Georgia Historic Newspapers

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VOLUME XII.—NUMBER 58'
ATLANTA, GA., SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 12,1887.
PRICE: $2.00 A YEAR IN ADVANCE.
Shading Across the moody Chasm.
BRAVERY IN BATTLE.
How It Feels to Stand Up and
Be Shot At.
Some Queer Experiences on the Field
in the Confederate Ranks.
In my last article I attempted to portray, as
briefly as possible, the feelings of a soldier
when about to be ordered into battle—the
thoughts and impressions that then came
thronging into the mind, and their bearing up
on his physical courage. In this article I shall
endeavor to recall my recollections of the de
meanor of my comrades, and of other com
mands, as I had occasion to hear of them from
various authentic and personal sources. It
may seem to some that in the following lines I
am seeking to glorify my comrades in arms at
the expense of their adversaries; but it must
be remembered that Pickett’s divisim of Long-
street’s corps, to which my regiment belonged,
were as well known to the men of the army of
Northern Virginia as plucky and tenacious
lighters dur ng the struggle, as they afterwards
came to be known in the authorized histories
of Iaje’s campaigns.
Many a time I have been asked, “Mow does
a soldier feel when in actual combat;”’ Prom
my personal experience 1 can only say that it
depends upon circumstances. As I said in my
last article, the feeling of vengeance is utterly
absent in a close contest between opposing
regiments. As a rule, during our civil war the
men never approached within twenty yards of
each other—one side or the other giving way.
When it it considered that our rifles carried a
* alj nearly a mile, and that the tactics wore to
a lvance firing, it may be seen that a great loss
of life might happen before
The Actual Crapple
of the contending forces.
I don’t mean to say that there were no bay
onet fights or actual personal encounters, but
they were few and far between. When they
did’occur it was with blind fury (for instance,
on the occlusion of Pickett’s charge at Gettys
burg), where crossed bayonets and clubbed
muskets were brought into play. There neither
side asked quarter nor gave it. It was a sym-
ple knock down at d drag out light, in which
the Virginians had to give way because of the
overpoweri og numbers and artillery brought
against them.
Now, I recollect distinctly (without naming
the battles) that during the seven days’ battles
in front of Richmond in 1802 we were on the
offensive. Before that we had been strictly on
the defensive. It was a new experience, too,
to us, because before that period we had al
ways been on the defensive. That country
(the Chickaliominy and its allluents) was
densely wooded with scrub underbrush, and
in marching in battle order regiments, and
even companies, would be separated from
each other in avoiding the obstacles to an ad
vance. That sort of thing was very trying to
the nerves of the men, because the skirmish
ers were out of sight of the main advance, and
even when they met the out-lying posts of the
enemy the infantry line was not notified. Now
there was a situation in which
The Best Troops Might Be Tried.
It is of the subsequent battles, including all
the battles of the army of northern Virginia
up to the campaign of 18'14, that 1 can deal
with.
1 recollect the preliminaries of two or three
oattles as distinctly as I do the events of yes
terday, and I recollect moreover how I felt
when"the order to strip for battle was given.
But what I wish to give an idea of is the con
duct of a regiment when in actual battle.
There are three battles in which I was engaged
that especially recur to my memory, for the
reason that the fighting was fierce and the loss
on both sides heavy—those were Frazier’s
Farm, second Mamvssas and Seven Pines—I
mean to state that in these battles our regi
ment lost most heavily. Before the latter of
these battles some of my comrades were im
mediately behind the lighting line, and before
they could roll up their blankets they were
called into the fight by their officers.
The old story to the effect that the boys
learn in the columns of the “.Kneid”—when
speaking of the soldier clement—“furor iraque
rnen.em precipitant,” had no exhibition in the
contest of the war between the States, or be
tween these men in line of battle. The men as
a rule stood off and shot at long range at each
other. When they got to closs quarters, and
they were fighting body to body and man to
man, then of course, as I have, above stated,
there were angry passions developed by the
contestants which did not apply to the body
proper of the armies on both sides in any oc
casional engagement. In die old days it was
shield to shield and spear to spear, and sword
to sword. The best man was he who was the
strongest and most skilful. Now, we can kill
each other at a thousand yards range. 1 don’t
know that I can better give an idea of the im
proved methods of modern warfare than when
I state that in the charge of Pickett’s division
at Gettysburg
The Entire Force was Decimated
iogg before they got within reach of the oppos
ing batteries.
I wish to give instances of the peculiar bear
ing of the men in the battles wherein my regi
ment was engaged. For instance: When after
the battle of Gaines' -Mill (the second day of
the (even days’ fight in front of Richmond)
there were numbers of the Union dead and
wounded around and about our bivouac, we
did what we coal I for them in the way of giv
ing water and medicines, etc., but, as far as I
can recall my sensations, we paid no more at
tention to ttiem than is usually done by spec
tators to a herd of slaughtered bullocks.
I recollect well the pushing and crowding
attendant uoon an advance over rough ground.
