SHERIDAN’S QUICK WIT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16331, 21 January 1921, Page 6

SHERIDAN’S QUICK WIT.

When Sheridan was a member of tho Opposition led by Fox, the practice of buying votes was having an alarming effect upon Fox’s supporters. The individual responsible for this was the Secretary of the Treasury, one John Robinson, and vast, sums of money were squandered by him on this nefarious traffic. At length Sheridan could stand it no longer, and he one day delivered so passionate an impeachment, of the system that the whole House rose as one man with loud cries of “Name! name!— or withdraw !” This was a position for which Sheridan had scarcely bargained, for none knew better than he how invidious a thing it would be publicly to identify the individual with the deed. At the same time, so strongly did lie feel upon tho point that nothing short of his innate good breeding restrained him from taking the plunge. Then his kindly mother wit stepped in and saved him. “ Gentlemen.” said he. “ were it not that respect for the traditions of this House seals mv Ups. I could name that gentleman as ‘easily as you could say ■ Jack Robinson ’ ' r