Evening Star Newspaper, April 12, 1890, Page 7

THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTO SIR JOSEPH FRANCIS. The Man Who Made the First Life- Saving Car a HONORED IN HIS OLD AGE. Written for Tar Evestxo Stam HILE the United States generally imports her dukes, marquises and kuights to accommodate ambitious mammas and title-stricken maidens, we have a gennine American citizen, one of the most patriotic that ever lived, whohas been successively knighted by foreign govern- ments for distinguished services to the world in his numerous" brilliant discoveries of scien- titie principles and their application to inven- tions for saving buman life and other humane purposes. The eminent man to whom I refer is plain Mr. Joseph Francis, cosmopolitan, in- ventor and philanthropist, who, from his resi- dence m the quiet family of friends on Capitol Hull, walks forth daily for his regular “‘consti- tutional.” frequently visiting Congress or the public departments, showing in his ninetieth year the vigor, sprightliness and vivacity of a youth of sixty. Mr. Francis was a Boston boy. born in the first year of the century, and wns eleven years old When the last war with England com- menced. In that ¥ear he invented a boat on a new model with peculiar buoyant properties, adapting it to purposes of saving persons from death by drowning. Such a thing as a hfe-boat was before unknown in America, This inven- tion was the beginning of one of the most re- markable life-bistories ever written of an American. Th 1312 was memorable for many de- shipwrecks. The terrible tales of ocean horrors. the sufferings of the castaways on New England and more southern coasts wrought deeply on the susceptible mind of this —_——< MR. JOSEPH FRANCTS. sender boy. His father’s property destroyed by the war. the family of seven children broken up. Joseph seemed to be the best able to aid 1! nd support himeelf. By favorable in- finence he obtained the situation of page in the Massachusetts legislature. usually called the bc neral Court.” He filled that position from The senate of 41 members and house of 39) were acceptably served its eleven-year-old page. who had spare 4 to indulge his visions of invention whittle out new models of smproved es for his pet boats. Mor..ng and ng saw im busily working in the sho} at boat building. From his home in Clar! street near Hanover be hastened to the state house at the opening of the day's session and at adjournment he ran home to his work. It is impossible to give more than a bare glimpse of the life and achievements of this distin- guished man, of whom it may be said that he has far outlived the period of his greatest liv- ing fame. HIS FIRST PRIZE. At eighteen years of age he received a certi- fieate of merit and acash prize equal to the value of the beautifal boat exhibited by him at the fair of the Mechanics’ Institute in Boston in 1819. It wasa fast row boat and possessed all life-saving qualities, Among the noble- minded and benevolent persons who early ap- d his merit was Mr. Henry Grinnell of ished for many years for thropic deeds and benefactions to many Worthy causes. Others of his life-long friends and patrons were the late Horatio Allen, an ac- complished engineer and inventor. and Gen. Jobu A. Dix, author of the famous order, *‘Who- ever pulls down the American flag shoot him on the spot.” Mr. Francia manufactured all the various kinds of boats and life-saving appli- ances invented by him. The interests of rival manufacturers cansed painful conflicts and persecutions, In the midst of the crucial ex- periences of his first years he was greatly en- couraged by Mr. Grinnell, who said to him: ersevere; you are an inventor and manufac- turer. and your improvements are but a be- gyaning in a good cause.” A thousand pages would but inadequately re- cord the history of Mr. Francis’ wonderfnl career up to bis fiftieth vear. His life was a seene of the greatest activity in furnishing the United States government and merchant ma ri with the products of hia great life-boat factory in New York: building lite boats for ocean steamers. splendid batges for the em- perors of Russia and Brazil and the finest Facing boats for the leading boat clubs. In 1839 Hon. Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Treasury, ordered that all men-of-war and revenue vessels be provided with Fran- 5 life boats. The American Institute and Chamber of Commerce of New York, after aserics of the most trying tests, gave them the highest commendation. and the first named lustitution reported that “the cause of humanity demands that every passenger rp wcket should be provided with one or more of ‘rancis’ life boats.” Such was the almost universal contideyee felt im the perfection of these wurivaled life-saving appliances as early as 1840. FATHER OF THE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE. Mr. Francis has the honor to be considered s@ best informed on the subject, as the the life-saving service,” and as his enius united with bis rare capaci zing a great and influential society of co-operation with the international ship wreck society of Europe, brought him mto the Most conspicuous relations tothe public move- ment in favor of aiding this imstitution, the honor is truly deserved. ‘The year 1535 saw the inception of an idea, which. after four years of varying experiments and heroic straggies with sapposed practicable impossibilities against poverty and adverse umstances sutticient to have deterred trom further trials any person of less courage and invinetbie faith in God and himself, became trmmphant fact. Hitherto wood of the best quality, fastened inthe most skillfal manner, Bad served the builder in uil his varied methods of construction, and well had it answered the nds of the occasion of its noble bat the fact that a wooden boat could st the violent concussions to which it was liable in contact with larger vessels or among rocks or blocks of ice, rendered then f 4 unsatisfactory to Mr. Francis who rsexploring the wide field of experi- nt for the best material to perfect his designs. Was there anything practically avail- ble better than wood? Why not try iron? The thought startled him. Such a thing was never fen or heard of as an iron vessel. But the thought grew and expanded in his Mind. Confidence and faith in his new idea refreshed and inspired him. Poor es he was, he must obey the impulses of his genius and go forward. For economy's sake he provided a frugal home in the country for his little family, and the year 1840-41 saw him self-imprisoned jn a work shop im Anthony street, New York, wrestling with nature to compel from her the revelation of secret priuciples for the sub- servance of predetermined purposes. The re- sult was the discovery