It was almost impossible to keep the align
ment of a dress parade, and under the fire of
the artillery gaps were constantly being made
in the ranks. Friend and foe we pushed over,
disregarding all appeals for help until we had
attained the summit of that which we had
been ordered to drive at by our generals. It
is certainly a fact that, as a rule, the men on
the other side when they were drawn up to
tight had a pretty good inkling of the work
mapped out lor them.
I remember that at the battles of Vorktown
and Williamsburg and the subsequent fight at
Seven Pines, before Richmond, there was
much shakiness among the men of my regi
ment. And there was an incident never be
fore reported in the newspapers. It was this:
Gilbert Meen, adjutant-general to General Gar
land, atteu pted to rally the men who had
gathered behind a sheltered spot. Now it
happened that after the charge was made,
winch was nearly sundown, the various disor
ganized organizations called upon us for an
advance forward; and there never lias been an
order where the troops on either side refused
to respond to the orders of their officers.
Finally, as for
Troops in Actual Battle,
I have this much to say, that I never saw
more profanity than in the standing up of a
regiment anywhere. A missionary would have
but small chance for a conversati m.
There never was a veteran who had stood in
actual battle who cared whether or not the one
side or the other succumbed, except that there
was a stand of colors above him to which he
owed allegiance.
It is distinctly in my memory, for instance,
that at the battle of Williamsburg, aid tbe
battle of the Seven Pines thereafter, the men
in my brigade swore “like the army in Flan
ders.” In fight the men were like “wild bulls
of Bashan,” and the file-closers of whom 1
was one at that time, had bard work to keep
i hem in order. Before the order was given
them to advance they were quiet enough; but
thereafter, in spite of all the orders, abjur-
gations, and prayers of the officers, commis
sioned and non-commissioncd, they would
crowd in toward the centre, and thus were
rendered in a measure incompetent with the
best action of our whole force.
Again I recollect that in the middle of one
of the hottest battles of the war, in 1802, the
captain of the company told a sergeant that
the ammunition was giving out. The sergeant
left his position and darted for the ammunition
train, lie got his cartridges and started back,
but on the way a shell exploded near him and
ignited his cartridges, wounding and lacerat
ing him severely about the face and body.
When he was lifted from under the debris the
first question he asked was, “Did I get '-ui in
all right?”
Now, it has been my fortune to have been in
more than a dozen pitched battles, and in
double the number of skirmishes that, as far
as the combatams were concerned, approached
almost to the dignity of a battle, and I never
saw as yet a man llinch from his duty. When
the light was raging, and men and comrades
were falling on every side, I never saw any of
the rest of the men drop out to carry them
back. We depended on the regularly appoint
ed "ambulance corps,” and the fight wat
maintained until the sun went down and dark
ness set in, for, be it remembered, that in all
its vicissitudes the army of NortLern Virginia
under General Lee was never fairly whipped.
A CLASSIC RETREAT.
DeLand, Florida’s Educational Centre
A score of years hence, the old graduate of
DeLand, returning to visit his Alrnea Mater,
I w*H lookqtpon her stately.biyildi0 J> ; ,. w i th feel
ings of pride, and perhaps express them in
flowing numbers as rhythmical as those writ
ten on approaching a more venerable institu
tion in the old Bay State. There is always a
peculiar charm about an academic town. A
stranger visiting Cambridge or Andover feels
this a*, once; he notes the influence of culture
in everything, the architecture, the manners of
the people, and the quiet dignity with which
business is transacted. He seems to breathe
a different atmosphere, and the charm increas •
es as his visit lengthens. Already these feat
ures are noticeable at DeLand although the
college is still in its infancy.
The city of DeLand is in Volusia county, on
the east coast of the peninsula, about UK)
miles south of Jacksonville. It is accessible by
both river and rail, located on high, rolling
pine laud, not near any water, standing or
running, and is remarkable for its general
healthfulness. The climate is almost a specific
for throat and lung troubles, catarrh, rheuma
tism, etc. The population numbers about
1500 white people, at d is far superior to most
Northern towns of the same size in its intel
lectual and moral tone. There are in the city
six white churches, ail possessing houses of
worship, a well organized school, and a kinder
garten. It has an almost ideal location for an
institution of learning. It is destined to be
come to Florida what Cambridge is to Massa
chusetts, or New Haven to Counecticut—the
educational centre of the State.
DeLand Academy and College is situated
about one-third of a mile north of this thriving
town, and in one of the most beautiful and
healthful sections in Florida. The main build
ing is situated on the corner of the two princi
pal thoroughfares of the city. Woodland Bou
levard ami Minnesota avenue. It presents an
imposing appearance as it rests upon a beauti
ful and gradually rising knoll, in close proxim
ity to the dark green orange trees, laden witli
their golden fruit, and surrouuded by the tall
and stately pines. In architectural design it is
one of the most handsome and best arranged
buildings for educational purposes the writer
lias ever seen. Professor Forbes, the president
of the college, is a graduate of the University
of Rochester; and brings to the institution
rqie scholarship, long experience, and a love
for his work. The oilier members of the fac
ulty are instructors of experience and reputa
tion.
