Class _tLH Book___JL55_ CopyriglilN'? COfVRIGIIT DEPOSfn X AROUND THE CAPITAL WITH UNCLE HANK s RECORDED TOGETHER IVITH {M^NY TICTURES BY THOMAS FLEMING t/futhor of "Ground the 'Tati,' " etc., etc. 1902 PUBLISHED BY The Nutshell Publishinof Co., New York r ,-, f£ THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, x>w> CriPiw Reccived OCT. 14 1902 Cl-ASS CL/ XXa No. ^i i. ^ -1 COPY 8. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1903, by THE NUTSHELL PUBLISHING CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. Registered at Stationers' Hall, London, England. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE A Characterization 1 CHAPTER II. Uncle Hank 11 CHAPTER HI. The House of Representatives 19 CHAPTER IV. The House Restaurant 37 CHAPTER V. The Senate 45 CHAPTER VI. An Interview 61 CHAPTER VII. A Bit of the Capitol 71 CHAPTER VIII. The Dome 91 CHAPTER IX. An Adventure in the Supreme Court 101 CHAPTER X. The Humorous Side of the Capitol Ill CHAPTER XI. A Talk with Uncle Sam 123 CHAPTER XII. The Library of Congress 1 33 CHAPTER XIII. A Walk Up Pennsylvania Avenue 163 CHAPTER XIV. Inauguration Day 18^ vi CONTENTS. CHAPTER XV. „,„„ PAGE Uncle Hank Gets Shaved in the Senate Barber Shop 191 CHAPTER XVI. The Pension Building 301 CHAPTER XVII. Invention's Home - 209 CHAPTER XVIII. Uncle Sam's Money Factory 225 CHAPTER XIX. The Treasury Building 235 CHAPTER XX. State, War and Navy 247 CHAPTER XXI. The White House 257 CHAPTER XXII. A Strenuous Walk 270 CHAPTER XXIII. A Climb of Nine Hundred Steps 279 CHAPTER XXIV. The World in Glass Cases 291 CHAPTER XXV. The Curbstone Market Place 303 CHAPTER XXVI. A Peep at the Hotels 309 CHAPTER XXVII. A Visit to the Postal Cemetery 822 CHAPTER XXVIII. Sculptures and Paintings 328 CHAPTER XXIX. The Statues 335 CHAPTER XXX. The Navy Yard 339 CHAPTER XXXI. Adieu 345 FOREWORD. "FEAME YOUE MIND TO MIETH AND MEEEI- MENT, WHICH BAES A THOUSAND HAEMS AND LENGTHENS LIFE/' THUS SPOKE THE BAED OF AVON WITH THAT EAEE INSIGHT INTO HU- MAN NATUEE THAT SEEMED TO BOEDEE ON THE MIEACULOUS. IF THIS VOLUME— LAEGE- LY PLAYING, AS IT DOES, UPON THE FOIBLES AND VAGAEIES OF PUBLIC LIFE IN WASHING- TON—SHOULD AWAKEN LATENT IIUMOE IN THE PUBLIC MEN OF TO-DAY, THEEEBY SHOW- ING A NEW AND BETTEE SIDE TO THEIE NA- TUEES, THEN IT WILL HAVE EENDEEED AN ADDITIONAL SEEVICE TO THAT FOE WHICH IT WAS INTENDED— A POETEAYAL OF THE HU- MOEOUS SIDE OF LIFE AT THE CAPITAL. THE AUTHOE. ' -^ fi^rM^'/f ■■■••■— "•"■•■ ' THE INAUGURATION OF A PRESIDENT. AROUND THE CAPITAL WITH UNCLE HANK. CHAPTER I. A CHARACTERIZATION. Wouldst thou he cured, thou silly, moping elf, Laugh at her follies — laugh e'en at thyself; To sum up all, be merry, I advise, And as we're merry, may ive still he zvise! — Burns. €VERY true American should have a pride in the beautiful city of Washington. All that counts for the glory of the only true republic on earth is cen- tered in this historic capital. Replete with reminiscence, it affords numberless oppor- tunities for exuberant patriotism, and the American citizen who is not thrilled with patriotic fervor on first viewing its beautiful avenues and magnificent buildings is certainly de- void of that sense of pride of country supposed to exist in the heart of every true citizen of this great latter-day re- public. She is most feminine, this queen of cities — fickle, capri- cious and coquettish. ^O^Ji^^-^'gy^^&^/t^Y^ AROUND THE CAPITAL. ^^/(Ce^-^^— - '^••^•'^OON./^.C TILH^' Bejeweled with architectural gems, she is vain of her attractions. Courted by all who have gifts to bestow, favored like a spoiled child, she has become proud, haughty and arrogant. You'll like her, nevertheless. You should know her — this gay, high-colored, aristocratic city, possessing many of the attributes of her monarchical sisters of the Old World, rivaling the Rome of the Caesars in her magnificent entertainments. Yet, withal, there is a certain democratic atmosphere about her that dispels this imperialistic tendency. She is thoroughly feminine in her contradictions ; while her social leaders are most exclusive in their entertainments, her most distinguished citizen, the President, can be ap- proached by the most humble. In the matter of adornment, she shows the most pro- nounced inconsistencies, some of her public statues being of the highest artistic excellence, while others are so de- ficient in merit as to almost border on the ridiculous. She has the feminine characteristic of changing her mind with each incoming Administration — smiling coquettishly wath the party in power to-day ; to-morrow ardently flirting with its successors. ~*i- "Thou art not false, hut thou art fickle." — ByronT* Washington was named after the immortal "George,'* who had considerable of a reputation for probity, and the 2 l.ffr- !.