of one of the greatest and most valuable inventious of modern times, that of the corrugation of metals like sheet iron, copper, &c. THE METAL LIFE-car. The great purpose to which this invention was first applied was the construction of the @orrugated. metallic life-car. The first per- fected life-car was offered to the government in 1547 to be tested under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury. The ition was treated with disdsiu and a less persistent man than Joseph. Francis wonld have retired | disheartened from the attempt to convince faithless officials of the ticability of his in- vention. Said Hon. William M. Meredith, Sec- retary of the Treasury: ‘There is no means known under heaven, nor will there ever be, of saving life under circumstances such as you recount; besides, the government cannot afford to try experimenta, will do anything like what you represent you may rest assured the government will adopt | it) Mr. Francis retired protesting against the attitude of the government. but not discour- He must bide his time. Opportunity for proving the worth of his work would surely come. He carried his life car to Squan Beach, the most exposed point of the New Jersey coast, and there it remained nearly two years until it made its record. On the 12th of Jan- uary, 1850, the British ship Ayrshire with 201 ngers and crew was wrecked at Squan ach, and the corrngated metallic life car, operated by a crew of inexperienced. untrained surfmen, saved 200 persons, the only one lost attempting to ride ashore outside the car being drowned. The car had nobly met its opportu- nity; the confidence of its originator had been gloriously justified and the wonderful little vessel was withdrawn from active service, ever thereafter to remain as a historic relic and ex- emplar of one of the most noble conceptions of auy age or country. The same life car, known asthe ‘Ayrshire car,” has been exhibited to millions of people in many places in the United States and Europe and 1834 was presented, to the government and placed in the Na- tional Museum in Washington; a memento of wonderful service to humanity; a monn- men: to the inventive genius and humane character of its builder. It seems fitting that, with the year which marked the mid-century, the merit of Mr. Francis should have been so powerfully attested as it was by the memor- able incident of the remarkable rescue just narrated. Many men would have been con- tent to rest for a season and enjoy the fruits of their successful toils and experiments. Not | Mr. Francis. He immediately established large manufactories in several large cities, being com- pelled by the immense demand for his many useful inventions to provide the most extensive works for their production. The government wi very large purchaser of corrugated boats, life cars and other structures for army use. HONORS ABROAD. His name and fame became widely known abroad. His life was thenceforth to be a suc- cession of triumphs and honors more brilliant than ever before. Medals, diplomas and royal Praises showered upon him from the highest sources in Europe. His benefactions to hu- were recognized universally wherever civilization existed, and it may be truly said that no American except Gen. Grant was ever more kindly and familiarly received by crowned monarchs and nobles or more sincerely aided toward the thorough consummation of his de- signs than was Mr. Francis during his long res- idence in Europe subsequent to 1855, during which he established immense factories for the manufacture of his corrugated iron boats, ves- sels and life cars, floating docks, pontoon bridges and wagons and other inventions for the army in five of the great countries of En- rope under the immediate sanction and patron- age of the ruling powers of those nations. Mr. Francis’ visit to the European continent im 1855 was primarily for rest and recuperation of health after many years of exhaustive toil and severe trials and losses in busi- ness. He was i oor and trusted to make some sales of his valuable rights; to make his life boats and other appliances in foreign countries. After three years of unvary- img success in England, France, Austria and Germany he proceeded to Russia, where he ar- rived May 1, 1858. He knew no word of the Russian language nor any person in St. Peters- burg who could speak English, He sought the residence of the American minister, Mr. Pick- ens of South Carolina, who graciously received him as an American citizen. Then ensued an interesting test of Mr. Francis’ ready resource of wit to cope with apparent difficulties and shows the simple directness of purpose which characterized him in all emergencies, After presenting to the minister his letters of introduction from Hon. James Guthrie. Secre- tary of the Treasury, Gen. John A. Dix and others, he was asked: “What is the nature of your visit to Russia?” “It is of a business nature, as I wish to intro- duce my inventions,” replied Mr. Francis. “And you want me to aid you, I suppose?” blufily suggested the minister. Mr. Francis replied that, having arrived only that morning. he was undecided what course to pursue, but would be pleased to have his assistance if needed. His first desire was to see the emperor. “You see the emperor! what is almost impossi “I do not ask you to attempt an impossibility, but if you cannot advise me, I suppose I must seek advice elsewhere,” was the reply. “Well,” said Mr. Pickens, “the only possible I cannot help you to | | | | | | Way to see the emperor will be to make the re- quest to the minister of foreign affairs; [ sup- pose I might make the ay plication for you.” “How long will it take?” inquired Mr. Francis. “At least a month, for a stranger like you.” But.” said Mr. Francis impatiently, “I want to see the emperor tomorrow’ ee his majesty tomorrow!” exclaimed Mr. Pickens. “That is my desire,” calmly insisted Mr. Francis. hen I cannot help you,” replied the minis- ite stiffly. “Good morning,” said Mr. Francis, as be re- tired from the presence of the representative cf diplomatic red-tapeisin. At his boarding house he met an intelligent and friendly English gentleman, who informed him that the Grand Duke Constantine, grand admiral of the navy, in high favor with the emperor, a favorite of the people, intelligent, enterprising ter q | and distinguished for his humanity as well as his urhanity to strangers, was at his summer palace at Streina, twenty miles from St. Peters- burg, and that he conid get immediate audience of him and through him, of the emperor. He was soon at the pal ot the grand duke. Neither soldiers nor gens d’armes intercepted ch to the door, ‘Is the grand duke he asked of a messenger. *Take my card to him,” ‘The messenger quickly returned and ushered