"A FAMILY MAN WANTS TO SEE HIS FAMILY."
Superintendent Tinker, of the Western Union Telegraph Company, vouches for the following:
A woman came to the Honorable Francis Kernan, member of Congress, with a pitiful tale, with which he went to the President. Her husband was a soldier who had been away from home a year. He deserted in order to have a glance at the family, and was captured on his way back to the front. But the rules of war are imperative, and without compassion. The President was interested, as in all such cases where a deserving life and a sorrowing woman were at stake. He said:
"Of course, this man wanted to see his family! They ought not to shoot him for that!" He telegraphed for action in the matter to cease, and finally pardoned the deserter.
"A fellow-feeling"--for all his thoughts reverted to his family life at Springfield.