was pur-
chased TO hang the catcher Tanner es-
capped by hiring a special train and getting
out OF town at once. He says this is a
true incident Of his career.
At another time. when he had not
enough money 30 take him to the next
Town, lie started to walk across the prai-
RE. when he spied a monster buffalo. with
HH G
any mansion. Mr. Tanner noticed this
and Immediately gave chase, running the
buffalo for iity-eight miles. when the ami
NAL had to succum5 from fatigue. Mr.
Tanner then picked up a stone and broke
Of the horns from the animals head. and
has them in his room now. This. he says.
IS also a true incident.
At enc time Mr.. Tanner organized
fire company in the Office Of the C. p. o.
from the new recruits coming from the
country Offices. One fellow was given his
station near the front OF the ONCE. and
was told by his chief that for the time
being a colored man would be his supe-
rior. TO whom he was expected 10 do
homage on all occasions. To this the new
member from the Southland demurred
and was told by his superior that for s.
he could resign his station, which Mr.
Tanner picked up at once. This is sim
ilarly vouched for.
A great many anecdotes could be given
Of Mr. Tanners career that would be in
teresting reading (and he says they are
true) 10 his many friends. He is Wild
over and withal general fsvorite.
Want to see Captain Ferree. eh." in
terrogatcd a Waterman near the door OF
the office Of the Auditor for the Treasury.
We'll. don't you know. / do believe that
young man is known TO everybody IN this
here town. Yes, sir; they come from
the National Guard, for he's a captain
now you know, and a powerful good one.
too. let me tell you, He made EN- hep
IN a straight line down the Avenue when
the Prince OF Prussia came TO town. And
Spanish war veterans Wei, they seem
20 think he's the main thing in Lawton
command BY the way, these Lawton
fellers are high steppers.' sure The
messenger 20 the Auditor says they're
dead swell guys and that Gen Henry
". Lawton in spirit and Henry W. Law
ton Command. No 80. Spanish War Vet
Grams in life are synonymous whatever
that means. 1 suppose It's all right
though, for the Captain is strictly all
right, with the Union label side up every
time He's another kind OF a veteran,
too. can tell YOU
Young fellow" said he taking hold Of
the lapel Of his interTiewer's coat, If you
could just lay your peppers on some Of
the beautiful young ladies that come here
TO see Captain Ferree you'd think he was
president Of the Good LOCKER Club or
Congressman without a family in town.
SAY. young man. this card reads
Evening Times Are you a reporter?
You arc2 We'll, gosh darn my buttons IL I
haven't been. likely as not. getting my
friend. The captain. into trouble. But you
won't print what I've said. will you2
Mo- Thanks; thank you. sir
You see. sir. the captain wouldn't
mind me tellin' about his National Guard
command. for he is proud CT his boys. and
has a nne company. everybody knows
that; nor that he is a crack sharpshoo
Neither about the Blue and the Gray
uniformed boys. either. You know he be-
longed 10 the First District Regiment. /
guess2 Well, 70 be sure. Those FetTee
boys were grand soldiers. and the people
here In the District knew il. too. when
the regiment came back and the bows in
the Drivates' uniform got to TALKING.
Sheridan Ferree was first sergeant Of
Company K. Captain Gleudie B. Young's
command Yes. sir: and you know he
must have been a fine soldier. or Colonel
Harries wouldn't have promoted him 10 a
second lientenantcy-of G Comp.5isv OF
course everybody round here knows mes
an obliging. painstaking, and proficient
clerk IL isn't any OF these things 1
mind you printing but IL The Times
should give away Captain Ferree's popu-
rarity vita the young ladies, all the fell
lows In the Office would be green eyed
sure, and
Never mind taking your card in?
Hows that You get all the what2 Per
Just then "OId Bull. on Thirteenth
street. blew the distress signaI-for the
factory hands 20 90 to work and which
also serves double purpose OF warning
the Government clerks 10 prepare for
lunch. and as numerous ladies and gen
tiemen wended their way elevator ana
doorward. ''fraternized and the inn
ploring voice Of the watchman died in the
distance.
One Of the most efficient employees in
the Pension once Is Mr.. John b Ward
OF the special examination division. He
IS a native OF New Jersey. and though
L.