our Yankee mechanic into the reception room, From the center of the spacious room the grand duke came forward and cordially greeted him and welcomed him to Russia, saying: “Thope you have brought some specimens of your inventions, especially the famous life- saving ca have heard about its saving people froma wreck and I wish to know all about it.” Mr. Francis replied that he had broughta beautiful corrugated copper row boat, polished and highty finished, and a corrugated galvan- ized iron ship's life boat. “Can you let me see it? Where is it?” tiently asked the grand duke. “It is ina building on Vassily Ostroff,” re- plied Mr. Francis, and requested his highness would name a time when he would like to see it. _ “Would tomorrow at 11 o'clock be conven- impa- ertainly, and I will be ready,” answered Mr. Franc: At 9:30 the next morning tall. dignified gentleman, in full naval dress, appeared at the hotel and inquired for Mr. Francis. On ad- vancing to meet him the gentleman announced himself as “the Admiral Matueskin,” that the lord high admiral of the navy would be at the hotel in an hour and a half, and he begged to be shown what his highness was coming to see. At the appointed time the grand duke arrived accompanied by his son, a lad of twelve years, and alighting amid a large concourse of police and gens d’armes proceeded to examine al! the beautiful specimens of work, expressing much astonishment and admiration and a strong de- sire to purchase it. On leaving the house where the boats were kept the grand duke and Mr. Francis walked together about six blocks to the River Neva, conversing familiarly on the subject of the new life-naving appliances, fhe next day Mr. Francis called on the America: minister, who asked him, “Well, how do you g slong about seeing the emperor?” have aot yet seen the emperor,” quietly answered Mr. Francis, “Of course not,” said the phasis, “Bat,” said Mr. Frane’ ake Constantine, how did you patronizingly inister with em- " Ihave seen the 0 to see the inquired Mr, “O, that was easy enough. I went to his palace at Strelua, seut in my card and he re- ceived me at once and treated me as a gentle- man would. I spent an hour with him and he afterward came to see me at my house to look at my boats and models, t your house!” This was the climax of surprise for the min- ister, who, expressing himself totally unpre- pared for such a businesslike method of at- tending to business, was not thereafter solicited by Mr. Francis for any iuterveution between himself and royalty. THE MEDAL FROM CONGRESS. In compliance with two memorials emanat- ing from the two most distinguished bodies of their kind in the United States, the American Institute and Chamber of Commerce of New York, the Porty-ninth Con; resolution of thanks to Mr. ae services to humanity in the construc- tion and perfection of life-saving appliances,” and authorized the President ‘to cause to be | i gt gold medal ngs a Koncay Sper ion ated to . Franci nition of hls eminent services,” Ai The medai has been made, and ia this forti- ‘vy your life-car and if it | eth year since the event which signalized his greatest victory in the field of scientific inven- tion his government renders tardy acknowledg- ment to him for an obligation recognized a half century ago by the most distinguished hu- mane, mercantile and scientific associations in the world. The medal is the most massive and expensive ever struck for presentation to an American citizen. Its breadth is 4 inches and ite weight about 96. onnces troy. Its cost is about $6,000, The designs are emblematic of the life work and highly honorary of the char- acter and services of its distinguisued recipi Today the great journals of the count relate the story of the public ceremonies of the presentation of this princely gift by the Presi- dent of the United States. Great warriors have been thus honored many times by a grate- ful people. Let. yow, the representatives of humane ideas. one of the greatest of America’s sons, be accorded their vencration and gratitude for his success in resisting the death dealing forces of nature. conferring a priceless boon upon the wide world inall circumstances of peace or war. GRANVILLE FERNALD, ATTRACTIVE HOMES. Some Pretty Notions for Decorating and Furnishing. ORCHID DESIGNS IN JEWELRY—THE ARBANGE- MENT OF BRIC-A-BRAC COLLECTIONS—TABLE DECORATIONS FOR LUNCHEON—PUSSY WILLOW EFFECTS—WRITING DESKS. ASTER REJOICINGS have filled the week that has just passed, and an Easter signification has entered into ali matters, social and commer- cial. Merchants attach an Easter Meaning to everything imaginable in the way of goods, and special displays are made under that label, no matter how far-fetched the idea may be in connection with the objects shown. Jewelers under this title have had on exhibi- tion various beautiful articles, noticeable among them being the enameled work. ORCHID DESIGNS. Orchids are the most striking designs used and the work is done directly from nature. Most beautiful effects are gotten, some having stems of diamonds and emeralds with the heart of rubies and diamonds. A fondness for orchids may ke called one of the acquired tastes and it is a fancy that seems to grow on one, so this orchid jewelry will appeal to the special taste of many people. As in the arrangement of flowers the preference is for bouquet all ot one kind, be it orchids, roses or violets, so now the same fancy prevails in the grooping of bric-a-brac, so-called. Instead of a helter-skelter conglomeration in a cabinet or on a mantel all the bits of Dresden or Doulton must be gathered in one corner or otherwise distinctly grouped by themselves, the same rule applying to other kinds of china. This, of course, can be only carried out where one’s collection 1a sufficiently large to furnish several objects of one kind of porcelain, For the rather numerous class who possess maybe onlya single will be a little difficult to “group” the solitary vase of Royal Worcester or Doulton, so the har- lequin effect will probably still be’ prominent in most homes, NUW FANCIES IN LUNCHEONS. So long as luncheons continue a fashionable and favorite form of entertainment so long will new fancies continually spring up and in- di al taste produce effects that less ingeni- ous minds can only copy and be thankful for the models, Every once in a while some hostess, oversurfeited with the redundance of color often displayed at luncheons or dinners, rebels and has a reaction where only white alone will soothe her perturbed feelings on the sub- ject. Such a luncheon was recentiy given with charming effect. The china was white sevres, perfectly plain, but of the delicate trans- Parency connected with the name. At each place lay a few sprays of white