■ MRS. SENATOR GILT-MILLION occupies a very large place in Washington society. Being a lady of considerable avoirdupois, it was predicted tliat when she started to climb the social ladder, it was doubtful if it would withstand the strain; but the Senator's experience with large corporations enab'ed him to succeed in pushing her up to the high position she now occupies in society at the Capital. 3 /y IND. /f MC. AROUND THE CAPITAL. new Capital, with its "magnificent buildings and spacious avenues, is surely a worthy and enduring monument to the immortal George, who could not tell a lie. There are those who assert that were George Washington living to-day he would be considered decidedly a back num- ber, for, say they, the twentieth-century statesmen are surely consummate masters of the dissembling art, in which he was so conspicuously deficient. But always there are those who howl calamity from the housetops and who refuse to believe in the integrity of the present. Modern methods, though less ostentatious of righteous- ness, are doubtless no less honest than was the old-fashioned probity of the founders. In no age are all men virtuous ; in no generation are they all degenerate. Humanity preserves its own equilibrium. This is the law of the progress which is its purpose. If there is more corruption now than in the early days of the republic, there is also more honesty. The proportion is the same. To-day, in the full glare of the publicity of the modern newspaper, few things can be hidden ; every public matter is laid bare before the judgment of an argus-eyed investiga- tion. Wrong is and must be, but, in the words of Garfield, "God reigns and the Government at Washington still lives." Still it is well for the visitor to keep an eye on his Congress- man, so as to be sure that you will get all "that is a-comin' to you." Often, however, the demands upon the time and money of our national representatives are so great that they exclaim in AROUND THE CAPITAL. despair: "But where do I come in?" For theirs is no easy life, and the pay is not at all commensurate with the worrv. Being a Mecca for ofifice-seeking politicians and log-roll- ing lobbyists, Washington attracts hosts of eccentric charac- ters whose adventures in search of the spoils of office often result in very ludicrous situations. It differs from all other cities in many essentials, having a large "floating" population. The statistics of the liquor trade will bear out the truth of this statement. If one wishes to see how much fun there is in certain lines of Washington life, the newly elected Congressman, when he first arrives at the capital, will fill the bill. He is usually ittired after the manner of statesmen, with closely buttoned xrock coat, highly polished boots, and, if from the West, a wide-brim, slouch hat. If he hails from an Eastern constituency his head is likely surmounted with a bright, tall, silk hat. He struts along Pennsylvania Avenue with head and shoulders thrown well back, clearly conscious of his new- found importance, and woe betide the old-time friends who, would dare to address him familiarly. All are held at arm's length. This state usually lasts about a month. Then, as he becomes familiarized with his high station, he gradually unbends until at the end of the second month of his term he is most likely to be seen accepting an invitation to the "bar" of the House at the expense of some visiting constituent. The atmosphere of the Capital has a peculiar effect on ^ local reputations when they are first brought within its in- 5 '^■^r'^^ "'■ AROUND THE CAPITAL. W. CADAMJ-ON.M-C. IND fluence. Many a budding statesman, who at home could blow a mighty trumpet blast, has found that he made no more noise than a jew's-harp in a brass band when he reached the Capitol. A man must, indeed, be great to show above the crowd where many eminent men abound. One cannot go about the streets without running into a Supreme Court Justice, an admiral, a general, a Pullman-car porter or some one equally great ; and it is not