Linecln and the Quaker.

Otago Witness, Issue 2604, 10 February 1904, Page 73

Linecln and the Quaker.

Lincoln's jokes were not always freo fro?B th© "practical" flavour, but when this element w a introduced it was made to serve a useful px'rpose. A good example of a serviceable jest used to be described by the late Judge Carttei, a member oi Congress from Ohio before the wai. and an intimate friend of President Lincoln. It se&ms that a certain Quaker philanthropist, exceedingly kind and excessively bald, ■was constantly calling at White House on behalf of somebody or other, and consumed a great deal of time vVhich Lincoln could ill epare. The Piesident'3 temper wae eorely tried, but he always treated hi^ guest with great courtesy. On ore cceaiion., however, philanthropist's visit seemed interminable.

Important delegations weTe- waiting, but nothing ooulcl movo the good man from his G&at. Suddenly Mr Lincoln rose, walked over to a wardrobe in a comer of tbo cabinet chamber, and taking a bottk. from the shelf, handed it to his visitor. ' Did you every try this stuff on your h<?ad?" he inquired, innocently. " No, I never did " "Well," remarked Lincoln, "I advir-c you to try it. If at first you don't succ&cd, keep on trying. They say theie's nothing like" it for making the hair grow. Take this bottle with you, and come beck in six months and tell roe how it works." The astonielied Quaker left the. room. Tho President told the story to Judge Cartter with grc-at amueen^ent at the success of his stratagem.