lilac tied with narrow White ribbon. A large ent-glass bow! in the center of the table was filled with Easter lilies. The table cloth was of white, but with a band of cut-work insertion between the plates and the center piece, through which showed the dark wood of the table, the only color ad- mitted or even suggested in the ornamentation of the feast. PUSSY WILLOW. The most novel decoration for a luncheon is the pussy willow, with its silvery tufts looking 80 like pussy’s velvet paws. It was an original mind that took thesé harbingers of spring as the foundation of a new scheme of decoration. The table cloth most suitable for this table is a ay linen, slightly embroidered im yellow. In filled with the gray twigs, while gray lush is loosely folded aud draped beneath. yellow filled with the willow are scattered about and dishes with much gilding on used as far as possibie. A young lady who has been so fortu- nate as to receive a quantity of branches of the willow filled a yellow jar with it and set it on olive plush, puckered loosely, these being tha sole contents of a small wicker table, painted a soft yellow also, She has another pink jar fuli of it, which sits on a white table scarf beside a white-framed picture, making avery pretty color effect. AN ORIENTAL LUNCHEON. All who listened with delight to Miss Amelia B. Edwards when she lectured here so re- cently will be interested to hear of a unique luncheon which was tendered her in Brookiyn. The table cloth was white silk embroidered with lotus flowers in gold. In the center was a large bronze vase with some hieroglyphics on it and filled with daffodils. e hostess’ small er carried out the idea by wearing an oriental dress of rose-colored silk with over- dress of olive, thus paying a pretty tribute to Miss Edwards’ eastern proclivities. A center mat for the dinner table may scem to partake | of the season »by being made of green satin, the outer edge forming grape leaves. The un- derlying ones are button-hoied on the edge with lighter green silk and filled in with lace stitches of the same color. The upper and overlapping leaves are made of light green plush, button-holed down with dark green silk and veined with the same, The satin is cut away after working close to the outer button- holing, leaving the irregular edge as a finish, WRITING DESKS AROUND THE HOUSE. Among the conveniences most insisted upon nowadays is a goodly number of desks or writ- ing tables scattered throughout a house, Some go so far as to say there should be one in every room of the house, barring the kitchen. To further this scheme they snggest almost any table capable of holding writing materials or even a corner shelf where unobtrusive comfort may be found. Old tables may be fresiiened with oil, varnished or be painted to correspond with the furnishiug of the room where they are tostand. With a little taste and ingennity such a desk may be fitted up so as to combine every requisite necessary for writing a letter or note, Many a gnest has found to her sorrow that houses with posedly every comfort and many luxuries afforded no place where the con- vVeniences for writing a casual letter might be obtained. Without agreeing |with the idea of having a writing | desk in every room one may concede | that certain ly every floor should have one. Particularly each guest room should be pro- vided with writing conveniences. People are supposed in traveling to have their own outfit asa general thing, and often only ask for enough space ou some table to use them, It is well, however, to have ink. pens and paper to supply unprovided sojourners. It is often the case that a guest room is so filled with orna- ments in order to make it attractive looking that when aguest tooks about for space in which to bestow the contents of her trunks she can absolutely find no place that is not already occupied. Acomfortable bareness is a real boon to a visitor, a fact which should not be overlooked. A PRETTY DESK. A desk which is both pretty and useful is made by painting an old table white and add- ing a back part, half as wide as the table and as long, rather high and with several compart- ments like enlarged pigeon holes, This is also painted white. The top of this is used for orna- ments, and books occupy one or two of the divisions. All the necessary belongings of a desk, including wax, candlestick, stamp box and blotter find ap abiding place here, while drapery or curtains may be added if ono fancies. Another useful article for a guest room is a work basket. A person making a short visitis more likely than not to be without conveniences for making repairs which some- times an accident renders necessary, and a small work basket, with the necessaries for sewing, are greatly appreciated. Such thought- ful foresight on the part ot a hostess tends to make a guest's stay in her house a doubly pieas- ant one, Sickles for Mayer. Gen. Sickles’ appointment as sheriff of New York is believed to be merely preliminary to his nomination for mayor next fall by Tam- many Hall, as the candidate of reformed Tam- many and the special representative of Gov. Hill in New York city politics, Now that the on has been made public the Tammany leaders have thrown off all emigre and they now admit frankly that it is the intention to nominate Gen. Sickles for mayor next fall, and specimen of the more costly pieces of china it | rr Sie'center’ of the table's lew jar of yellow is | yases of | MISTAKEN FOR BOOTH. From Richmond to Washington Just Twenty-five Years Ago, A CLOSE SHAVE FOR LIFE. A Thrilling Incident ef the War—Se- quel to the Assassination of President Lincoin—The Evacuation ef Rich-= mond—A Secret Messenger, —_——_.___ Written for Tar Evesine Stan. ;RESIDENT LINCOLN was assassi- fnated on the morning of Good Fri- g7N| lav, April 14, 1865. Two days there- ‘Qjafter, on Easter Sunday, and about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, I was brougut under a strong guard @ solitary pris- oner into the city of Washington. The hap- hazzard of circumstance with which I had nothing todo had thrown me into a position full of—what was to me—a new and strange peril, which all bore reference to and had a strange connection with the assassination, I had served through four years of the war, and, being at last completely invalided, I in Janu- ary, 1865, retired to Richmond on sick leave. One evening I was making a call at the presi- dential mansion when Col. Ives of the presi- dent's staff came up to me, and saying that the president wished to see me conducted me directly to the president's library. He was alone with Mr. Benjamin. Our interview was with reference to sending u bearer of dispatches to Mason and Slidell, and I was offered the post. I at once accepted it and