DeLand College is destined to become one
of the leading institutions of the South, and
will not only offer opportunities for education
unsurpassed in the North, but, by educating
the sons of F lorida within her own borders,
will give a tone and character to the State
which will he o' more value to it than millions
of dollars invested otherwise.—Correspondence
Jacksonville Morniny Xews.
Agricultural Experiment Stations.
The United Suites Senate, after adopting an
amendment proposed by .Mr. Edmunds, “that
nothing in the act shall be construed as bind
ing the United States to continue this appro
priation, but that Congress may, at any time,
suspend or repeal all or any of :he provisions
of the act,” passed the Agricultural Experi
ment Station Bill. The bill directs the estab
lishment (in connection with agricultural col
leges) of a department to be known and desig
nated as an ‘•agricultural experiment station.”
Where there are two sticli colleges in one
State the amount appropriated to each State
and Territory for this purpose (§15,000 a year)
is to be equally divided between tlmm, unless
the State Legislature shall otherwise direct.
The object and duty of such experiment sta
tions are: To conduct original researches, or
to verify experiments oil the physiology of
plants and animals, diseases to which they are
severally subject and remedies therefor; (lie
chemical composition of useful plants; the
comparative advantages of rotative cropping;
tie capac ty of new plants or trees for accli
mation; analysis of soi s and waters; the chem
ical composition of manures; the adaptation
and value of grasses and forage plants; the
composition and digestibility of different kinds
of food for domestic animals; scientific and
economic questions involved in the production
of butter and cheese, and such other research
es or experiments bearing directly on the ag
ricultural industry of the United States as may
be deemed advieabie.
Agricultural Department.
Facts About an Important Bu
reau of the Government.
Editor Srx.vv South:—Visitors who come
to see the sights of Washington, and even men
who have lived here all their lives, very sel
dom visit the Agricultural Department, l’er-
haps in strolling through the beautiful grounds
which surround the building on every hand,
they will ask what it is. But its appearance
is not inviting and they seldom enter. The
name is not attractive to the denizen of the
city, and he of the country sees enougli of ag-
culture at home, and is too much engaged in
other sights to investigate. Its museum is full
of natural curiosities, and you may find many
fascinating subjects for investigation and ob
servation from the seed tests; tiie great room
crowded with nearly a hundred men and wo
men wrapping up the seeds, the marvels of
the microscope, and the wonders of the exper
imental silk manufactory.
view of he complaints that have recently been
made about the poor quality of seeds furnished,
your correspondent spent considerable time in
that department, and in the investigation of
thatparticulardivision. Commissioner Colman
kindly afforded me every facility for doing so,
and placed at my disposal all the available
sources of information. The result was that
the writer became convinced that if any worth
less seeds get out, it is not owing to any lack
of the commissioner and his assistants. The
tests to which the seeds purchased are sub
mitted are, to the last extent, ebse and strict,
and it would appear almost irkpossible for
worthless or sterile seeds to pass from the
hands of the department in any noticeab e
quantities with such arrangements as are
made. Of course it is presumable that some
bad seeds will get out among the enormous
quail ities distributed. But tiwJWRcems una
voidable. It is, however, safe to say that
great precautions are taken, and the endeavor
is made conscientiously to reduce the amount
of sterile seeds distributed to a minimum.
Without increasin' the appropriations, the
present management maims to n*Ve increased
the amount of seeds furnished, go per cent.,
furnishing a thousand more packages to each
Congressman than ever before, and it is as
serted that no complaint lias yet been received
at the department in regard to life worthless
ness or sterility of the seeds.
Another interesting division is the Entonn-
NOItMA-N .1. COLMAN, COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.
It is to Henry L. Ellsworth, son of the dis
tinguished < llivcr Ellsworth, third Chief-Jus
tice of the United States, that the farmers, and
indeed every one, is more indebted than to
any other person for the recognition by Con
gress of the claims of agriculture. In 1830, he
was appointed by President Jackson the first
Commissioner of Patents, and during his ad-
lfti’.listViiA,,’.. I.C~)V:Vjt'ir-lf'...T7rl;r-4lli
ly to improvements in the implements of agri
culture, and the aid which azriculture migflt
derive from the distribution of rare grain and
seeds. Through his efforts the President in
structed the United States consuls to forward
to Washington, any rare plants and seeds
which, in their judgment, could be trans
planted to American soil. From this small
germ, planted over half a century ago, this
immense department. f the Government has
grown. It would be interesting no doubt, to
trace its growth, the struggles it passed
through and the obstacles it hail to surmouut,
but space forbids. Suffice it to sav in regard
to its history, that it remained a bureau under
the Patent Office until the 15th of May, 1802,
when the act establishing the “Department of
Agriculture” became a law, and on the 1st day
of July the department was formally organiz
ed in the rooms of the Patent Office, previously
occupied by the agricultural division of the
bureau. The commissioner, althobgh the
head of an independent department of the
Government, was not to be a member of the
Cabinet. However, there is now a bill in the
House making him a Cabinet officer.
