This
is all very well, so far, but the committee informed me yesterday that
the shovel and tongs would cost four hundred and twenty-five dollars,
and that, as only eight dollars and a half had been collected, it was
considered highly important that I should immediately hand over the
balance of the price, in order that the presentation and banquet, (to
take place at my house on next Saturday evening,) might not be
postponed, to the great disappointment of my associates in office and my
friends in general.
Now, Mr. PUNCHINELLO, is not this a little hard on me? I know very well
that it is customary for the recipients of testimonials to pay
three-quarters of the cost of the present, and I am perfectly willing to
abide by this custom; but forty-nine fiftieths is, I think, rather too
heavy, especially as my house is heated by a furnace in the cellar and I
have no use for a shovel and tongs--particularly silver ones.
Yours perturbedly, A. DOANE KNEA.
* * * * *
Roaming Troops.
The Italians in this country are very jubilant over the occupation of
Rome by the army of Italy. But people of other nations hereabouts are
not so much elated about the occupation of Roam in which the numerous
troops of Italian organ-grinders are engaged.
* * * * *
Subject for a Debating Society.
Can a couple who have contracted a clandestine marriage be properly said
to be carrying out their clandestiny?
* * * * *
[Illustration: A CHEERFUL PROSPECT.
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