on Mr. Benja- min’s directing me to report at his office the next day at 12 o'clock I took my leave. I was ordered to proceed through the enemy's hnes by any route 1 might choose to Canada and thence to England, and was re- ferred to a regular “blockade runner” for information, who had instructed me as to many methods, houses, pass words and grips. There were many delays consequent upon the mili- tary situation andI did not receive my patch until the last day of March. It wasa tiny package written in cipher on silk paper and inclosed in oil silk, aaa this, with a check on the contederate fiscal agent in Montreal, I had had sewed up in the shank of a pair of boots which I had ordered for this purpose. THE EVACUATION OF RICHMOND. On the morning of April1 I learned that Richmond was to be immediately evacuated. On the 2d this became generally known, It was a day which will never be forgotten by those who passed through it. Late that night Thad my last brief interview with the sccre- tary of State amidst his preparations for a hurried departure. His last words were: “A locomotive is in waiting for you on Broad street; here is the order for it. Make your way a8 rapidly as you can and get to England just as speedily ‘as possible. Good bye.” I passed out into that awful night. The streets were fullof people—men, women and chil- dren—although it was 3 o'clock in the morn- ing. Apart of my own corps (Longstreet’s) was on the march through the city. The build- ings south of Main street, containing commis- sary and quartermaster’s stores, had been fired and the sky was reddening with the growing conflagration. The fact that the stores were being burned spread seemingly in an instant, and people of every condition in life were hur- rying to the scene to snatch whatever they could from the flames and so for the time stave off starvation. Hundreds of barrels containing whisky had been stove in or had burst with the heat, and catching fire flooded the gutters with | flame, and men struggled with each other for pla along the burning torrent that they might scoop up a nauseating draught, which would nevertheless bring forgetfulness. The powder magazines in the forts around the city were being blown up, One-half the city—ail that lay between main street and the river, the business half—was now enveloped in flames, while the houses in the other half, which stood on the hills above, reeled in the lurid light like drunken giants with each terrific explosion. It was my last view of the confederate capital, and it suggested an orgie in hell, A HURRIED DEPARTURE. I was freshly dressed in citizens clothing, and taking no luggage but a small leather bag slung over my shoulder. I made my way to the corner of 5th and Broad streets, where I found the engineer, with steam up and only waiting the word to go. There was a crowd of several hundred panic-strickon men and women stand- ing around and all demunding to be taken on board. I advised them to stay where they were, but a dozen or more had mounted the tender. I gave the word to the engineer and we were off. Upon reaching the North Anna river I crossed in a canoe and then rode on a hand car until 4 reached the point where it was necessary to leave the railroad, Then I made for our signal station on the banks of the Potomac on foot. The river was very closely patrolled at this point and I was compelled to remain at the station for several days, Atlast a dark, cloudy night came and I set out for the Maryland shore ina small boat with four stont negroes at the muffled oars, and in two hours or more I stepped on to the Mary- land shore. near a fisherman's hut, which stood on the bank above. I hastily scrambled up the bank, and, giving the signal raps on the door, Iwas at ouce admitted. In reply to my in. quries I was informed by this shaggy old southern sympathizer that a squad of federal cavalry had been there that afternoon and that they wore in cump two miles up, and directly on the road over which J must pass to Allen's Fresh, a small place of half a dozen houses, which I desired to reach before daylight. The distance was sixteen miles. I avoided the cavalry and arrived before dawn safely, but en- tirely exhausted, at my destination. Followin the directions which ‘had been given me wit! reference to @ certain honse there, which I easily identified by a great oak which stood near it, 1 walked boldly up to the door and gave the signal raps. In a moment I heard some one moving in the house, the door opened, A HAND SEIZED MINE and Iwas drawn in, with the whispered in- quiry, “Traveled all night?’ to which I re- turned a whispered “yes.” I was taken by the arm and conducted upstairs to a bed room. “Sleep,” said my silent conductor, and left me I could discern dimly my surronudings, ng water, soap and towels I refreshed my- self, and_getting into bed was instantly sound asleep. When I awoke it was 12 o'clock anda man Was standing over me with a julep in his hand. Breakfast soon followed. “My friend, | for such he proved himself to be, had two horses saddled and rode over with me to Char- lotte Hall, a distance, I think, of 12 milea, On our way over there we passed a country store, where I was surprised to hear a voice from a group of half a dozen men call out my name, with the inquiry: ‘What in the devil are you doing here?’ It proved to be Maj. B—, an old friend of mine and sn officer on the staff of a general of cavalry of the confederate army, He was a Marylander and had, as he informed me, just slipped over home for a couple of weeks to see his wife and children. He was then on his way back to join bis command, and it he could get his boat in time he intended to make the attempt to cross the river that night. I told him of the evacuation of Richmond,of which he had not heard. Upon my saying that I felt uneasy at being recognized by him in presence of othe: id: “You need not be afraid. ‘These are all my friends, You are as safe here as you would be in Virginia, otherwise I could not come here. The federals know that Lam here, but I am always warned of their approach, and as I never sleep two nights in the same bed they will never be able to capture me.” We were conversing together perhaps twenty minutes, As we rode away from him I thought that he looked and talked as though he was drinking heavily. The rea- sons for my stating these trifling facte with particularity will appear in the farther devel- opment of this narrative. In due time we ar- rived at the village, hitched our horses and en- tered a store near by, where we had a glass of whisky, and, lighting our cigars,sat down on the front porch. While sitting there a squad- ron of federal cavalry passed, but made no halt. In ashort time 1 was introduced to a gentle- man who invited