In the bill which founded the department it
was made the duty of the commissioner “to
acquire and preserve in his department all in
formation concerning agriculture, which he
can obtain by means of books and correspon
dence, anil by practical and scientific experi
ment (acurate records of which may be kept
in his office); by the collection of statistics and
by other appropriate means within his power:
to collect, as he may be able, new and valuable
seeds and plants, to test by cultivation the
value of such of them as may require such
tests; to propagate such as maybe worthy of
propagation and to distribute them among
agriculturists.”
In the performance of the duties thus im
posed upon the commissioner, and in the
gradual enlargement of the range of the oper
logical. The depredations of insets constitute
a most serious obstacle to the successful cul
ture of all kinds of vegetable products, and the
primary object of this division is to stddy the
habits and life history of insects injurious to
vegetation and also the best means of destroy
ing them or counteracting their rr .-ages.
Silk culture is also o,of' 1 ‘ ’"'itries
whirl, is bet«i' ... , eomv: -.e
effort is now being made by the establishment
of reeling stations at three different parts of
the country, viz., San Francisco, New Orleans
and Philadelphia, to ascertain whether or not
such establishments can be run oil a profitable
basis or if it is unadvisable to attempt silk cul
ture in this country.
Then there is the work of the Chemical divi
sion which is directed to the preparation slid
dissemination of information relating to the
practical application of the results of chemical
investigations on the nature and property of
soils; in determining the value of fertilizers
and to all kinds of analyses which are more in
timately associated with the progress of agri
culture.
There are a number of other divisions of
doubtful usefulness, and shoul I any reader be
particularly interested he can get them by ap
plying to the commissioner.
Of tiie commissioner hi nself it might be well
to say a few words. Mr. Colmtn was born in
tbe Stale of New York, and resided there on
the parental farm until lie reached the age of
twenty. He then moved West and settled in
Kentucky, where he taught school and studied
law, graduating from tiie Louisville law school
with the late M. C. Kerr, who was subsequent
ly Speaker of the II use of Representatives.
F’oruiing a co-partnership with Sir. Kerr they
settled in New Albany, Indiana, for the prac
tice of their profession. Mr. Colman was
shortly afterwards elected prosecuting attor
ney, and filled that position for some time, but
subsequently resigned in favor of his partner
and removed to St. Louis for the purpose of
carrying into effect a long cherished purpose—
that of publishing an agricultural paper. This
paper he lias owned at d managed ever since,
lie was instrumental in originating tiie Mis
souri Horticultural Society ami State Board of
Agriculture, was a member if the Legislature
during the term of 1805-’00, and was nomi
nated for lieutenant-governor in 1808. He was
THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT.
ations of tiie department, a body of assistants
are at work, whicli now embraces a working
force of nearly four hundred persons—special
ists, laborers, clerks and other employees. Tiie
working force is systematically arranged in
divisions, each one of which is directed by a
responsible bead. These divisions are tiie Seed
division, the Etomological division, the Horti
cultural, Bornological and 1’ropagaiing divi
sion, the Statistical division, the Chemical di
vision, the F’orestry division, and the Veteri
nary division. Through these divisions the
commissioner is enabled to execute the vari
ous duties prescribed and contemplated in the
organic act creating the department. It would
be impossible in a brief article to describe the
workings of tiie many bureaus, so we will turn
our attention to the most important.
The distribution of seeds has been one of
the leading features of the operations of the
department since its establishment, the object
being, as required by law, tbe introduction
and dissemination of new and improved varie
ties of cereals and forage plants, as well as
seeds of every kind of plant of promising or
known value. The law does not require that
all the seeds should be of new or rare kinds
only, bnt it includes all that are valuable. In
defeated at tiie time but was renominated and
ejected in 1874. In the position which Mr.
Colman now occupies he will have iu.il scope
for the exercise of his vast experience and in
domitable energy. There are few men in the
United States more familiar with every de
partment of farm life and industry than he is,
or better able by voice and pen to portray
them. Whatever may be ’he genera! estimate
of the worth and value of the Agricultural De
partment, no one can investigate its workings
thoroughly without coming to the belief that
as far as Commissioner Colman is concerned,
he is attending to his duties with as much con
scientiousness as industry, and that is saying
a great deal.
If what I have already said seems to give
great importance to this bureau, yet, when the
Signal service, or Weather bureau, shall be
added to it, in accordance with a bill now be
fore Ci ngress, and which may become a law
before you get this in type, of how much more
importance will it then be! Of enough conse
quence at least, to be one of the most inviting
branches of the Government to be visited ana
studied by every visitor of the millions who
annually sojourn to the Capital City.
