Omaha daily bee., 1902-03-27
BITS OF WASHINGTON LIFE.
Scenes and Incidents Sketched by
Artists on the Spot.

Scenes and sketched by
Artists on the Spot.
With characteristic generosity your Uncle
Sam provides modern comforts and modern
renovators for those who serve him we'll
and truly. To none Of his vast family lie
he as lavish as to membe of congress.
Not because he loves them more, but be-
cause when they press the button kicking
becomes a waste of precious energy. Be-
sides, the venerable u. S. has a reputation
to sustain. Being an easy mark" In many
respects, and having an abundance to
crafty all tastes, he yields gracefully and
never talks back. But the cares and re-
sponsibilities which congressman bear and
the wear and tear incident to drawing their
salaries touches a sympathetic chord, and
prompts the many provisions made to keep
congressional vitality at the top notch.
Electrical baths is the latest means adopted.
The electrical adjunct to the Legislative
baths is a comparatively recent addition,
and as yet seemingly few members have
learned of its wonderfully invigorating eff
feet on u tired legislator. Those who have,
however, are constant patrons, and the
state machine is creating for itself an en-
vlable reputation as a next morning" anti
dote. And for putting a member into con-
dition for a speech In the senate or house
| II has no equal.
The bath" generally proceeds in this
order: First, the chain shower'-two
round metal bars about eighteen inches
long are connected to the respective poles
Of the machine by a small brass chain.
The electrician holds a bar IN each hand
and holds his hands about three feet apart.
The chain connects the two by running
loosely through a metal loop near the far
end of the bars. When the current is
turned on the one operated on has a sem
sation as of a warm breeze blowing on him.
The "bath" is taken with all the clothing
on, but the breeze seems to penetrate 1t
as though there we're no obstruction. The
breeze soon changes to a warm, prickly
sensation. The hair begins to crackle like
a bunch of Chinese hrecrackers, and when
the current is suddenly allowed to descend
from the brass crown also there seems to
be a general confagration in progress,
However, there is nothing violent or I'M
pleasant experienced.
After the shower and head sprays, II the
statesman is in a bad way from the might
before" he takes a chair, and a glass bulb,
not unlike an electric light bulb, but with
the big end fat, is caressingly brought in
contact with his face and brow, and the
swelling banished. Meanwhile, the weary
statesman is given a tonic or two warranted
to remove the dark brown taste" and then
he is fit for song or speech or spoils.
When Senator Warren of Wyoming met
Senator Clark recently in the capitol lobby,
relates the New York Times, he suggested
adjourning to the senate restaurant for re-
freshment. Accepting the invitation. Sem
ator Clark observed. thoughtfully:
--@-l
is very plain. 1t is derived from two Latin
words, res, meaning a thing, and taurus,
meaning a bull. 1t means, of course. a
bully thing
The both drank cold tea in sorrowful
silence.
Poet and humorist combined is Repre-
sentative Gambler of Mississippi, reports the
Washington Post. The burden OF his song
is the Tombigbee river-not a poetical
name, but invested by Gambler with all the
attributes of sweetness and light.
Mr.. Gambler besought the house to spend
a few dollars improving the Tombigbee
river. Not only is it one of the oldest rivers
in the country, according TO Gambler, but 1t
has been travelling the even tenor Of its
way ever since 1t was discovered. II 1t can
only be opened to commerce.. there will be
L no ITOuDl6 70 navigate IT, loIb dSCoIuluk
to Gambler, there will be no storms to dis
turb, no ice to block, and the silvery moon
will light up the crystal waves by night
and the dazzling sun will lend it's
transcendent rays by day."
Mr.. Gambler told the house that 1.-The
J river moves as when the red man trod it's
banks and lies like the sleeping beauty OF
old, awaiting the magic touch Of improve
ment and progress to awaken 1t TO new
life" Mr.. Gambler appealed for the magic
touch, but the house voted against him
and the crystal waves of the Tombigbee
will not dash against the prows Of COM
merce.
The flying of flags over the capitol at
half-mast, says the Washington Star. is
regulated by the strictest rules. When
ever these flags are seen floating half way
down the mast it is a sure Indication that
a vice president, senator or representative
is lying dead. or that the action is taken In
response to a presidential proclamation
ordering the flags on public buildings at
half-mast in respect to the memory OF
some prominent Official OF the government
who has passed away. When the ser
geant-at-arms OF the senate or house Of
representatives learns Of the death Of a
member Of either Of those bodies they at
once order that the flags over the senate
chamber or hall Of representatives be half
masted. This is often done before the
houses Of congress themselves are oficially
notified OF the death. A good deal OF dis
; erection is exercised IN the manner OF plsc-
ing the news OF a death Of this kind ON
/ cially before the senate or the house.
Upon such announcement II is customary
for the houses to adjourn in respect to the
! deceased senator OF representative. and in
order that current business may not be
, stopped early in the day the announcement
is generally made Just before the houses
lare ready to conclude their days work