me to his house, where I was kindly cared for—the next day being Sunday— until Monday morning. Early Monday morning, it being the 10th of April, I boldly entered the coach in whic! I found several other passengers. It is, I taink, about 30 miles from Charlotte to Washington, with only a single stopping between. This was ata place cailed RR Itis 14 miles from there to Washington. At that point we stopped twenty minutes for din- ner and to change horses, The first I saw was a soldier in cavalry uniform and the next moment I saw a dozen of them, Our twenty minutes slowly, ever so agg ae and we were again onthe road. We had not gone twenty rods before my strained ear caught ‘THE CLATTER OF MAXY RooFs, and the next instant I heard the sharp com- mand, “Halt.” The stage stopped and was im- mediately surrounded by soldiers. The ser- int at once to Slough answered ‘ll his quectious ‘weil nd ov D. C., SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 1890-TWELVE PAGES without hesitation, he ordered me to get ont ofthe stage. Asking me if I was armed and on my answering that I was not he ordered me to be taken to the camp at Piscataway, six miles off. I spent the night at their camp and the next morning was sent byan ambulance to the headquarters of the company at Chapel Point ‘on the Potémac. was Lieut’ L— in command, who asked mea great many ques- tions with a pom air, I admitted that I was an officer of contederate army going abroad for my health and produced my sick leave. He ordered me to be taken to the guard house, where I remained several days. NEWS OF THE ASSASSINATION, On Saturday morning, the 15th, I was walk- ing back and forth before the guard honse, when, glancing up toward the church which stands on the hill above the point, I saw a man riding at full speed down hill. His horse was breathing hardand ail afoam. He rode = to Lieut. L—'s quarters, threw himself and ran in. In @ moment there was commotion in the camp. An orderly came running to the guard room, erying, “Turn out the guard!” and the drum beat to quarters. The guard formed in front of the guard house, Lieut. L—— came down with his sword buckled on and seemed greatly excited. On seeing me standing in the door of the guard room he marched the guard off about fifty yards and made an annoucement to them, which, as I could see, produced consternation among them. ‘Then they broke ranks and the bugle call ‘to saddle” was immediately sounded. The company was forming hurriedly when Sergeant S—, with whom I had made friends, entered the guard house and said ina half whisper to me, “Colonel, your people played hell up in Washington last night.” “What was it?” Linquired, never dreaming of the annouace- ment he had to make, “Why,” said he, trembli: “they murdered President tary Seward at Fort Thayer. ‘Who did?” Why Maj. B— did it.” this way and we are now going in search of him. He can’t get away for the whole country is covered with soldiers.” What a mountain of trouble and anxiety this terrible news caston myshoulders he never suspected and I shall never be able to tell, The whole thing seemed to flash on me in an instant, Maj. B—— was a confederate officer, and was the man whom I had seen and talked with on my ride from Allen’s Fresh to Chaflotte Hall on the Saturday before. I rememfpered that I had told him of the evacuation of Rich- mond, that he had said he was going to recross the river that night if he could get his boat, which had gone adrift. I remembered, too, that he was drinking heavily, so it ram to this conclusion in my mind. A NATURAL CONCLUSION. B— had not been able to recross the river; he was being closely pursued al! the time; he was wild about the condition of affairs in the south. Gen, Lee—as 1 now knew—had sur- rendered. All was lost, B——, rendered des- erate by the situation and crazed by drink, ra mounted his horse, ridden boldly to Wash- ington, where, an opportunity offering, per- haps at some military review at Fort Thayer, he had, on seeing the President and Secretary Seward together. and on the sudden impulse which seizes drunken men, drawn his revolver and kiiled them both on the instant. This, [ say, Was what I thought might be the case. I knew that all his movements would be sifted to the bottom; that it could easily be shown that I had been in earnest conversation with him a week before; that I was in the enemy's lines in disguise, or at least not in uniform; that a southern conspiracy to assassinate them would be set up, and my connection with it would thus be shown, and that as sure as the rising of the sun I should be hanged. Innocent as a baby though [ was, of ever having had a thought of such a thing, I knew that I should nevertheless be put to the extreme penalty of the law, and my name perhaps never be vindi- cated—the burning shame never removed. Iu the next twenty-four hours I endured a silent anguish, such as I trust no other mortal may be called on to suffer. In those few hours Laged ten years. During the night the company returned to its camp. No one spoke to me, nor to each other in my presence. “Already,” I thought, “I am an object of suspicion.” SENT TO WASHINGTON. Early in the morning I was informed that I would be sent on to Washington, and that L should be ready for the march in ten minutes. Promptly I was ordered out between a file of six cavalrymen—three on each side of me—but was much relieved to find Sergeant S— in command of the guard. Arrived at the village of Port Tobacco the sergeant ordered a rest, asl was laboring heavily. ‘Lhe mental strain that I was undergoing had completely pros- trated me. It was Easter Sunday, andas lovely a spring day as ever dawned on the earth. me, and until now, it was the blackest [ had ever seen. Finding an opportunity I asked the sergeant if they had “caught B.” He replied curtly, as I thought, that they had not at last accounts, but that he would surely be taken, as a rabbit could not get through the ‘cordon’ by which he was surrounded.” Resuming our march, we had not gone far betore we were overtaken by a two-horse wagon driven by an old colored man. The wagon was empty. The sergeant asked him where he was going, and on his replying “to Washington” told me to “get in.” I gave the old man a dol- lar for the ride and took a seat beside him. could not have gone a mile further on foot. The entire time was one of almost unbroken silence on my part, either because my facnities were benumbed with misery or because the men of the guard rcgarded me with suspicion and avoided all communication with me, At last we reached the top of the hill which overlooks the city and begun the descent to the bridge over the Eastern Branch. the southern end of the bridge I saw, as we drew with excitement, coin and Secre- “He fled down near, a crowd of at least a hundred people— | k men and women—all looking with expectancy in the direction from whence we were coming. and as we passed through them I read in their faces the intensity of their feelings. At the north or cityend of the bridge was astill greater crowd, all intently looking toward us. The reason of this was that the assassins of the President had fled down this road, and it was by this way it was thought that they would be brought b: Aman in the crowd called out to the guard. “Who is he?” to which one of | the men replied, “A rebel prisoner; and it was a relief to me to know that I was so recog- nized. In passing through the last crowd a thought flashed upon me which filled me with a new terror. 