Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 January 1902 — Senator Vest’s Verdict. [ARTICLE]

Senator Vest’s Verdict.

"Sitting one night in Chamberlain's hotel, in Washington," said Amos J. Cummings, who has just resumed his seat in Congress, according to the New York Times, "were John Allen, the. Mississippi wit. Senator Vest, and several other men of more or less national distinction, the conversation turned upon violin music. Vest is noted for his skill with the horsehair bow, and the upshot of tbe discussion was that he challenged me to a duel on the violin. “I sent a servant around to a pawn- ■ shop and got an instrument which looked-as if it had "been used to bail out a boat. Vest had a 'Strad,' or a Ouarnariiis, or an Amati, and he played a selection by Vleuxtemps. It was highly classical and beautifully ■done. I tucked my old my chin and scraped away at ‘The Arkansaw Traveler.’ I had not been playing for a minute before twenty feet were keeping time to the noise, and several negro waiters were doing Jubas. Of course, I won the prize; but Vest said: “ ‘You’re no violinist, Amos. You’re nothing but a measly fiddler.’ ’’