A GOOD RETORT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 117, 15 May 1909, Page 6

A GOOD RETORT.

During slavery days Wendell Phillips lectured one evening of a day on which a number of Methodist ministers had a conferences. The preachers were on the same train with Phillips. One of the ministers, a big, blustering fellow, inquired in a loud voice if Wendell Phillips was on'the train. - "Yes, sir; there he is," answered the conductor, pointing to the great abolitionist, who sat quietly in the rear of the car. The inquiry naturally excited a great deal of interest^ and everybody in the car turned round to take' a look at the man then so much talked about. . "You're Wendell Phillips, are .you?" yelled the minister, half turning in his seat. "Yes, sir;, that's my na.me,V replied Phillips, with characteristic blandness of voice.' "Well, sir, I want you to understand, sir, that there are no slaves lip North here. You have no right to go about raising disturbances and delivering unpleasant lectures. W;hy don't you: go down South and lecture?" ' ;

"Sir," said Phillips, half rising in his seat, "you are a minister of the Gospel, are you not?" ,

"Yes, sir.' 7, ■■"It is yoxir mission to # save souls from the infernal regions, is it not?" "Yes, sir?"

"Then why don't you go there?" In the tumult of la-ughter that followed, the minister grabbed his bag and fled to another car.