1 was that down ia the city L would be SEIZED BY THE MOB and be torn limb from limb. I reflected that the city must be full of infuriated men athirst for blood; that it was Sunday, when all classes would be free to be in the streets, and that their unreasoning fury would be increased enormously by drink, in short I saw a hell yawning at my fect, through which I must pass, My imagination did not overdraw or too vividly paint the actual and real situation, as [ found it, But a man does not give up, no matter how Saiving the dangers which surround him. I expressed my fears to the sergeant, who, being in no danger himself, could not see that I wasin any. But, determined to do what I could for rotection, I told the old negro driver that if e would lend me his coat and hat and let me take the reins I would give him another dollar, ‘This he was glad to do. So, quickly divesting myself of my own coat and hat, I put on his and, changing seats with him, took the reins, To this device, simple as it was, I’ve no doubt I owed my safety on that awful passage. The situation thus produced was for the moment confusing to the crowd. Tie old negro seemed at first sight to be the prisoner under guard, and before they could unravel their confusion or guess the fact we had passed away from them. THROUGH THE CROWDED STREETS. At the foot of Capitol Hill there was another crowd, all silently gazing at us as we rode on, three cay mon each side of us and the sergeant lea the way straight up Pennsyl- yenia avenue. Our destination was the head- quarters of Gen. Augur, which were on the right side of 14th street, about the middle of the block, between F and G streets. As we along all the le stopped to look at us. Looking ahead I saw that the crowd at the National and Me' litan Hotels extended far into the streets, and passi: i saw that the intense strain ‘of th ) always at a walk, was now doubly ‘clow on account of the crowd. As we got near to the house in which Gen. Augur his quarters the crowd here, heated toa white heat of e: ing for news of ing mass—a human maelstrom-—eager to de- vour—bent on blood. Ten thousand hands were raised and the crowd pressed ravenousiy onto the wagon. No time now to think. | Leaping from the = I stood among the crowd and being for the moment lost to their ve SOUTHWES?. ‘K D SCENERY SPUEN MAG NIFICE NT EQUIPMENT, . Ta Effeot eo view I pushed my to where I saw two | TRAINS Lrayt wisisuiuy, Pho STATION, soldiers standing guard ata door. The crowd | fer Pittebo AND |B STKED TS_AS FOLLOWS: I gained Aacao Lamtted Eaprese was now eagerly searching for me. the door at last and rushed past the guard. Reyond, out in the rard. [saw a tent and offi | cers in uniform sitting there. I did not stop | until [reached them. Giancing back I saw the hallway of the house packed with the mob, who seeing me take refuge in the tent, halted. stood a moment irresolutely, wavered, weak- ened and at last went back. That danger was successfully passed. A young officer looking w of Palla Vest bile Pet i : . Pew to 3. and Dining Western Express. Re Cary Was fe, commer tine a Bleopere tor L at Facute h asked who 1 was) and the Wes: strongest case possible against me. As the officer read his face grew longer and longer until, the end reached. he looked up sorrow- fully and said, ‘Have you any friends in Wash- ington?” and I answering “yes,” he said, “If | You wish to communicate with them the are id paper.” Isat down to do so, but be- thinking me of how completely suspicion ruled the hour, I rose from the table, thanked him } for the courtesy, but I said, “I find such an at-| mosphere of terror and suspicion here that m mere note might involve my friends in tro and what I wanted. I briefly explained in a| ure, and Pitteburg short time. S-— came in and presented his | AND POTOMAC RATLROAD, report, which had been sent by Lient. L +f —~ td ‘or and Niarere Palle d in which 1 felt sure he had made the | mater Gang: Set Bat. | rim) 1 000 pm, B to Locbester and Eimiraat 10.00 sport daily, S30 p.m. DEL PHIA St W LORK AND THF RAST, 00 “wud ae an ws 1 » ‘atly, except Sut @axiy wath Dong Oar wo OK 1H1LADELPHIA ONLY seudd 10pm daily. p aay. and soTshail not avail myself of your hind ae BY ue Sune at | . ~ ayy wie Anbex, atfoni= | offer.” I was invited to resume my scat. After | }t"g! Sab) ~ ge 4 j@while he said, “You seem sick and faint; ix | there anything you wish?” Ttoid him that I was in low health. that had uot broken iy fast that day, that ] was very weak and that a bowl of water, soap and towels was what I most wished, He took me upstairs to his own room where [refreshed myself, he in the meantime sending out fora beefsteak and giving me a | whisky toddy. | On our going down to the tent I found that | Gen. Augur had returned. The young officer a City ta. Week Jaya 1120p, aim. aad 4-40 p.m. daily, 12 OSand 4 20pm, aid 0s. 5 Sundaya ¥0o em, explained the situation to him, the attack of ox the mob, my condition, &c.. &e. Gen. Augur ~ | For Alexapuria, 4 directed that I should be kept there until dark | 1-04 before being sent out to “Carroll Prison. —- agajnst the mob, The young of- cer had given me a cigar and I sat down alone by a tree, very, very miserable. Jn ali this time I had b afraid to make any in- quiry as to Maj. B—— and I was in total ighor- Quantico, 745 am. end 6.55 Burlay as ance of the situation, shington, $2870 . THE WHOLE THING EXPLAINED, 1105 pam Un Dup- 20 ob, Ody About dask I saw Sergeant S—— come into the yard and approaching me. He had come to bid me good-bye. As he stooped on the ground beside meI said: “Sergeant, have they caught Maj. B—— yet?” | He looked up quickly and said: “Colonel. I | made a big mistake when I told you that it was . B—— who had killed the President, I mis- | understood Lieut. 