at all safe to address a stranger on the street as colonel lest he should prove to be a general. It is certainly disconcerting, when, after having been seated next to a gentleman in a theatre, and having gone out with him a couple of times between the acts for refresh- ments, or fresh air, and after having become quite familiar with him, to have some one come up and address him as "General." This is apt to take some of the conceit out of one, especially if one should happen to be — merely a colonel. A glance at the occupants of a Washington trolley car will usually show them to be statesmen with massive brows and all the appearances of overpowering intellect. But these are merely surface indications. If one should take the trouble to follow them to their destinations it might be discovered that they were merely department clerks. Everything in the city of Washington savors of states- manship. The people walk the streets like Roman Senators, with stately tread and with an air of tremendous importance. The letter-carrier, who in other cities goes his rounds with 6 REAR ADMIRAL ROBLEY D. EVAXS, P. B. (Fighting Bob) has a great reputation as a fighter, having no fear whatever of danger in any form, be it in the shape of Cannon balls, Fish balls or Inauguration balls. Wears Cannon balls for buttons on his uniform and is never seen with- out a chip on his shoulder. AROUND THE CAPITAL. MASS. I^^r the heavy step of a hard-working man, in Washington hands you your mail with all the aplomb of an ambassador deliver- ing a message of State ; and your newsboy salutes you like an aide-de-camp when you hand him a nickel. It's in the air, and you can no more escape it than you can the grippe when influenza abounds. Washington is often referred to as the city of magnificent distances. Whether this is a compliment or a stigma has never been fully determined. One thing is certain — there is a magnificent distance between the United States Senator and the common citizen — in the estimation of the former. This magnificent distance, however, does not exist between the President and the sovereign people. It is erroneously believed by many that he is elected to occupy a position somewhat resembling that of the ruler of a great nation. This is palpably a misconception. His ostensible position is that of Chief Executive, but his real vocation is that of chief handshaker at the White House. To see the President standing in the East Room at the Executive Mansion shaking hands with a long line of vis- itors from every section of our great and glorious republic, comprising specimens of all grades of humanity, is a sight never to be forgotten, and the way they beam on him with a certain proprietary sort of air (as if to say, "My vote helped to put you where you are") is replete with humor. It was related of a great poet of the last century that "he dearly loved a lord." It can truthfully be said of the great American public that it dearly loves a President whose hand PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT. A sketch from life, in the White House. AROUND THE CAPITAL. > kY. '^^ it can shake. Shaking and squeezing his hand is one of the ways it has of showing its patriotism, and Washington ians are particularly patriotic. Flags are flown from the win- dows on the slightest provocation. Periods of time are here reckoned by Administrations. Washingtonians wishing to recall the date of some past event always refer to it as having occurred during some Administration, Anno Domini being completely ignored. Washington is an American city — no city in the country is more American — without the one characteristic that is supposed to be most American. It has no business. There is no commerce nor trade in the city at all commensurate with its importance and population, and although the Capi- tal of a nation of people who love the theatre, is, in the slang of the profession, only a "one-week stand." These little incongruities show what an incongruous city it is. However, with all its inconsistencies, the National Capital is a gem of the first water — a jewel in Columbia's crown of cities, of which every American should feel proud. 