Good Examples byMillionaires
Several mill onaires have recently set some
good examples to their brethren of the order
of Craisus. California already owns in the
Lick Observatory one of the most valuable
scientific institutions, as the gift of one of her
wealthy citizens, and now Mr. Stanford, her
millionaire senator, is about to endow a uni
versity for her. Mr. Tilden’s gift of a library
to the city of New York, provided it is not in
terfered with by the courts, is another instance
of the devotion of a great fortune to the pur
poses of popular education and entertain
ment. In our own State, Mr. Jonas G. Clark,
of Worchester, has, in a similar spirit, given
to that city an ample fuud for the foundation
of a university, and his action is the more ap
plauded because it tends to familiarize men of
great wealth with lie idea of dispensing it while
they live, instead of leaving it to be fought over
by dissatisfied heirs and divided among the
lawyers.
It is well to note such examples and make
the most of them for tiie encouragement of our
millionaires generally to go and do likewise.
Wealth once accumulated and possess jd, the
question arises: What is the best use of it?
It can be used for its own sake, or it can be
used for the benefit of the disposer. It can
make opportunics for untold pleasure to the
dispenser, for while humanity struggles with
the inequalities of condition and circumstance
the world over, it lias need of help and craves
it. Probably no question has been more ac
tively considered in the minds of the wealthy
who are possessed of human sympathies, than
to kiow how best to reach the common needs
of the greatest number. Hospitals,societies.be-
lievolcnt institutions, and churches are always
included in large public bequests, and proper
ly; but there are many of these common char
ities that tin living ought to support, while
the wealth of the dead might he devoted to
wider and far-reaching good.
No country now can compare with ours in
the number and size of its millionaires. Many
have died: their fortunes are scattered by leg
acy, and they are soon forgotten. We count
it a public benefit when a mass of aggregated
wealth is broken up and putin circulation, for
the chances are in favor of its speedy dissolu
tion by the ever eager heirs, and the sum of
active capital is increased. The far-sighted
philanthropist, the one who secs beyond to
day, who at heart desires the greatest good of
the greatest number, is he who, while dispens
ing daily amid the most needy, is p aiming
with a broad and Christian motive for the com
mon good.
Tiie Tilden-Stanford-CIark idea of endowing
free libraries and founding free universities,
thus bringing the resources of learning and lit
erature as a gift to the masses, is surely a wise
one. Shaktjpeare says: “He that hath his
wealth in his brain, hath it where no man can
take it from him.” The ever-present need of
humanity is intelligence, education, brain.
Knowledge is power. It often happens that
invention, tenacity of purpose, great persever
ance, are found among the poor and uneduca
ted, but they become giants when guided by
intelligence, by education and an unselfif h
spirit. Recall the names of the many who
•gave left co’ossal fortunes, and see how the
! lie Average parson, wnetner n.ai.mg Etti +-
’broadest minded are the best reuiemhcri-U.'
j George Peabody left millions for the poor, un
educated children of the South, and every
! child that shares his providential charity
■breathes blessings on his name; while the little
village school houses are monuments more en
during than stone or metal.
These benefactors of the people have their
reward. Within a few years there died in New
York an old man, who had lived his three
score and ten, who had toiled and acquired,
and who insisted, while living, that he would
plant not only for to-day for his own, but
for a generation and his fellow-men.
And when death touched him and his
wonderful activities were stilled, and
the generous hand was cold and folded on
his breast, then from humble home and noisy
workshop, from the school and the college,
from artisan and laborer, from mechanic and
inventor, from merchant and trader, from
press and people, arose a mighty tribute of
thankfulness for the life that had been; while
the manifestations of grief knew no limits, but
passed over the world like a wave of sorrow
from sea to sea. Why? Because this man
had planned for the widest-reaching and all-in
cluding charity; because lie knew that knowl
edge was really power, and the only power the
poor and humble could possess. The idea of
public good in some shape was the dream in
his mind for years, and when it came to frui
tion it took shape in the Cooper Institute—
school, library, college, all in one. Open to
all it is a feast for the hungry mind, knowing
neither class nor country, only a common hu
manity and a common need.
This, then, is the best use of wealth : to pro
vide for the coming generation, and just so far
relieve this one. To plan tor the future keeps
the heart sensitive to the touch of nature that
makes us all akin. It is well for our public-
spirited men of money to define their ideas,
and carry them into execution while well and
active, preventing legal disputes and distorted
purposes. Guided by the broadest philanthro
py they need have no fear of the harvest. F’or
the friend of humanity there is no death; he
lives in active minds and throbbing hearts,
and while over his grave the grass grows and
the birds sing, yet greener than the grass, and
sweeter than tiie songs of birds, will be the
memory of him who gave of his bounty for the
blessing and uplifting of his kind.
Michael Davitt Defends McGlynn.
A New York dispatch says that in the dem
onstration at Madison Square, in that city, in
honor of the great Irish patriot on the eve of
his departure for Ireland, “tiie wildest enthu
siasm was evoked when Mr. Davitt, in his
siM-uch. took up tlie defense of Father McGlynn.