11—- entirely, but we bad been searching for Maj. B—— a long time, tor we knew that he was over in southern Mar} jand and I suppose I had him on my mind. wasn't him that killed the President at all, was a play actor named Booth,” Antes A mountain rolled from my shoulders, | Bir Shortly after dark I, under guard of two men, | ("4 was marched by back streets up Capitol Hill to | tan the Carroll Prison. But amidst all the suspicion, | ms: gloom and terror of that awful time { carmed "ass an unburdened heart and cheer- TC and ay ner of 13th ™ kings | the etanic . ik. WOOD, Gen. Pa Agent it FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 1890, ELPHONZO YOUNGS COMPANY aie, Maietsh, Atlaatiy Me 3. 8 Are Headquarters for pautua ¥ id Cleveland's Baking Powder, which we fully recom- mend ‘Van Houten's Cocos—Superior to anything of the kind ever introduced in this market—A cup served Pt free from 9 am.to 7 p.m. tomorrow at our store to | Cat 2-48 pan Strasvung tocalat 10-87 those who wish to test its merits, Also Pure Maple Sugar and Sirup—New crop—direct re. au son, Peunsyivani railroad, 6th aud § sts hd Jas. L. TAYLOR, Gen, Pans. Agent, from the maple groves of Vermont. ELPHONZO YOUNGS COMPANY, avel For Chicago and express cuiiy 11-20 at exp 50) ‘or CAMCLLLSL, St. Lois ang Indiaiapulia, expresd ely, 3. 1V aud L130 p For Pittsburg and Cl veiand, Vestibuled Limited express @ally 41°20 au sks oAprees 540 pom OF LEXUKtOL and Loca Stations 110 all I Tou Yor So 428 Ninth st. ory um. Inmy announcement card I stated that my business | sor Wiis uesieT aud way at 1510-12 7th st. uw. would be conducted on | = YA +0 P= = e205 acgress.ve plan; that I would fight for your patron- | .2{F wan WEEE Gave, ‘axe,armed with Low Prices, for Cash; that I would show you which side of your “bread had the butter on | it,” that I would follow none, but endeavor to lead all in Low Prices for Cash. You never saw a Printed | 3:30 Washstand Set for #1.98 until Grasty made the price. | 9:00 and vi You never saw a 56-picce Tea Set, English Ware, for | = me, € y rrr ery 4:38 * 2.98 till Grasty, The Pusher, came in the ring. You | MOP, 9:00. 6-40. ee Sa ee Ti) pm. Sundays, never saw a full size Kitchen Lamp for 15c., complete, | 0, 1100 pam. till Grasty showed it. You never saw # Solid Oak oe ep re er Chamber Suite, Bevel Plate, 24x20, for $17.95, till <- * ov, @ Grasty “set them up.” You never saw Slat Bed Springs, Double or Single, for O8c., till Grasty put them before you. ou never saw a Woven Wire Spring for 82.4%, till G nxied them out, You uever saw a Walnut Frame Parlor Suite, Hair Cloth or Plush, 7 pieces, for # {ll Grasty rushed them out, You never had better att om shown you in ny pau. “Sundays, 5:50 am, ¢ Lapolis 6:4U aba’ do. 57 8.1. 4:00 Cera ting aul ed 1150 pan, a anteriuec.t® Stations, 1700p. ma. 000 pt ‘Church train Jeaves Washington on Sunday at 1:10 2 | Pas. stoppti at all stations ou Mecropoiiten Braucl, |S For Frederick, 16:45, 111220 am, TSA 1 aN . Supdays, 1°10 thug exactly stailment bu firty beck, bur we Where you pay ad give every customer worth fora dollar. All weask is that yi see. Don't put us down asayraud. Don't do you Try Us. We have come tostay and those who doubt longest jose much. Remember the name and place, GRASTY, The Pusher, Furniture, China, Glass, &. 2 7h 229-3m_ “4-00, TB 0U, “Hout eee ee °10:4) p.m. Bunet pa Tur G Ss Cc | Biecline car op the 1 HE Graeat Siypicate Crouse | COMPANY. 74H S.E. Cor. 9th and E «t ‘ashington, D.C. We take pleasure to intorm the clothing buyers that , we have bee: .aing lone evourh dispose of ie drains S| aiituo"aas aut ace tim ove who don't | Bight. ladly teli their tmends whi ‘ireiug leave Philadeiphis for Washington ercurea Lape ssi til to 11 sia, "4:80, +0 Porvatlante City Gays 4:00 a.m. aud 12 500m 2 Pescest puuday “1 (Sunday only. Baxwage called ior and cb ed from botels aud res idences bs Ciigh raunter Coon cracte ieftet ck | Offices, 619 and 1854 dm, ave. and.ai Depot. J. 1. ODELL Cad Ad. scuLl, aso to this we will certainly Ne invite all to come selves Ww “4.40, formerly sold at $18 | 50 aud $1 } Prince Alierts, worth $75, you may 5, for ‘Gen. Manager. OTOMACG RIVER BOATS. Potomac THANSFUWTATION CoMWANE. mau 0 tor $4 : Cheaper crude, worth 35, for 5 e and Hiv Landings Steamer SUR, Men's Working Fauts, soid elsewhere at 82.50, for weaves steyi ‘what ey + Sunday at 4 o'clock pan. For further micrmsties Boys’ Long Pants Suits, trom 14 to 18 years for | appiy to 83.9, 84, 80.50, $7.70 aud 8.60. XN & BRO., dren's Knee Pants Suits, from 4 to 14 years, for mh8-6m enth Street Whart. Lo, $1.60, 31. 85 and $4. . A very lange assortinent of Boys’ Gad Knee Pants, | #0 NOKFOL ee SSS 330, 42, 50 aud ~5e. i C4 ee col mpring-werht Overcoate | THE OLD FAVUK! ‘ CpORGE LEaRT. a 5.75, $6 au ‘ SPs Mu at Now please rememuer our goods sre bere for your | Appointments firsiciase, Table unexceiied. State inspection, and if you give uss call we'will sasure you | yon will not leave disappointed, as we will sell you our and save You 7 percent. Expressing our sin: cere thanks for your hearty support in the past aud trusting it may be our privilege to merit « continu- ance of the ye Ae, Very respecttuliy yours, 1 i COMVANY, on, D. Jorievie and beat d 1 perrent PALS We DNesDaAys « at Loston whart, Norfollis vomuer Gon with GREAT SYNDICALE CLOLBING S.e. cor. ih and E sts. us.w., Washingt Coniae amd Uid Pou Fults Bua: Vv EIL!:! ‘A aud 135) Pennsylvania — - snd Knox's Express, tele aud private resi if, Supt. aud Gen. Age Tickets and rootus at ave. ; Hawiey's, }0th aud Fp. who will oS 0 Telephone S. z Ce ae The following well-known First-class Grocers have been appointed Sole Awents for the JUSTLY CELEBRATED AND ONLY PERFECT PATENT SPRING WHEAT BREAD FLOUR, THE BRIDAL VEIL! HIGHEST GRADE manufactured in the world: CHARLES I. KELLOGG, Masonic Temple. OUNT VERNO! RCORAN, STEAMER W. W. CO! ves 7th-st. whart daily (excep ng at 108m, reac 33:39 pam. iucludiuy admission to grounds sels OMA, LANDINGS. NEW [kUN S LK “Ww aAkirTRLD” Leaves 7th-st. wher! on MONDAYS, 1HUKADATS: and BATUKDAY® « Returuing TULSDAYS, FRIDAYS and SUNDAL ; 721 Pennsylvania ave. and , m. 10% vee Nee nem Tat Remnariveniaave. andor, Lit: ; PEN ines as fora Nomins Cc Va. st Clemente Bag . and Jeonardtown, Md. wath Beaua 0.06 a® GEORGE E. KENNEDY & SONS, 1209 F st and © Shey ule. JOHN B PADGETT, Apt, sherds. see sched RIDLEY, ans ©. 1116 Connecticut ave. B. F. BACON, 640 Pennsylvania ave. G. G. CORNWELL & SON, 1412 Pennsylvania ave, C. C. BRYAN, 1413 New York ave. BEALL & BAKEK, 456 Pepasylvaniaave, E. FE. WHITE, 635 Louisiana ave. 8. B. WATERS, 1242 7th st. A. O. WRIGHT, 1632 14th st. n.w. GRATEFUL—COMFORTING, dwiths EPPS'’s Cocoa BREAKFAST. ‘a thorough kno: of the natural + came application of fue vane of SSbiee witha dtcstely Aatored” peruse ene ass sa = ious use of much articles of diet that a'ecosntaaon | ML Uatted ard Germas Astrologer is thesinee may begradually built up until stron snough 0 re. See a Sei bonre Som. s2e=