The Autobiography of Mark Twain · Chapter
Tuesday, March 6, 1906 explained
Mark Twain recounts his first meeting with Grover Cleveland, his role as a mugwump in supporting Cleveland, and his indirect intervention via Cleveland's infant daughter Ruth to retain Mr.
What happens
Mark Twain recounts his first meeting with Grover Cleveland, his role as a mugwump in supporting Cleveland, and his indirect intervention via Cleveland's infant daughter Ruth to retain Mr. Mason in his consular post. He also describes Cleveland's principled veto of a railway ordinance as mayor of Buffalo, which risked his law partnership.
Themes in this chapter
Character and Morality
Cleveland's principled veto of a railway ordinance despite personal cost, and Twain's mugwump ethics of voting for the best man.
Hypocrisy and Human Nature
Twain's humorous account of sitting on the bell-buttons and the playful exchange about social status with Cleveland.
The American Experience
The political dynamics of the Gilded Age, including patronage, reform, and the rise of a president from a sheriff to the White House.
Characters to notice
- Mark Twain
Narrates his visit to Governor Cleveland, his mugwump principles, and his letter to Baby Ruth Cleveland to help Mr. Mason.
- Grover Cleveland
Governor of New York and later President; Twain describes his principled veto as mayor and his response to Twain's indirect request.
- George Dolby
Mentioned as Twain's companion (George W. Cable) during the reading tour to Albany.
- Richard Watson Gilder
Referenced via a letter that prompted Twain to write to ex-President Cleveland.
- Mason
Consul-general whose position Twain helped secure through Ruth Cleveland's intercession; later promoted to Berlin and Paris.
- Susy Clemens
Not directly mentioned, but Ruth Cleveland is described as a child who 'remained not long on earth,' echoing themes of loss.
Key passages
“I was born lazy, and I comforted myself by turning the corner of a table into a sort of seat.”
Twain admits his natural laziness and describes lounging against a table corner during his meeting with Governor Cleveland.
This anecdote leads to the comedic moment where Twain unknowingly sits on the bell-buttons.
“Vote for the best man—that was creed enough.”
Twain summarizes the mugwump principle of voting based on merit rather than party affiliation.
This principle guided Twain's political actions and his indirect approach to President Cleveland.
“I wrote Ruth Cleveland once more. Mason remained in his place and I think he would have remained in it without Ruth's intercession.”
Twain wrote again to Cleveland's daughter, but believes Cleveland's own integrity would have kept Mason in office regardless.
Twain expresses confidence in Cleveland's character while still taking credit for the intervention.