New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-20
NEW SENATE CHAPLAIN
Some Characteristic anecdotes of
DR.. Edrard Everett Hale.

Boston. Dec 10 (speciaD.-The comforting Of the
honor OF chaplain Of the United States Senate upon
the Rev. DR.. Edward Everett Hale Of this city
has resulted in deuge of complimentary letters
and kilograms attesting his popularity on the two
hernspheres
Perhaps no person was more surprised at the
magnitude of this testimonial than the aged preach
er and it is related that with the reception Of the
first batch OF congratulations he expressed his grea
pleasure
Really, he said to an intimate friend Z thought
I had long ago been forgotten by my few admirers
I have done nothing TO merit this attention" The
letters continued 10 arrive in such quantities that
it became an inpossibility TO send acceptances TO
all the wellwishers. and the friend found him
the next day buried in monumental heap of cor
respondence.
Fame may have its advantages" said the doctor
as he helplessly gazed about him; but il this is
fame. then I must say fame has its disadvautag es
also"
man OF the prominence OF DR.. Hale cannot
avoid the association Of many humorous and
pathetic incidents that mark different epochs in a
clerical lfe and frequently they criticism of
themselves and methods that are far from cheer
ing or productive of mental exhilaration.
DR., Hale had this point forcbly illustrated to him
on journey a small town in the western part
of Massachusetts, where he was scheduled to de-
liver lecture, The train bowled along to a point
one station distant from his destination and there
stopped to take board a small party evidently
bound the lecture hall This was made known
by their frequent reference to the doctor and their
criticisms hurled about with a freedom cal
culated to make less sensitive person than the
learned doctor mentally refer to the profundity Of
Gray's "Elegy." Finally the party, which con-
sisted OF four members. took decided stands upon
the abilities of the victim who was In easy earshot
behind. and while side upheld him with vigor
the opposing faction picked good sized flaws in him.
1t novel and interesting experience what
the painfulness OF the situation brought forth
One side declared that he. was temporary idol and
that his sayings would perish. They even declared
vehemertly that. though his works were copious,
they lost in strength what they made up in bulk
Then the question that interested the doctor most
of all raised
But what about tho book-his book-'The Man
without e Country asked his defender trtum-
phantly.
oh WELL answered the destroyer Of air castles
that's the only thing that lets him OUT.
1t qulUe natural that with the new attention
drawn TO him IN this public manner. stories of DR.
Hales past should be in vogue at the present mo-
ment. There are tales regarding his absentminded-
ness that from their character must be made out of
whole cloth. These are resented by his tntimates
though doubtless there is more less foundation
for belief in some OF them
There is one tale touching upon his editorial ca
reer in which the irrepressble office boy figures
The doctor had occasion to send the boy on an er-
rand TO firm which for the sake OF convenience
will be called Black. White & Co. The hour was
late, and on the way the boy tarried long that
when he finally arrived at the offices OF Black.