"miss the opportunity of making so many urchins happy."

"I impute inattention to the petitions of these poor people not to the policy of discouraging beggars, but to unwillingness to part with money." "That old fellow," observed a friend one day to Burke, "will no doubt spend the sixpence you have given him in gin." "Well," replied Burke, "if he even do so, the poor wretch seems to have had so few of the enjoyments of this life, that it would be churlish to grudge him this chance of an occasional pleasure.”—PETER BURKE, "The Public and Domestic Life of the Right Honorable Edmund Burke."

Where a loud-tongued talker was in company, Edmund Burke declined all claims upon attention, and Samuel Johnson, whose ears were not quick, seldom lent them to his conversation, though he loved the man and admired his talents.-RICHARD CUMBERLAND, "Memoirs."

Johnson, who denied him scarcely any other talent or merit, would not admit that he possessed wit; he always got into the mire, he said.-JAMES PRIOR, "Edmund Burke."

Whenever Burke found himself indisposed he ordered a kettle of water to be kept boiling, of which he drank large quantities, sometimes as much as four or five quarts in a morning, without any mixture or infusion, and as hot as he could bear. His manner was to pour out about a pint at a time in a basin, and drink it with a spoon, as if it had been soup. Warm water, he said, would relax and nauseate, but hot water was the finest stimulant and most powerful restorative in the world. He certainly thought it a sovereign cure for every complaint, and not only took it himself, but prescribed it, with the confidence of a Sangrado, to every patient that came his way.-Dublin University Magazine, January, 1870.

Edmund Burke, it has been remarked, seldom introduced Latin quotations in his speeches. Dr. Summer, in conversation with him, asked him the reason for such omissions from declamations, which, splendid as they are, would have had still greater claims to admiration if illustrated by pertinent embellishments of classic lore. It would not, the provost observed, arise from want of memory on the part of the great orator, nor from paucity of materials, nor from propriety of adaptation. Burke admitted the fact that he made but little use of such acces

sories. "I have," he said, "plenty of such things at my command, but I am afraid to make use of them, simply because I am afraid of making false quantities in their use and of incurring ridicule thereby from people who would avail themselves of my defects to laugh at and perhaps to correct me."-REV. J. RICHARDSON, "Recollections."

Burke had once risen in the House of Commons, with some papers in his hand on the subject on which he intended to make a motion, when a rough-hewn member readily started up and said: "Mr. Speaker, I hope the honorable gentleman does not mean to read that large bundle of papers and to bore us with a long speech into the bargain." Mr. Burke was so swollen, or so near suffocated, with rage, as to be incapable of utterance and absolutely ran out of the house. JOHN MOTTLEY, "Joe Miller's Jest Book."

At the beginning of the session of 1791, Fox made some reference to the French Revolutionary government in tenor extremely distasteful to Burke, who failed in his attempt to reply at the moment. No opportunity occurred until some months later, when, on May 6, the debate came to be renewed. All this time Burke had been nursing his wrath and now poured it forth seething hot upon his ancient friend. He brought a speech of tremendous vehemence to conclusion in these lamentable words: "It is indiscreet at any period, but especially at my time of life, to provoke enemies, or give my friends occasion to desert me. Yet if my firm and steadfast adherence to the British Constitution place me in such a dilemma, I am ready to risk it, and with my last words to exclaim: 'Fly from the French constitution." " Here Fox broke in with a remonstrance, saying there was no injury to friendship. "Yes, yes," Burke vociferated, "there is a loss of friends. I know the price of my conduct. Our friendship is at an end.” When the House rose that same night it was raining, and Mr. Curwen, a member who sat on the same benches with Burke, offered him a seat in his carriage to go home. Burke immediately began referring with bitterness to some of the passages in the debate, so bitterly that Curwen hazarded something in a contrary sense. "What!" exclaimed Burke, seizing the checkstring, "are you one of these people? Let me down." It is said that Curwen kept his companion in the carriage by main force and that when they reached his house Burke alighted and left him without a word of acknowledgment.—

HERBERT MAXWELL in "The Nineteenth Century and After," July, 1895.

During the trial of Warren Hastings, Dr. Parr was among the throng in the anteroom and went about in his pedantic fashion growling out praises of the speeches of Fox and Sheridan, but making no reference to Burke. "Did you like my speech, doctor?" Burke asked at length. "No, Edmund," said Parr; "it was oppressed by metaphor, dislocated by parentheses and debilitated by amplification."-The Gentleman's Magazine, April, 1879.

Wit

Their first duty, he [Lord Thurlow, who had been suspected of intriguing with the prince regent during the temporary disability of George III.] said, was to preserve the rights of that sovereign entire, so that, when God should permit him to recover, he might not find himself in a worse situation than before his illness. The Chancellor dwelt on his own feelings of grief and gratitude, and wrought himself up at last to these celebrated words: "and when I forget my king, may my God forget me." It seems scarcely possible to exaggerate the strong impression which this half sentence made. Within the House itself the effect was perhaps not so satisfactory. Wilkes, who was standing under the throne, eyed the Chancellor askance, and muttered, "God forget you! He'll see you damned first." Burke at the same moment exclaimed, with equal wit and no profaneness, "The best thing that can happen to you."-EARL OF STANHOPE, "Life of the Right Honorable William Pitt."

