Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1883 — THE PRESIDENT. [ARTICLE]

THE PRESIDENT.

Sen. Stager Varies the Monotony of Camp by Introducing the Great American Game. Senator Vest Undertakes to Shoe a Mole and Now Uses a Cushioned Saddle. I " [Camp Leiris Forks (Montana) Dispatch to Chicago Times.] Camp was broken up at a later hour than mual this tn riming, owing to the disturbances from the storm and from the packers last night Though the tents had been badly :orn by the gale they were repaired without much trouble. The trail was difficult, owing 50 the fallen timber which lay across the path, and to the windings in and out through canons and across streams which had to be forded. The members of the party agree that the grand old Tetons are much pleasanter at a distance than when spurs of the range have to be crossed. Only eleven miles were made to-day, but considering the nature of the country this is a very good showing. The members of the Presidential r arty are getting a taste of the hardships endured by the courageous men who hist made the pathways through the unknown Yellowstone region. Prior to 1863 it is doubtful if 100 persons had ever penetrated to the point where the party is now encamped, and the rough trail through canyons and seemingly inaccessible mountains shows how even the hardy explorers of the frontier, who shrank from no danger, might well hesitate. One of the features of camp life is the freedom from conventional restraint, and when the members' of the party gather around the fire at nigfikteards furnish the chief amusement. A description of one game will answer for all Last night President Arthur, Gen. Sheridan, Senator Vest, Secretary Lincoln, and Gen. Stager having finished their supper, Gen. Stager suggested a game of draw. “I don’t like to play for high stakes,” Eaid Gen. Sheridan. ".Suppose we make it f 0 cents ante and $lO limit,” suggested Gen. £tager. "That’ll, suit us,” chimed in others of the party, and thej sat down. It was now about 8 o'clock, and Secretary Lincoln dealt A he first hand, while . Gen. Sheridan put down his first white chip For a while luck varied, but Gen. Stager was crowding’it in on the others by raiding the bets to the limit President Arthur had the temerity to call ■Gen. Stager a half-dozen times and his $lO raises,’ 'and he folind” him* loaded- for* bear every time. Once when Qen. Stager drew four ,cards, he was /oupd to., have four aces,,and another time when he drew three cards he was found io have a big flush.. Allthese discoveries were made at President Arthur's-expense. Senator Vest, Secretary •Lincoln and Gen. Sheridan felt considerably, put out, but no one said anything except Lincoln, who said he thought it queer that men could hold such hands in a square game. But the climax came in a jack-pot They had been “sweetening” all around until there was about SIOO in the pot, and President Arthur, who was the last man to fay, opened the pot for $5. Secretary Lincoln, who held threes, raised it $lO, and Sen. Sheridan and Senator .Vest came in. After hesitating a bit, Gen. Stager, who was dealing, came in and drew five cards Presi- . dent Arthur had a pat hand, and he bet the limit—slo. Secretary Lincoln had filled his hand, and he raised him $lO more. Gen. Sheridan and Senator Vest dropped out, not having bettered their pairs. But, to Ihe consternation of President Arthur and Secretary Lincoln; Gen. Stager raised them $lO more. President Arthur, thinking that he had the best hand, put up his S2O, and he raised them $lO more Secretary Lincoln saw the $lO and went $lO better. Gen. Stager saw the raise also, and went $lO better still Everybody around the board was now excited, and President Arthur simply called. Secretary Lincoln, however, raised the pile another $lO, and Gen. Stager followed suit. President Arthur now laid dbwn his flush to show what he opened the jack-pot on. Secretary Lincoln called. Gen. Stager had an ace full on kings, and the Secretary had three jacks and a pair of fives. This broke up the game. Though Gen. Stager is the crack poker player of the party, he has been forced to lower his pennant several times to Judge Rollins, who is said to be one of the most expert devotees of the game in New York city. Senator Vest was kicked by a mule this afternoon, and is suffering the effects of his rashness. The Senator was, in early life, a blacksmith’s apprentice, and flatters himse f that he still knows something about shoeing an animal. The rough mountain journey has caused many of the mules in the pack train to lose their shoes, and this afternoon two of the soldiers, who are farriers, were directed to reshoe the animals. Senator Vest was attracted to the spot where the men were engaged, and he viewed the difficult work with critical curiosity. He ventured suggestions freely, and finally one of the farriers sarcastically remarked that “he'd better try it himself.” The Senator quickly accepted the challenge, and, borrowing the astonished farrier’s apron and tools, boldly approached one of the mulea A group of soldiers and packers stood around in admiring expectancy, while Judge Hollins, Gov. Crosby and Gen. Stager came up and joined them. The mule selected by the Senator from Missouri seemed to be in a dreamy mood, for he meekly raised his left hind leg and did not stir while the shoeing process went on. It was accomplished in a really-creditable manner, and the elated Senator Vest shifted his attention to the i ight hind leg. It was a fatal move. The spectators noticed that the animal s ears were twitching nervously, but Senator Vest’s eyes were directed elsewhere. Some of the nails had fallen out of his, kit, and he stooped to pick them up, with his back turned to the mule Suddenly the left hind leg, newly shod, shot out, and Senator Vest was sent sprawling down the mountain side, his blacksmith’s tools flying in every direction. The Senator was picked up in a heap and carried to the mess tent, where he received Surgeon Forwood’s immediate attention. No bones were broken, but the Senator was somewhat bruised, and will find horseback riding rather painful for some days to come. Secretary Lineoin is still under something of a cloud, owing to his hunting exploits in killing a bear-dog for an elk, and is subjected to the good-natured jests of his fellow travelers