He said Dr. McGlynn’s offence began in 1882,
when he made an address favoring the Irish
revolution. ‘Ill that year,’ said Mr Davitt,
‘Cardinal Simeoni singled out for censure one
of the most devoted priests, one of the purest
hearted men that God lias ever called to the
ministry. He was censured for supporting this
movement in Ireland, whicli for object had the
obliteration of crime; for supporting this Irish
revolution he was censured, fret there be no
mistake [a cry of ‘Hit him again!’] about the
origin of this hostility to Dr. McGlynn. Had
he been engaged in the praise of England or ill
tiie denunciation of Ireland in 1822, he might
have been to-day tiie Archbishop of New York.
[Hurrahs, cheers and laughter.] Because F’a-
tlier McGlynn has done what Irishmen have
done in defiance of Cardinal Simeoni, he mer
its tiie censure and ii awarded the punishment
which the propaganda would have meted out
to the McGI; mis of Ireland had we brooked
the ignorant pro-English interference in our
national affairs.’ Mr. Davitt said Father Mc-
Glynu would go to Rome and would get a fair
hearing from Pope Leo. lie denounced Sir
George Eerington and tiie Duke of Sutherland.
The former, he said, intrigued against Ireland
in Rome until he was driven from the sacred
c ty."
The deposed priest insists that he lias yield
ed all the obedience to his superiors that was
rightfully demanded. His sympathizers are
raising a fund of §50,000 for him, and are
locked out and denied the privilege of worship
ping in St. Stephens church.
WASHINGTON CITY.
Reminiscences of Distin
guished Public Men.
PERSONAL MENTION.
What the People Are Doing
and Saying.
Thomas Hughes lias completed his biograr
phy of Bishop Fraser.
A son of Kit Carson resides in Los Angeles,
and is struggling with poverty.
Marshall Field’s private sitting room in his
Chicago residence cost §7,000.
Senator Edmunds wishes to establish an in
ebriate asylum in Washington.
Prince Eugene, youngest son of the king of
Sweden, lias gone to Paris to steady art.
When Prince Alexander of IJattenburg goes
through Egypt he will travel incognito.
Private Secretary Barry reports the condi
tion of Mayor Hewitt as greatly improved.
Ludwig Windthorst, leader of the Clericals,
is an intellectual giant but a physical dwarf.
The Prince of Naples has a collection of rare
coins and medals valued at more than §40,000.
Mrs. Nellie Grant Sartoris will spend the
latter part of the winter with her mother in
New York.
Russia will propose Prince Nicholas of
Leuch enherg to succeed Alexander as prince
of Bulgaria,
Sir Richard Brooks’ tenants have adopted
the plan of campaign and are being served,
with writs.
Senator Vance, of North Carolina, tells the
Democratic party that it must purify itself or
go to pieces.
Ernest W. Longfellow, sou of the poet, will
pass the remainder of the winter on the Medi
terranean coast.
Sam Jones and Sam Small should make a
pilgrimage to Wall street when they get
through with Boston.
The Hon. William Walter Phelps, it seems,
has some hope of succeeding Mr. Sewell as
Senator from New Jersey.
Bill Arp is shaking up the Mississippi bot
toms. Crowded houses every night. He is
a whole brigade with himself.
Mr. Gladstone has conditionally assented to
the proposal to take a division on a resolution
affirming the principles of home rule.
Ferdinand Ward, who is engaged in pasting
tobacco labels at Sing Sing, is called by the
warden a “kicker and a schemer.”
Herr Tisza, the Hungarian prime minister,
has spoken to his friends in very reassuring
terms regarding the maintenance of peace.
Miss Christmas, of North Carolina, a grand
daughter of the famous M/ra Clark Gaines, is
one of the belles of Washington this winter.
Lord Granville said that the speech from the
throne disclosed the fact that the Government
intended to again introduce the Coercion bill.
Win. R. Tra7erg is said to be dying at Ham
ilton, Bermuda. The keen business sense aud
tiie keener wit of the genial financier will be
sadly missed.
Hon. Frank Hurd and other free-traders
have popularized the saying that protection
builds a wall which harmfully obstructs for
eign trade.
Emperor William of Germany has expressed
a wish to meet Queen V ctoria in her jubilee
’AwiijV.v.J'fcr.■ iJwiUe.rierL—v> V.U,-nd Tjie -r.in^ {lay take
•pvmdedt with Icis.v orC-Jufcly'. 4»,uP.tj»j V,~ \ 'z’v,r. ini’- ? "
it mean <to assassinate j/tor” i No'Jr ~ ( place m suuimqr. f V « ..,
a .i c -i i *-•- - ' The son of the Dacn-^' af' pf fbiibly
has the finest collection of postage stamps in
It fills 300 volumes and has cost
Henry Ward Beecher predicts for Europe
“an earthquake that will split her from top to
bottom,” aud suggests that it will be a blessing
for America. Beecher gets further away from
the teachings of the Bible every year.
