Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1907-08-13

As sample of the stinging language Blackburn sometimes uses may be cited his characterization of a western judge whom he had introduced to President Cleveland late in the cam paign of 1888. After this judge re- turned home be gave out an interview In which he professed to quote the president as having given up the cleo ton because of the treachery of Sen ator Hill of New York, Mayor Hewitt and others. Blackburn characterized the whole statement as false and wound up his sizzling roast in this fashion:
 "1 can do no more than to crave the presidents pardon for having been nisled into introducing to him a cari- Cature upon humanity, for whose ex- ietence the Lord in fair dealing owes np apology to mankind"
 Here is another sample of the sort of English Blackburn Slpgs when he is feeling well. He was detected read ing the presidents message, and as he read be chucked to himself Finally one of his colleagues approached the senator from Kentucky and asked for the joke.
 .It has just occurred to me-" solemn 1y observed the senator that Mir. Roosevelt's English does not coruscate with the pyrotechnic scintillations of cbsolescent linguosity which so ex. tensively Illuminated the lucubratons aud ululations of President Cleveland Since he halls from Kentucky many Cf the tales concerning Blackburli naturally relate to the beverage which cheers Here is one: A friend recently met the ey-senator at the station on his return from trip to the country. How are you, Joe?' his friend ask. HO.
 "l'm up against it." was the reply. "1 lost the best part of my baggage en route"
 Did you misplace it, or was il stolen?" his friend inquired solicitous. ly.
 Neither said Blackburn "The cork came out
 When questioned about this stor, lnter, however Blackburn denied it.
 Not a word of truth in it. he said You know l would be more careful of the cork"
 Blackburn's fondness for speechmak, ing is matter of common knowledge. At one time he was on an outing trip with some friends along the Kentucky river when a few dozen residents of the neighborhood joined the party. The food was of the best, and there was plenty of liquid refreshment Black burn, however. did not seem to be en. toying himself. One of his friends asked him what was the matter '.l don't like this crowd" Blackburn re- sponded. 'Why. Joe" his friend re. monstrated, there's not a man here who wouldn't die for you" II know that" returned Blackburn. Its not the quality I'm objecting to, but the quantity. The crowd is too big for an anecdote and not big enough for speech"
 One day Secretary of War Taft ap peared before the military committee of the senate of which Blackburn was a member. advocating the view that jun. Tor army officers should not marry
 But how,' asked Blackburn. "can you make that accord with the admin lstration views oH race suicide?"
 Secretary Taft met this question with characteristic roar of laughter
 Blackburn was a stanch silver man and therefore opposed to the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman law. Representative Caruth and party of other kentuckians called on the senator and told him he was hurt. ing himself politically as most of the towns in the state were passing reso- lutions favoring the repeal.
 What do l care for the resolutions of the towns?" rejoined Blackburn. "They dry goods merchants. and no country, men were at the meetings"
 How do you know:" asked Caruth. How do l know? Why. Asher. know 1t darned well. Every town in Kentucky is reached by a tollgate. and the poor country people haven't money enough to pass them. That's the req son l know Here. Jim. give these fellows a drink of Bourbon and let them go"
 Blackburn one day invited Secretary Shaw and Vice President Fairbanks, who was then senator. to . some thing. When Shaw was asked what he would take. he replied:
 Well. l guess I'll have a glass of lemonade"
 Blackburn then turned to Fairbanks and said:
 And what will you have, senatorY
 "lll have glass of moxie," was the reply.
 The bartender said to Senator Black. burn
 And what's yours, senatorTs
 ~Oh S coid ho Ah VA