10 AROUND THE CAPITAL. CHAPTER H. UNCLE HANK SENRY SLOCUM was as fine a specimen of Yankee manhood as it was possible to find. His kindly intelligent face beamed with good nature and seemed incapable of a frown. Although his gait was somewhat ungainly and his make-up savored of the cornfield and potato patch, no one, who really knew him, would think of underestimating his abilities. But occasion- ally some one would size up the old gentleman as an ordi- nary countryman and endeavor to measure wits with him, and would find to his astonishment that he was no match for the astute New Englander. Uncle Hank, as he was familiarly known, possessed all the traits of character peculiar to his race. Keenly alive to the humorous aspects of every situation, he was nevertheless a philosopher as well, and many a witticism was accom- panied by some sage allusion that rendered the humorous observation more than ordinarily effective. He had long wished for an opportunity to visit the Na- tional Capital, of which he had heard and read so much in his span of threescore and ten of existence. His life had been spent largely on a typical New England 11 •^ ^. ^.^^^.c. /At. '^ILCOKtA.C-'^^ AROUND THE CAPITAL. farm about a dozen miles from Medford, Mass. Save for a couple of trips to Boston he had never left home for an extended visit until he had made a journey to the Pan-Amer- ican Exposition, and that experience just put his sight- seeing proclivities on edge and, as he expressed it to Salem Sodgett, his neighbor, "He'd read so tarnal much abaout thet Washington thet he guessed he'd hev tew go thar an' see th' place thet th' noospapers hed so much tew say abaout." As he stood one bright morning in midwinter with his "grip" in one hand and a bulky umbrella under his arm while he carefully adjusted his spectacles to more accurately survey the imposing structure known as the Capitol Build- ing, he suddenly burst out with an ejaculation of surprise and merriment. "Frum th' sublime tew th' ridickulus — 'tis but a step ! — Jest look at th' monkeyfied ackshuns of thet feller? I'll bet he's a new Congressman hevin' his pictur took tew send hum tew his constitooents tew show 'em he's th' only statesman tew be seen on th' Capitol steps, an' he's got up early tew do et." Uncle Hank's sarcastic remarks were evoked by the ridiculous spectacle afforded by the theatrical postures of a presumably new member who had taken advantage of the early hour of the day to get a photographer to take his majestic figure standing on the steps of the Capitol. In posing to get the best eft'ect he had assumed every position known to posturing statesmen, besides many which are not known off the Comic Opera stage. It was the ridiculous 1'^ tiflliiriilfiii 'A WISE DOG NEVER KILLS SHEEP NEAR TEW HUM— SUM OV TH' CONGRISSMEN EN WASHINGTON EZ A THOUSAND MILES FRUM HUM."— UNCLE HANK. 13 *'Oi-£MAN. Wk-^- AROUND THE CAPITAL. appearance created by some of these postures that called forth the amused ejaculation from the plain matter-of-fact farmer who also had gotten up early to see the sights. He had, in fact, just completed a jaunt around the stately structure and was waxing enthusiastic in its praise when the humorous spectacle of the "new member" posing for a photograph caught his eye. It was too much for the risi- bilities of the witty Yankee — "Shades ov Dan'l Webster! Ef thet's a sample ov a Congressman I don't think much ov Congress — but I won- der ef et's like ez Salem Sodgett (who's a good bit ov a politicianer up aour way) sez 'they ain't sendin' no good men tew Congress naow'days — all th' brainy men ez hired by th' Trusts.' An' ef th' one I see this mornin' be a true sample ov th' lot I calkilate he's abaout right, by ginger !" As he ascended the Capitol steps he resolved to hunt up his nephew, Harry Slocum, who was a newspaper corre- spondent at Washington and who, he rightly judged, could aid him materially in seeing the sights at the Capital. As he walked along the corridor towards the south wing he stopped a page who was hurrying to his station in the "House." "Sonny," exclaimed he, "kin ye tell me whar I kin find Harry Slocum?" "Has he got anything to do with the pages?" inquired the boy. 14 ADJ. -GENERAL HENRY CLARK CORBIN has a fine record in the war office: having se- cured it by walking rough shod over Miles (of red tape). In military circles is known as the autocrat of Washington D. C. (District of Corbin). 