St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-09-03
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Especial Correspondence


that has been undertaken since the ex-
ncntiye mansion was almost entirely
rebuilt in 1915, after being burned by
the British on the night of Aug "a,
1914. In rearranging the partitions
and rebuilding the inner walls the
workmen have torn away portions Of
the oldest part Of the building, remov-
inc a quantity of old hand split laths,
guch as were made by the early set
Hers of America and used in the build
Inc when it was first erected in 1892.
People are anxious for souvenirs, but
somehow bricks and hand split laths
are lust trife awkward and not alto
gether slightly. The old hand split
iaths are all of yellow pine, of the kind
one finds growing throughout the low
seacoast belt from Maryland to Texas,
and are so we'll seasoned that many of
them are almost as hard as flint.
There was, in fact, quite a rush Of
souvenir hunters when the contractors
first began work, many of them re-
manning on the spot to witness the
tearing down Of certain parts in order
TO make sure of the genuineness Of
their relics.
Colonel Cook, the disbursing officer,
claims to have secured the board of
the floor upon which President Lincoln
stood when first inaugurated and ad
dressing his advisers, from which he
has had a cane made. Persons who
visit the scene Of operations leave 1t
carrying away nails, laths, pieces Of
plank and other rubbish.
At the start some were very greedy
and would not leave until they had ev-
cry pocket crammed full, while others
made a practice of holding up the
wheelbarrow men and scattering their
loads along the pathway by delving in
the rubbish which they were wheeling
out. The prizes most in favor were the
gilt ceiling and mural decorations, and
several very lively contests ensued over
the possession Of such material. This
became such a nuisance that Superin-
tendent French decided to exclude peo-
pie from the yard and house. At pres
ent no one can enter without permits
sion from him.
Not to Annoy Titled Foreigners.
When the next titled foreigner visits
the United States, coming on one of
the regular liners, he will not be an
noyed by the immigration officers with
such questions as, Are you suffering
from any contagious or infectious dis
ease?" or "Have you ever been in Jail,
my lord?' The officials are impressed
with the essential righteousness Of
some of the queries which have been
put to first and second cabin paSsen-
gers during the last few weeks under
the rules and regulations enforced by
the immigration authorities at New
York. and a reform is proposed.
William Williams, commissioner Of
immigration at New York, has written
q circular letter, which it is proposed
to send to the agents of all the steam
ship lines entering that port. This let
ter will be submitted to Secretary
Shaw as soon as that official returns
to Washington from his trip to New
England. 1t consists of permanent in
structions, describing what the officers
of the ocean liners are expected to dc
In the way of filling out the blank
forms furnished by the immigration
bureau.
Told of Recruits.
A Washington boy, son OF wei
known official Of the district govern
ment, is home for brief visit from his
station at Columbus barracks Ohio, he
being a second lieutenant in the Un1teC
States army. A large number of re
cruits are being clicked into shape" a
Columbus barracks and the young of
ficer has q store Of amusing anecdotes
relating to the rockies"
One Of the recruits was walking pos
as a sentinel when he was approached
by the officer Of the day and asked t.
repeat his instructions. The reply was
walk this post, keep always on tn
alert, and don't let any dis-re-pute
able people in, except officers wive
and families"
Another sentinel, in reciting his In
structions, said:
81 must not let any children go out
side the post alone, unless accompanied
by their mothers or nurses"
Secretary Knox's Mail.
privata Secrntarv Long. who so Ell
fciently fills the position Of conddentia
man to Attorney General Knox, is ge1
ting an idea of the real value of news
paper advertising. A few weeks az
a syndicate story was published l
many newspapers throughout the coul
try, giving a bright biography of tt
life and career of Mr.. Knox. 1t pa
ticularly dwelt upon his generous cha
acteristics and the great amount
money he has given to charitable pu
poses.
Ever since the publication of the a
ticle deluge of letters addressed to tt
attorney general has reached the d
partment of Justice. The attorney ge
eral is away for his vacation and hi
not seen any Of them, so far, and M
Long has been able to write to all
the correspondents saying that the
sence of the attorney general proven
any determination of the requests the
make. 1t is needless to say that all
the letters are of begging nature, al
nil