Incidents Which Have Transpired at
the National Capitol.
By BEN. PERLY POORE.
No. 171.
The Solid Men of Boston.
I do not know that it has ever been stated
who was the author of the quotation, “solid
men of Boston,” used by Daniel Webster. It
is to be found in a little English brochure, en
titled “Songs,” by Capt. Morris. One of these
songs, headed “Billy l’itt and tue farmer,"
commences thus:
Sit down neighbors all,
And I’ll toll a merry story,
About a British farmer
And Billy Pitt, the Tory.
I had it piping hot,
F'roiu Ebenezer Barber,
Who sailed right from England
And lies in Boston harbor.
The song cannot be reprinted in New Eng
land, although it was not probably considered
broad when published. It describes Pitt and
his agricultural friend out at night, and mit tak
en for robbers. The seventeenth and last
verse is:
Solid men of Boston,
Make no long orations;
Solid men of Boston,
Banish strong potations;
Solid men of Boston,
Go to bed at sundown.
And never lose your way
Like the loggerheads of London.
Marshall and the Young Desperado.
John C. Breckinridge used to narrate some
interesting anecdotes about a Revolutionary
veteran named Humphrey Marshall, who was
six feet two in height, with a commanding
presence, an eagle eye and a great devotion to
the good old Federal principles of Washington
and Hamilton. He was for many years a mem
ber of the State Legislature, anil was Senator
iu Congress from 1705 to 1801. Just hefore
the war of 1812 he had made himself especial
ly obnoxious to the Democrats by denouncing
their determinatiin to involve the country in a
war with Great Britain, and Gov. Scott de
clared that lie would pardon any man who
would shoot him. A young fellow to whom
Marshall had in some way given offence, de
clared that he would undertake the job the
next court day; and when that came, a crowd,
including Gov. Scott, was on hand to witness
lhe sport. About Loon Marshall rode into
town on horseback, got his mail at the post-
office, transacted some business at the Court
House, mounted and started for his home.
The young desperado, well fortified with whis
ky, was oil hand, and galloping after him, he
presented his pistol aDd cried : ‘ Halt! I mean
to kill ypu.” Marshall re5n»'i v, Ais DjYf, and
don e mean ‘to assassinate ’ > 'v 0 )'i
plied the sprig of chivalry, takirtg another pis
tol from his breast pocket, “here is a pistol
for you; take it and defend yourself.” Mar
shall took the proffered weapon, and with a
quick blow from it knocked the young fellow’s
pistol from his hand, then, cocking the pistol
given him, the old hero shouted: “Now, dash
you, turn around and walk your horse to the
Court House door!” The subdued belligerent
knew that his life depended upon his obedi
ence, and he returned crestfallen amid the
cheers of the assembled crowd. When they
reached the Court House, Marshall said : “Now
go and drink Tom Jefferson’s health; it’s all
you’re good for.” And with a graceful bow
he again started homeward.
Doug<as and the Mormons.
Gen. Shields' used to say that Stephen A.
Douglas was the prince of wire-pullers, and to
narrate many anecdotes of the “Little Giant’s”
skill in political management. In the organi
zation of the Democratic party in Illinois, he
said that the Mormons gave I (ouglas a great
deal of trouble at tte time Nauvoo was their
headquarters. Just at this time Joe Smith
had a revelation commanding the Mormons to
vote the Whig ticket, and as they were a for
midable element in the vote of the state, Doug
las himself called upon Smith to talk matters
over. Douglas was so convincing in his argu
ments that Smith was converted to his views,
but said as he had had one revelation it would
not do to have another. To get over this dif
ficulty Joseph said that if they would call on
Rigney Smith, his broiler, he would probably
accomplish what they wished. Rigney was
accordingly consulted, and at tbe next convo
cation in the temple lie announced that he had
a later revelation which directed the Mormons
to vote the Democratic ticket. When Joe
Smith was questioned on the subject he replied
that as Riguey’s revelation was later than his,
it should be followed by the Mormons. The
result was a sweeping Democratic victory in
that portion of the state.
Lincoln’s Illustration.
Rev. Dr. Szold, the Rabbi of a Jewish syna
gogue at Baltimore, who was often at Washing
ton during the war, said very correctly that it
was the Martyr-l’resident’s nature to argue a
point, but that when persons would come to
him witli complaints he often gave them his
views in a short and comprehensive parable,
lie would thus often unravel an intricate and
knotty question by his keen and incisive wit.
As for instance: Some Western gentlemen
called at the White House and harangued Mr.
Lincoln in an excited manner about the omis
sions and commissions of the administration.
He heard them with his usual patience, and
finally said: “Gentlemen, suppose all the
property you were wortli was in gold, and you
had put it in the hands of Blondiu to carry
across Niagara Falls on a tight rope, would you
shake the rope while he was passing over it or
keep shouting to him, 'Blondiu, stoop a little
more,’ ‘Go a little faster?’ No, I am sure you
would not. You would hold your breath as
well as your tongue, and keep your hands off
until he was safely over. Now, the Govern
ment is in the same situation, and is carrying
across a stormy ocean an immense weight; un
told treasures are ill its hands; it is doing the
best it can; don’t badger it; keep silence and
it will get you safely over.”
