Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 February 1884 — Col. Hovey and the Workmau. [ARTICLE]

Col. Hovey and the Workmau.

One day, while work on the fort was being carried on with its accustomed vigdr, Col. Jlovey, as was usual with him, was around among the boys to see how the work progressed, lending a helping hand now and then, as he saw occasion. Among others, he came across a man who was working with considerable difficulty, by reason of not having the proper tools to use. The man did not recognize the Colonel, who was dressed in a plain way, and looked, it must be confessed, more like a common soldier than like what we would expect to see in the person of the commander of the famous Normal regiment. Col. Hovey noticed the workman a moment, and then asked: “Could you not do that work better if you had a good handsaw to use?” “Why, yes,” said the man; “I believe that I could. Say, old chap, won’t you go over to the toolhouse and get one for me?” The Colonel trudged off to the toolhouse, nearly a quarter of a mile distant, and promptly returned with a hand-saw. The workman praised him for his promptness and continued his work. The Colonel stood looking on and soon again suggested: “I should think that you could do that better if you had a good ax to use.” “Yes, I never thought of that; won’t you run over to the other side of the fort and see if you can find one for me ?” Col. Hovey went as before, and soon returned with the desired tool. His apt suggestions and willingness had completely won the workingman’s good will. “Well, old hoss,” said he, in his warmest, friendliest manner, “you are a mighty handy chap, and if you will come around and see me this evening I will go with you to headquarters and have you assigned to help me as carpenter, and you will then get better wages tfian you do now as a common laborer. ” At this time, seeing that some of those who knew him were beginning to notice the interesting interview, Col. Hovey passed to some other part of the work. The honest workman’s astonishment, when informed who his “handy chap” actually was, can be well imagined.—“ Army Life," by A. 0. Marshall.