Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1905-09-07
THE PASSING OF WAC"
Fox Terrier That Was Familiar
Figure in Newspaper Row,
Washington.

Figure in Newspaper Row,
Washington.
"Vag" is dead. This will be re-
grettable news to many members OF
the diplomatic corps and to officials OF
the state department, as well as others
in public life in Washington, says the
Star. For the benefit Of those who
do not know, it may be said that Vag
was fox terrier, the property OF one-
of the best known newspaper CORE
spondents in Washington. He had
friends in all walks of life, and wher-
ever he has gone he will be apt to
meet people that he knew on earth.
Vag was very cosmopolitan in his
choice of companions and aequaint-
ances.
He was first introduced to Newspa-
per Row about seven years ago, when
he was roly-poly puppy. He used
to follow his master downtown when
he could do little more than roll
along in his wake, with his red tongue
hanging out He usually caught up
at the Office elevator, worried the ele-
vator mans trousers while he was go
ing up in the car, and then went to
sleep under a table till 1t was time to
go home early in the morning
Frequently, even in his puppyhood,
he would wake up and follow his mas
ter out under protest to other news
paper offices, where he would make
himself at home and make friends with
the other correspondents. But as "a
rule he despised Office boys, and the4s
were only a few that he would assoc
ciate with.
Vag knew the difference between the
uniform Of the Postal and Western
Union, and the latter boys he would
never allow to light about his office,
If he could avoid it. The trouble de-
veloped when he was quite small dog,
and one of the Western Union boys
who called for copy at Vags Office
used to tease him. He never forgaye
the uniform, and kept up his prejudice
against it to his dying day.
Vag's various introductions to the
diplomatic corps were all accidents.
His master was q welcome visitor at
a number of the embassies and lega-
lions. During Mr. Hoshi Torri's resi-
dence here as Japanese minister Vag's
owner had to call at the legation one
night. He left Vag sitting out on the
step and was talking to the minister,
when one Of the residents of the lega-
ton happened to go out.
Vag wanted only the opportunity.
and did not wait to have it backed bE
an invitation. In he came as soon~
as the door was opened, cast a super
cilious glance at his master in the par
lor, and went over and made friends
with the minister. From that time
on he seemed to think that he had The
freedom of the Japanese legation. and.
in fact, he had as far as the minister
was concerned.
In much the same way he butted in
to the Colombian legation when his
master was making business call one
evening. But this time he did not go
into the office where the minister and
his master were talking, but broke into
a social gathering in the parlor where
he was made much of in Spanish and
English, and apparently had very
good time.
Sir Julian Pauncefote was another OF
the diplomats that Vag admitted to a
friendly footing among his acquaint-
ances. AS he was very well-bred dog
and the ambassador was something Of
an expert in fox terriers, the intimacy
throve. and the two maintained very
friendly relations until Sir Julian's
death.
Like a good many fox terriers, Vag
contracted the habit of running away,
At first his master was greatly dis
tressed and added to the income or
the Washington papers by advertising
for him and offering rewards. This
seemed to have the effect either of
having him run away oftener or get
ting him stolen more frequently, till,
finally, his owner dropped first the
advertising and then the paying OF re-
wards.
1t was just as WELL for Vag always
turned up in the end. He seemed to
have a set of houses, some respect
able and others less so, that he was
in the habit Of visiting. Sometimes
L. ,.,o,,ld ho oopa a uraaE opoa auap O
month, and there were a number Of
families around Dupont Circle who
thought they owned him at different
times. His master was often stopped
on the street and Vag demanded Of
him by irate females. one of whom
went so far as to declare that she had
raised Vag from puppy. Only she
called him "Toppy" and was very
much insulted when he refused to even
admit a speaking acquaintance with
her.
Vag grew old in trespasses and sins,
still liked Tor his innate deyiltry and
goodfellowship by all who knew him
intimately. But he grew somewhat
fat with age, as do most house dogs.
and recently he was not quick enough
on his feet in lodging the fire engine
that he was escorting up Massachu-
sets avenue. IT was a quick and
probably painless death. But now Vae
is no more, and he is regretted by a
larger circle of friends than a good
many salaried officials when they pass
out of Washington life.
Huge Painting Finished.
One Of the largest pictures ever
painted has been completed by
French artist after eight years labor.
The subject is the funeral Of NJ.
Carnot and the canvas measures $50