15 OH >«/ AROUND THE CAPITAL. "Pages ! Why, sonny, he knocks aout page after page fer them Noo-England papers." "He must be a scrapper," exclaimed the youth in amaze- ment. "I reckon he is, ef thet's what ye call them fellers thet ketches every scrap ov noos thet's tew be ketched," replied the old man. "Oh, you mean he's a correspondent," exclaimed the youth, with a smile. "I guess you'll find your friend in the press gallery," and the young man pointed the way to the stairs, up which Uncle Hank lost no time in making his way. Just as he was about to enter the exclusive gallery reserved for the newspaper fraternity, he was accosted by a dapper young man who grasped him familiarly by the hand. "Why, Uncle, Pve been looking for you all the morning,^ he exclaimed. "Mother wrote me you were coming and told me to be on the lookout for you, and to show you all there was to be shown." "Wall, ye see, Harry, I hed hearn so much abaout Wash- ington an' th' big men tew be seen hereabaouts thet I jest thot I'd look an' see fer myself ef they waz ez big an' ez great ez they sed they waz." "Well, Uncle, I trust your expectations will be realized," remarked Harry with a smile. "Ez th' poet sez — 'Distance lends inchantment tew th' view' — an' I reckon some ov them great men shrink con- 16 M. JULES CAMBON, Ambassador from France has all the characteristic politeness of man» ner peculiar to his race. His motto is "In Washington do as they do in Paris — Be Polite." 17 AROUND THE CAPITAL. siderbal when ye git 'em et short range," and the old gen- tleman's face broadened into a smile as he recalled the amusing spectacle he had witnessed as he ascended the Capitol steps that morning. ''Now, Uncle," exclaimed Harry, "I'll have to introduce you as a journalist, as the press gallery is supposed to be for newspaper men exclusively, and I'll trust to your ready wit to answer all requirements." And with this the pair entered the enclosure allotted to the press. n Cj. 18 AROUND THE CAPITAL. CHAPTER HI. THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. • J hS Uncle Hank took his seat in the press gallery with ■iA his nephew at his elbow to point out the celebrities m I on the floor and to explain the various methods of parliamentary procedure, he noticed that the Speaker's desk was directly beneath him and his first whis- pered question to his mentor was in reference to this personage. "Ye call him th' Speaker?" he inquired. "Why, he hain't doin' no speakin' ez I kin see; et's them fellers on th' floor thet's doin' all th' speakin'," and the old gentleman's face bore a peculiar expression which his nephew was un- able to define as indicative of inquiry or mirth. "They don't seem tew be payin' much attenshun tew thet chap thet's speakin' over thar?" continued he. "He's a new member. Uncle ; they don't pay much atten- tion to new members." A new member had secured the floor to divest himself of his maiden speech, and he had fondly imagined that he was the cynosure of all eyes. Had he not been so fully en- grossed in his subject he would have noticed that after a few minutes' attention from his fellow members (due in a 19 nw.^^cT^^ AROUND THE CAPITAL. great measure to curiosity and a desire to "size up" a new aspirant for Congressional honors) he was speaking to empty chairs as far as the House was concerned. As soon as he began to warm up to his subject the older mem- bers proceeded to settle back in their seats immersed in newspapers, or began to chat with one another m so free a manner that soon the Hall was filled with the hum of con- versation which was only partly subdued by the sharp rapping of the Speaker's gavel. Finally he began to realize that he was not bemg listened to and he proceeded to raise his voice to a higher key. This only served to raise the pitch of the conversation about him until, in sheer desperation, he appealed to the "Chair" for attention on the part of the "House." Then the Speaker rapped loudly and persistently for order, and the new member proceeded with his address with a little better attention from a few members in his immedi- ate vicinity, while the rest of the members, being perfectly indifferent as to what an unknown might have to say, quietly, one by one, stepped out to the cloak rooms to resume their story telling or taking advantage of a lull In the proceedings (as they considered the new member's allotment of time), adjourned to the House Restaurant to allay a newly discovered hunger — or thirst. Just as he was becoming used to the situation and was beginning to believe that he was delivering an oratorical masterpiece he was rudely brought to a sudden stop by the pounding of the Speaker's gavel and, pausing to learn the 20 THE NEW MEMBER. 