An Unspeakable Imbecile

　　WHILE the Owner of a Silver Mine was on his way to attend a

　　convention of his species he was accosted1 by a Jackass, who said:

　　"By an unjust discrimination against quadrupeds I am made

　　ineligible2 to a seat in your convention; so I am compelled to seek

　　representation through you."

　　"It will give me great pleasure, sir," said the Owner of a Silver

　　Mine, "to serve one so closely allied3 to me in - in - well, you

　　know," he added, with a significant gesture of his two hands upward

　　from the sides of his head. "What do you want?"

　　"Oh, nothing - nothing at all for myself individually," replied the

　　Donkey; "but his country's welfare should be a patriot's supreme4

　　care. If Americans are to retain the sacred liberties for which

　　their fathers strove, Congress must declare our independence of

　　European dictation by maintaining the price of mules5."