Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-07-05

to- In fact those who couldn't afford to lose were
privately advised by Billy Chapman not to play. The
popularity of his place due in considerable degree
the personality and general impulses of Billy who
made good cheer possible in the hardseddng days of
number of men who afterward rose to auence or fame
One night Joe Hooker, who to become the bril-
liant General Hooker of the Union forces in the Civil
War; seated with some Others at the table IN the
Billy reserved for his friends. Hooker, who
had a ranch in Sonoma County. seemed downcast
whats the matter, Captain asked Billy.
Il was wishing" replied Hooker that l was in the
East. I'm West Pointer, you know, trained SOL
der. could be of use in this struggle; but here
tied down ranch in California merely because lack
funds to clear off some little debts and pay my expenses
to Washington"
"How much would you need?" inquired Billy.
After a moments thought Hooker said he thought
seven hundred dollars would be enough. Chapman
his safe and returned with big roll of bills.
Here's thousand, Captain. Take it and go to the
front wish could go with you but l am not quite
willing to be private, and they wouldn't give COM
mission to faro dealer The steamer sails day after
tomorrow. I'll be at the wharf to you off and you
needn't buy any liquors cigars to keep you cheerful
the way There will be few necessaries of that sort
In your Stateroom.
Hooker took the steamer, and out of the Civil
War with the double stars of Major General on his
shoulders while Billy Chapman killed few months
afterward by drunken jockey.
TIP in the scar Nevada hills at Virginia City, few
together. We rented the third floor of brick build
ing, and here slept and ate, smoked and wrote and
propounded sage opinions men and things. One of
our number "Dan de Quille who gave piquancy
and poetry to the literature of the Comstock Another
Rollin Daggett, who became Congressman from
Nevada and Minister to the court of King Kalakaua.
Another Samuel L. Clemens.
1t was in Virginia City at this time that Mark Twain
first delivered his lecture the Sandwich Islands Be-
fore going the platform he very about it,
md alt there he was
isfed with the result.
what do you think of it," he asked me. 3Tel me
honestly"
SAM answered, @as humorous writer you are
excellent
SYou evade the question" he exclaimed. This
MEANS suppose, that lecturer you don't think
amount to much
at does"
GWell, agree with you; but there several hun
dred cities in the United States think II insist upon
their people listening to l am contemplating
farewell tour
But his audiences of course, always wanted and
more of Mark Twain. When he had gained experience
and overcome his nervousness he failed capti
vate his hearers. He to be regarded
authority forensic matters in Virginia City, and
day aspiring young orator who anxious to make
a speech asked Sam for letter of Endorsement The
latter wrote highly commendatory letter. which he
companled by note as follows:
Now try to put the audience sleep. Don't be the
needless of my first lie.
CLEMENS was always making jests upon his own
truthfulness and moral character; although there
nothing criticize in this respect, except in two
particulars He used to plfer from the fund at
midnight great slices of mince pie, and he had habit.
when things wrong of crashing together the crock
cry in his He rarely broke any; but the sounds
were those of wholesale destruction.
One Christmas Eve all of but Sam sitting
about waiting for dinner, when messenger arrived
with package for Mr.. Clemens. When the boy had