THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF SHORTHAND REPORTING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 42, 17 October 1891, Page 500

THE HUMOROUS SIDE OF SHORTHAND REPORTING.

The crack reporter of a Brooklyn paper displayed rare enterprise. This reporter, sent by an early train to witness an execution that morning, on arrival found that the criminal was not to be hanged till mid-day, an arrangement altogether incompatible with the despatch of his regirt in time for insertion in his paper issued at two p.m. e hurried off to the sheriff and implored that official to give orders that the ceremony should take place an hour earlier. At first the sheriff refused, but the reporter at last coaxed him into promising that he would authorize the hour if the person chiefly concerned could be induced to consent thereto. The reporter was then admitted to the condemned cell, where he briefly explained his wishes. Drinks were freely partaken of, and the reporter made himself so agreeable that presently the doomed man volunteered the statement that * he did not mind being hanged an hour before his time to oblige so pleasant a fellow.’ Which was accordingly done ; and the two o’clock edition was ‘ saved. ’

Professor Ruxley : ‘ But what is your league established for ?’ Mrs Hardhead (President of the Female Emancipation League) : ‘ We desire to make women entirely independent of man.’ Professor : ‘ That’s easy enough. ’ Mrs H. : ‘ How ?’ Professor : ‘ Let her marry the man.’