The President's Sentimental Side

This story illustrates the sentimental side of Prudent Cleveland's nature There was a certain offlcer in the service who had been tried by court martial The officer was sent to prison, and was ín a fair way to reinain there until the expiration of nis sentence. The member of congress trom hls district did all in hia power to have him pardoned but it was of no avail. The departinent said that he did not deserve to be pardtmed and Mr. Cleveland agreed with the department. All sorts of argument and every possible political influence was resorted to, with no avail. It was useless and everyone. gave it up except the member of congress who had flrst taken an interest in the case. This mcmber went to the white house reularly every two weeks for about a year to make a formal petition for pardon. The president was amiable with the congressman, but always flrm and each time gave the same answer. Then it carne about that Mr. Cleveland participated in some dedication ceremonies in New Jersey. In his address the sentimental spirit was awakened, and he uttered some moving sentiments concerning his mother. The member of congress read the address in the papers the next day and on the day following that went at once to the white house. "I have come," he said to the president, to ask for the pardon of " 'I know," replied Mr. Cleveland i know what always brings you " "Yesterday inorning," the M. C. contlnued, "I read your address. I read your beautiful reference to your mother. I have neyer read or heard uttered anything which showed more feelin or to equal it. Now, bear me through rt was that which brought me here this morning. Tais young man has a mother She is now dying of a broken heart Lnless this only son is pardoned and goes to her at once, he will not see her auve. She loves him above all thines on earth Hls. pardon may prolong her life a short while, and it will render her dying hours happy. in the name of your mother-the mother of whom you spoke so lovingly-I ask you to grknt the pardon." "I will," was all the president replied, and the pardon was granted.