Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 October 1892 — SEWARD STORIES. [ARTICLE]

SEWARD STORIES.

UrcaaM He Wee Slight Many Fer•en Cotold Not ieittfrfiWii ~ William H. Seward tiled to tell some interesting stories of hie advent into politics. It amused him greatly, he used to say, to see the surprise depicted upon the faces of Klitlcians who had beard of him, but d never seen him before. He was so slight of figure and so boyish looking that it seemed impossible that he could be really the brilliant William H. Seward or whom they had heard so much. Mr. Seward used to say that the young mu i|ho was Meet 10 or taller, and of splendid physique had a great deal better chance’to get along in politics than the little fellows, such as he was. . One day at the seashore he was introduced to a famous politician at Mr: Seward. “Seward? You come from New York State?” •-‘Yes, that is my home.”- —-r “Well, I have heard of a Seward there who they say is going to make a great name for himself, and the one that the Whigs ran for Governor last year. Do you happen to know him? Perhaps he is a relative of yours?” “Oh, yea, I know him, or suppose Tab. Tought to, for Tam the Seward you refer to. ’ ’ -f- --, t? uttb, jfvui raruuu me, uui yuu. are a mere boy.” “Nevertheless, I am the Seward who rah for Governor last year,” reElied Mr. Seward, laughing very eartily over the surprise expressed by this famous politician. He used to tell another story that seemed to give him great joy to repeat. When he was a member of the State Senate the first time he received a message from one of the most distinguished politicians in New York asking for an interview. Mr. Seward felt pleased to be honored thus, and arraying himself in his Sunday clothes, which consisted of a bluabroadcloth coat, cut swallowtail fashion, light colored toursers, strapped over the gaiters, a very high dicky collar and stiff stock, and a bell crowned beaver hat, he went to call on the distinguished man. He was received in the parlor, and the politician, while courteous, was cold and distant, treating him with utmost formality. Mr. Seward said: “I thought perhaps you had tome special business with me.” “No, sir, I do not think of any; in fact, I supposed you were paying me a call of mere respect.” “But I received a message from you." “I do not remember to have sent one. lam expecting this afternoon a visit from Senator Seward. Maybe my request has miscarried. I did not catch your name.” “Why, I am Senator Seward, General.” The politician arose from his seat, went toward Seward, put his hands on his shoulders, and said; “Well, Senator, you will pardon me, I know I supposed you were a young beau who had called with a lurking desire to meet my daughter. Let me apologize by saying that yo»|ave indeed an old head on young moulders.”

Then he abandoned his formal manner, and an intimacy was begun which lasted for years. One of the best stories Seward told was of a reception he had while Governor of the State. He gave it in honor of Millard Fillmore. A great many people knew neither Seward nor Fillmore by sight. Fillmore was a splendid specimen of sturdy manhood, nearly six feet in height. He stood at Steward's left, and the difference between the men was striking. Of the throng that passed by those who were not acquainted with either Sewardbr Fillmore saluted Fillmore as Governor, and be turned to Seward and said: “Why do so many people mistake and called me Governor?” “Ah,"-said Seward, “it is because in the popular mind there is an instinctive feeling that a great offica should be filled by a man who Is physically great as you are, Fillmore. When people see me they think some mistake has been made and that In some way or other a boy has been chosen Governor.