Mr. P. composed an
enigma for a group of these young students. Said he:
"My first is a useless expense.
My second is a useless expense.
My third is a useless expense.
My fourth is a useless expense.
My fifth is a useless expense.
My sixth is a useless expense,
and so is my eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh, and all the rest
of my parts, of which there are three hundred and fifty.
My whole is a useless expense, and sits at Washington."
The dear little girls were not long in guessing this ingenious enigma
and while they were rejoicing over their success, Mr. P. was suddenly
addressed by a man who had been standing behind him. Starting
little, he turned around and was thus addressed by his unknown
listener.
"Sir," said that individual, "do I understand you to mean that the
Congress of the United States is a useless expense?"
"Well, sir," said Mr. P., with a smile, "as it costs a great deal and
does very little, I cannot but think it is both useless and expensive."
"Then sir," said the other, "you must think the whole institution is a
nuisance generally."
"You put it very strongly," said Mr. P., "but I fear that you are about
right."
"Sir!" cried the gentleman, his face beaming with an indescribable
expression.
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