The leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1895-1905, 1902-05-07
WASHINGTON LETTER
Especial correspondence.1


war came on and the press of public
business became so great that Presi-
dent Mckinley scarcely had time to
sleep, he discontinued these recep-
lions, and they have not been resumed
until recently. Now each day Mr..
Roosevelt makes his way to the gor-
geous east room, where he meets all
visitors. Frequently he will shake
hands with COO or 700 persons in a day.
These receptions give an excellent OPP
portunity for an extended study of the
president at close range.
The other day the principal of q New
York private school led about twenty
of his pupils into the east room.
stand them in a row." ordered the
president as soon as he saw the teach
er and his charges. This was done,
and Nr. Roosevelt passed down the
row, grasping one boys hand with his
right and that of the next boy with
his left hand, exactly as does the
dancer of a quadrille in the grand
right and left. After he had greeted
each boy in this way he faced the
line. The young visitors looked ex-
pectant.
do all of you boys belong TO a base
ball nineT" asked the president.
Twenty mouths were stretched from
ear to ear, and twenty heads ducked
in assent.
That's good" said the president,
and he turned on his heel without CIV
Ing his youthful visitors a word about
patriotism or the glorious country in
which they were privileged to live.
The Professors Pleasant Hour.
AS Professor Willis Moore, chief of
the United States weather bureau, was
coming from Chicago recently he en-
gagged in conversation with q party of
passengers in the smoking compart-
ment of sleeper. Among the things
discussed were the weather prognosti-
Gators. Professor Moore heard his bu-
reau severely criticised. One man said
the weather bureau men didn't know q
thing about what would happen; anoth-
er asserted that 1t was all guesswork,
and SO on. Professor Moore began to
wonder why Uncle Sam was paying
him salary. AS the train neared
Washington all except Professor Moore
disclosed the nature of their business.
Just as the professor was leaving the
car one Of his travelling companions
said:
"See here, you have not told us what
business you are in"
Professor Moore fshed out card
and handed it to the inquirer, who
read:
willis Moore, chief United States
weather bureau"
Poor Fellows In Distress.
Every time a congressman arises in
the house nowadays and asks for an in
definite leave of absence because Of
important business" significant smiles
are exchanged among the members
who have their nominations nailed
down and clinched. At this season of
the year when the congressional con-
ventions are being held important
business" almost invariably means the
congressman who has it also has trou-
BILE in his district which is sufficiently
serious to make his presence on the
ground imperative.
Another poor fellow in Distress"
whispers Clerk Mckee to the speaker,
and the latter gives a good luck to you
affirmative nod to the petitioning men,
Der, who goes away happy.
But One Diamond.
According to a report just made to
the division Of mining and mineral re-
sources of the United States geological
survey, $2S9,050 worth of precious
stones was produced in this country in
1901. The turquoise led the list. Seven
companies are now actively engaged in
mining this class of stones, and the
output last gear amounted to $11S000.
New Mexico is the chief source Of the
supply. The report shows that but one
diamond was found. That solitary gem
Was picked up in Lee county, Ga.
Mr.. Cochran Will Explain.
If there are any Irishmen in the dis
trict of Representative Cochran of
Missouri. he will have to do something
If he seeks reelection. The other day
he was telling the house how the Chi
namen in New York city live. "You
go into an underground apartment"
he said. "All around the room are
shelves divided into little compart-
ments. For moment you think you
are in library. Now, in every one
OF those little places an Irishman
sleeps"
The roar OF laughter that interrupt
ed hIr. Cochran informed him that he
had made some kind of a break, and
he quickly substituted "Chinaman" for
freshman"
Rear Admiral CoskIan.
Captain Joseph B. Coghlan of the ma
Wy became q rear admiral on April IL,
when Rear Admiral Farquhar retired
| from the active list. Captain Coghlan
commanded the Raleigh, which fired
the first shot at the battle of Manila
Bay, and is jolly, blithe old sailor,
whom everybody likes, although he
has been drawn into several scrapes
with the department by his freedom4of
tongue.
Jones Will Be Missed.
| Senator James X. Jones of Arkansas
will be missed greatly in Washington.
He served two terms in congress be-
| AOAS NC tOOh Ills SSdL III lnS SShotS Al
1885. He is tall, dignified and of COM
handing presence, and his dress as
we'll as his every motion brings to
mind the type of southern gentleman
that is fast disappearing. Strange as
| it may seem, because of his intense
partisanship, he has as many friends
among the Republican senators as
among the Democratic.
CARL SCHOFIELD.
EARLY CLOSING.
| For the purpose Of giving ourselves and en-
ployes few hours recreation during the Sum
mer months, We, the undersigned merchants