21 AROUND THE CAPITAL. OHIO M.C '^- Of\si\% ^ cause, was coldly informed that his allotment of time was exhausted. Then mopping- the perspiration from his fevered brow he resumed his seat, a sorely disappointed and disillusioned man. Uncle Hank's attention was now called to several mem- bers jumping to their feet and frantically waving their arms, trying to get recognition from the Speaker, who finally designated the "Gentleman from New York" as being entitled to the floor. "That is Sereno Payne, the leader of the majority," ex- plained Harry. "You see the Democrats are on the right and the Republicans left." "Republicans left — an" in th' majority? I reckon yer wrong abaout thet, Harry," retorted the old gentleman, poking him in the ribs to emphasize his little joke. "Et's wonderful haow th' Speaker kin recollect th' State each member comes frum th' moment he hops up," con- tinued Uncle Hank. "Yes, it is wonderful," replied Harry. "Speaker Hen- derson is an adept in that line. That white-haired member sitting about the center of the left is Galusha Grow, of Pennsylvania, the Patriarch of the House. He was Speaker before the Civil War. The tall, thin looking man who is speaking to him is Joseph G. Cannon of Illinois, the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations — a most important committee, as it practically has charge of Uncle Sam's purse strings." "Who's thet chap with th' round shoulders, talkin' tew 22 SPEAKER HENDERSON IN ACTION. 23 AROUND THE CAPITAL. TENT*. n.c th' little fat feller?" inquired Uncle Hank, indicating a couple of members directly beneath them. "That is Spencer Blackburn of North Carolina talking to George B. McClellan of New York, the son of 'Little Mac,' the famous Union General of the Civil War," replied Harry, "and the two members coming down the aisle are General Grosvenor of Ohio and General Harry Bingham of Pennsylvania, and that distinguished looking man they've stopped to talk to is Champ Clark of Missouri, one of the best speakers on the Democratic side." "Champ, did ye say, Harry?" inquired the old gentleman, in a quizzical tone. "Ez thet short fer Champeen?" "No, Uncle, but the name fits him — he's the champion debater on the minority's side. Some of the member's names are quite suggestive of their dispositions ; for in- stance, there is William Sulzer, whom the members have nicknamed 'Seltzer,' on account of his tendency to pop up at unexpected times ; and then there is R. R. Hitt, who hit the railroads pretty hard on several occasions. Some of the names, however, are not quite so appropriate — Moody of North Carolina is not at all moody or morose, and no one would think of intimating that H. C. Loudens- lager was addicted to 'lager.' " "T see ye've got them names down purty fine, Harry," re- marked the old man when he had concluded his description. "Naow, what might be th' name ov thet tall bean-pole over yonder?" "That is the tallest member of the House — Cyrus A. 24 GALUSHA GROW, M. C, from Pa. Original discoverer of Congress, the date of his dis- covery is not definitely known, being far beyond the memory of the present gen- eration. Was elected speaker in 1861, but managed to grow out of it. 25 WIS- M.C. AROUND THE CAPITAL. Sulloway, and the little fellow he is shaking hands with is the new member who beat Perry Belmont after a red hot fight in New York — Montague Lessler, who has already made himself very popular with his fellow mem- bers." "Wall, they look like a free an' easy lot, half th' time they pay no attenshun tew th' speeches." "Well, you see, Uncle, they do most of their work in the committee rooms, and it is rarely that a bill is passed on the strength of the speeches made in its favor on the floor." "Whar's th' logs, Harry?" inquired Uncle Hank, after a searching glance over the "House.'' "The logs — what logs? I don't quite vmderstand." "Why, them logs th' logrollers use." "Oh, I see !" ejaculated Harry, with a smile. "I think you'll be apt to find them in the lobby — among the lobby- ists." "Ez thet cloak room, whar they go tew cloak ther crooked work — er ez et th' room ther female friends hang up ther cloaks when they call on ther members?" "Well, Uncle," responded Harry, "the cloak room is rather out of date — you see the name was adopted at the time when it was the fashion for members