Dr. Buchanan.
Dr. George Buchanan, a thrifty Scotchman,
was the founder of the Maryland branch of the
Buchanan family, and resided at Druid Hill,
near Baltimore, now the Druid Hill 1’ark.
One of his descendants married Miss Virginia
Carolina Marylanda Johnson, a sister of Mrs.
John Quincy Adams, and their son, after a
continuous service in the United States Army
of upward of half a century, died at Washing
ton in 1878, aged sixty-six years. At the
commencement of hostilities in 1861, Col.
Buchanan's loyalty was suspected, and Presi
dent Lincoln sent for him to ascertain where
he stood on the question of secession. “Are
you not a first cousin of Commodore Buch
anan, who has just gone South?” asked Old
Abe. “Yes, Mr, President,” he replied, “I
am a first cousin to the commodore and also a
first cousin to your minister to England,
Charles Francis Adams.” He was placed in
command of a brigade of regulars in the Army
of the Potomac, and during one of the battles
on the pertinsula he was opposed by a Confed
erate brigade commanded by Gen. Winder, of
Maryland, who was his wife’s brother.
the world.
him more than §350,000.
The latest English rumor is that Queen Vic
toria will abdicate during her jubilee year.
The Prince of Wales is said to be impatient
for that year to come.
Lord Randolph expressed the hope that the
House would not follow Mr. Chamberlain’s
policy of creating in Dublin anything in the
nature of a Parliament.
Ex Gov. Davis, the new Senator from Min-
nessota, is quite blind in one eye, “as the re
sult of having made too many speeches facing
brilliant electric lights.”
Joseph L. Morgan, of South Carolina, Sec
retary of the United States Legation at the
City of Mexico, has tendered his resignation,
to take effect March 1st.
Prince Bismarck, in his argument before tbe
Prussian Diet, declared that Germany had, by
its constitution, transferred the essential por
tion of their rights to the Emperor.
“Gen. J. Floyd King,” says a Ijjashinrton
correspondent, “is in appearance the Napoleon
Bonaparte of the House of Representatives.
lie is said to pride liiimelf upon looking like
It is said that President Cleveland attributes
his indisposition to a lack of out-of-door exer
cise, and that in consequence lie contemplate?
au extended trip through the country nexi
summer.
Mine. Tussaud now exhibits in her London
museum the keys of Metz, which Count von
Moltke, on the capture of that fortress, greatly
desired to present to the German Emperor,
but could not find.
Senator Berry, of Arkansas, and our slate
rock philosopher have joined hands iu behalf
of the refunding to the Southern States the ille
gal cotton taxes imposed aud collected at the
close of the late war.
When Jay Gould went through Texas he
said that Dallas should have a population of
150,001) people. He was careful, however, not
to commit himself about spending auy of his
millions to effect that object.
“President Grevy and Prime Minister Gob
let both unsuccessfully have tried to remove
Gen. Boulanger from the control of the mili
tary affairs of France. The maintenance of
peace depends ou General Boulauger’s re
moval.”
Lord Salisbury said: “The outlook on the
continent is so very black that it is not too
much to say that the chances are in favor of a
war at an early date. When once it has bro
ken out we will not be secure from being in
volved.
Napoleon, and ho is a great admirer of the
‘Little Corporal.’ He quotes Napoleon often,
and in attitude and gesture he acts much like
Bonaparte. His face is on the same contour
as that of Bonaparte, and he wears that little
lock of hair over his broad forehead which you
always see iu B maparte’s portraits.”
The Emperor of China must he a tremendous
gourmand, if a correspondent of Les Debats is
to be believed. According to that writer, the
“Son of Heaven” insists on having bears’
paws, antelopes' tails, ducks’ tongues, torpedo
eels’ eggs, camel’s hump, monkeys’ lips, carps’
tails and marrow bones served on his tabl
every day in the year.
In his young manhood the late Earl of Id-
desieigh was esteemed the cleverest amateur
actor in England, and at one time he actually
thought of going ou the professional stage.
Later in life iie was much interested in the
church, and read the lessons in his son’s
church at l’ynes, probably as often as Mr.
Gladstone performed the same services at
Hawarden. lie was also the author of a re
vised and improved form of the marriage ser
vice.
Representative S. S. Cox is slowly recover
ing from his severe illness. In a private dicta
ted note to a friend in this city he says that he
suffered a million deaths, but was lifted f
through by two pictures, one on each side of
his bed, of a li'eboat going out aud one con
ing in. “Knowing,” he says, “that my sysn
had saved nearly 30,000 lives, I thought w
haps that I could hold the rudder and
through.” He adds: “I
writer would show the effect
tions on human misery and I