to wear long cloaks. Now, Uncle, I propose we go down to the 'floor,' as there is little likelihood of anything of an interesting character happening as long as that member has the floor," ]x:>inting to a member in the rear of the chamber, who was 2G MONTAGUE LESSLER, M. C, from New York: notable as the man who beat Perry Belmont in a race for Congress. Mr. Belmont thinks more ot Less-ler now. 27 AROUND THE CAPITAL. // W. VA. / l^^^^-^ ^ T.knAfRO^''^ droning out what seemed like an interminable discourse on the legal phase of a certain bill before the House. As they passed along the corridors, Harry chanced to meet one of the members who had just been elected to represent the most aristocratic district in New York City, and in introducing him to his uncle had mentioned the fact that he was a "tenderfoot." This seemed to grate rather harshly on the sensibilities of the new member, who retorted with some asperity : 'T say," said he, addressing his remarks to Harry, "there is something about the way you newspaper-men have of referring to men like myself as 'new' and 'tender' when they first appear in Congress that goes against the grain. My father was in Congress, and I have been imbibing principles of statecraft ever since I wore knickerbockers. When I first entered politics they called me a 'silk stock- ing.' and sneered openly because I changed my shirt once or twice a day. although I can't see what the texture of a man's hosiery or the frequency with which he changes his linen has to do with his political convictions. As a matter of fact, I prefer lisle thread to silk for hosiery. "One thing I found out rather quickly in Congressional life," he continued, "is that gentility is not a geographical question. It is as apt to come from one section of the country as from another, and there are many ways of defining a gentleman. There is a friend of mine in the House who is so Southern in fibre that when he talks I am strongly reminded of the famous hero of F. Hopkinson 28 JOSEPH G. CANNON, M. C, from Illinois, is chairman of the Committee on Appropria- tions. In this capacity his aim is to successfully pierce the steel armor of the United States Treasury. The Democrats (economically inclined when out of office) threaten to fire Cannon when they get control of Congress again. 29 AROUND THE CAPITAL. /CAL. '-''^AHAn.M,C.P£Mf^- Smith's novel, 'Colonel Carter, of Cartersville/ He is a gentleman to the core ; in fact, a thoroughgoing aristocrat. Yet, he thinks I'm 'the limit' of Northern aristocracy, but concedes that I 'mean well.' " "Well, you must admit that is a saving clause in his estimate of you," retorted Harry, with a snnle, "and in regard to this stigma of newness, as you seem to view it, it doesn't last long — next session you'll be a veteran." "Thet reminds me ov a story," interposed Uncle Hank, who had been listening intently to the remarks of the New Yorker. "Daown en Bostin a tipsy Irishman got onto a street car. an ez he sot daown he happened tew run up again a dood who muttered somethin' abaout 'drunken fool.' Th' Irishman fastened his onsteady gaze on th' dood, ez he retorted, 'C)i may be d'hrunk an' all thet — Oi'll git over thet — but you're a dood ! an' you'll never get over thot !' " "It isn't the a'spersion of 'newness' that I object to," ex- claimed the New Yorker, laughingly, when Uncle Hank had concluded his story, "it's this confounded patronizing air assumed by the old members that I can't stand." "Wall, jest rub et in on th' next batch ov new Con- gressmen thet's elected," rejoined Uncle Hank, with a good natured grin. The party had now reached the main entrance to the House, around which was congregated a number of people patiently waiting to see the members lo whom they had sent in their names. Presently a member would appear 30 C. H. GROSVENOR. M. C, from Ohio, is all wool and a yard wide. His touching appeal in behalf of the Anti-Shoddy Bill brought tears from all of the wool growers and many of the clothing manufacturers of the country. The tears of the latter were caused by the apprehension that they might be compelled to manufacture clothing from real wool hereafter. 31 ^ KAN. M.C / Al.C. OA. no. that if he laughed like that again he would put him out of the gallery, as it was not a circus he was attending. The old gentleman waited until the ot^cer's back was turned and then, leaning over, whispered what must have been a particularly good joke, for the darky just laid back and roared. This brought the officer to his side at once, and, seizing hold of his arm, led him from the gallery, at the same time darting a suspicious glance at Uncle Hank, whose face betrayed not the slightest trace of merriment, but who at once took possession of the vacated seat with a grunt of supreme satisfaction, as it afiforded him an excel- lent opportunity to view the proceedings in the chamber below. Harry was both amazed and amused at his uncle's shrewd scheme to get a better seat. "That was a slick trick. Uncle,"' he whispered. " 'Twan't no trick, Harry," he answered, "et's only a new application ov th' doctrin' ov th' survival ov th' fittest," and the old man winked a very emphatic wink. The chamber was nov/ filling up very fast, and the Senators were nearly ali in their respective seats. Harry had procured descriptive cards with diagrams showing the location of each member's seat, which Uncle Hank was busily studying in an endeavor to locate the more prominent members. Senator Matthew Stanley Quay, who had been one of the first to reach his seat, sat stoop- shouldered, with his hands in his lap, looking disconsolately toward the "chair," apparently taking not the slightest 46 CONX>RESSMAN JACOB RUPPERT of New York, would resent the imputation of being ••fast"— yet he is frequently seen in the streets of Washington in an automobile that is anything but slow. 47 iht'vi.^0 S ( LiJcJ^A^Iv-iX- AROUND THE CAPITAL. interest in the proceedings. A few seats to the right sat Senator Chauncey M. Depew opening his mail, stopping frequently to nod and speak to members who chanced to pass his desk, and always with a smile — Senator Depew is urbanity personified. A stout gentleman enters limping, and leaning on a stout cane, and making his way to his seat a little in the rear, is at once surrounded by a bevy of Senators. This is Senator Mark Hanna, who has never been known to sit five minutes alone. He is apparently the busiest man in the Senate. Senator Frye, the President pro tem. of the Senate, has taken advantage of an opportunity aft'orded by the delivery of a long, dry speech by one of the Senators, to vacate his chair, and placing his gavel in charge of Senator John Kean, is hobnobbing with the diflferent members over their desks. He is evidently on very familiar terms with Senator Allison, as they laugh and chat like a couple of schoolboy chums. Senator Spooner is nearby with his face deeply lined with a severe frown — which seems habitual with him — conversing in the most earnest manner with Senator Beveridge, the youthful looking Senator from Indiana. "Mr. President," calls out Senator Tillman in a high- keyed voice. Senator Frye instantly rushes for his chair, knowing well that when Senators of the "pitchfork" variety want the floor it is not safe to trust the gavel to any but experi- enced hands. 48 BENJAMIN R. TILLMAN, ot South Carolina, Senator, Parmer and Knight of the Pitchfork. Having but one eye, finds great difficulty in seeing both sides of a question. The above sketch shows him in the act of delivering one of his masterpiece? of vituperation, with Senators Stewart and Teller as amused and interested '.isteners. 49 AROUND THE CAPITAL. . nc 60 AROUND THE CAPITAL. CHAPTER VI. AN INTERVIEW. CHE corridors surrounding the Senate Chamber are always tlironged with visitors who are ever on the alert to discover some celebrity — some prominent man whom they have frequently seen pictured in the magazines and newspapers. The vestibules are well worth the attention they attract, being very elaborately decorated. Entering from the east- ern portico through the Senate bronze doors, designed by Thomas Crawford, the famous sculptor, you find yourself at the Senate reception room, an apartment about sixty feet long, but divided by an arch, where Senators receive visitors upon business. It is gaudily decorated. The floor is of ]\Iinton tiles, and the walls are covered with rococo designs in stucco, in high relief and heavily gilded. The panels are embellished with allegorical paintings by the "wonderful" Brumidi — although the less said about them the better. In the Senate lobby, entering from the reception-room, the first door at the right opens into the Vice-President's room, where Henry Wilson died in 1875 The next door admits to the Marble Room, so called be- 61 ^Pn.TiJIman of 50- y, ^ .