Lord John Russell states that Burke, on hearing this, remarked, "And the best thing He can do for him."-Quarterly Review, April, 1861. [Pitt satisfied himself with the exclamation, "Oh, the scoundrel."]

Burke said Lord Sandwich had so lost all credit that no man would take his evidence even against himself.-GEORGE ROSE, "Diaries and Correspondence."

As even Homer sometimes sleeps, so Burke sometimes blunders; but he was always ready to turn ill-consequence aside. In 1772 he spoke of the minister coming down with his budget, attended by his creatures, beasts clean and unclean. "The dull minister," he added, "emptied one-half the house by his dullness. A duller member following sent away another half; and at one still more tedious another half of the House scattered in dismay." At this Burke's hearers laughed. He knew wherefor. "Sir," said he to the

Speaker, "I take the blunder to myself and confess my satisfaction at having said anything that can put the House in good humor." -W. S. JOHNSTONE, "Book of Parliamentary Anecdote."

During one day at Sir Joshua Reynolds's, Dr. Johnson repeated his gradation of liquors -claret for boys, port for men and brandy for heroes. "Then," said Burke, "let me have claret; I love to be a boy and have the careless gaiety of boyish days."-PETER BURKE.

If English punning be a proscribed species of wit . . . yet classical puns take rank in all lands and languages. Burke's pun on the "divine right of kings and toastmasters”—de jure de-vino—perhaps stands at the head of its class.-GEORGE CROLEY, "Life of George IV."

Boswell, speaking in the club of an intention of going to view the Isle of Man, Burke repeated Pope's words, "The proper study of mankind is man."-ROBERT BISSET, "Life of Edmund Burke."

Edmund Burke's pun on Brockleby's name is a good instance of elaborate ingenuity with which the great orator adorned his conversation and his speeches. Preeminent among the advertising quacks of the day was Dr. Rock. It was therefore natural that Brocklesby should express some surprise at being accosted by Mr. Burke as Dr. Rock, a title at once infamous and ridiculous. "Don't be offended," said Mr. Burke, with a laugh; "Your name is Rock; I'll prove it algebraically: Brock less B equals Rock.”—Harper's Magazine, June, 1862.

Mr. Fox, or Mr. Burke, said of him [Lord Thurlow] that he looked wiser than any man ever was. Burke, I think, speaking of his unbending manners in Parliament and his courteous behavior when in the presence of the king, said, "Thurlow is a strong oak at Westminster and a willow at St. James's."LORD ELDON, "Anecdote Book."

Burke was a very indolent man and once, talking of the North-American Indians, said: "They enjoy the highest boon of Heaven, supreme and perfect indolence."-LORD BROUGHTON, "Recollections," quoting R. B. Sheridan.

On the first day (in the autumn of 1791) that Mr. Burke ever dined with Mr. Pitt, it was in a partie quarrée at Downing street, the others being Lord Grenville and the then Speaker, Lord Addington. Mr. Burke endeavored to alarm Mr. Pitt on the aggressive nature of French principles and the propagandism of revolution. Mr. Pitt

made rather light of the danger and said in colloquial phrase that "this country and constitution were safe to the day of judgment." "Yes," said Mr. Burke quickly, "but 'tis the day of no judgment that I am afraid of." This anecdote the writer took down many years ago from the mouth of one of the party. Quarterly Review, March, 1845.

BURNSIDE, Ambrose Everett, 1824-1881. American general and statesman.

Entering upon his second year, Cadet Burnside's soldierly bearing and perfection in drill secured his appointment as cadet-corporal, and he also became somewhat noted for the practical jokes with which he initiated the newly appointed cadets. One of these, who came from the far West, had such a profusion of long, bleached sandy hair hanging down over his shoulders while his face was partially covered with a light red beard, that he was at once nicknamed "The Bison." A day or so after his arrival he was met by Cadet Heth, who told him that he could not be aware of the regulations of the academy, or he would have been to the barber-shop; and that cadets who did not have their hair cut and their whiskers trimmed by the cadet barber, within twenty-four hours after their arrival at the academy, were liable to be imprisoned twenty days, during which time they would be fed on bread and water only. "The Bison" innocently fell into the trap and asked his informant if he would kindly show him the cadet barber-shop. This was exactly what was wanted and the newcomer was escorted to the room occupied by Burnside and Heth, which had been arranged somewhat to resemble a barber-shop. A large chair was placed in the center of the room, and at its side was a table, on which were arranged hair brushes, combs, scissors, cologne water and perfumery. Burnside, personating the cadet barber, was in his shirt sleeves, with a large white towel pinned before him like an apron. When asked if he could cut the hair off and shave the new cadet before drumbeat for evening parade, he replied that he thought he could. The victim accordingly took his seat and Burnside began to ply the scissors, timing his movements by his watch. He had cut the hair from one side of the young man's head and had trimmed the beard from one side of his face, when the drum beat and he said, "I must go to parade, but if you will return in an hour I will finish the job." They accordingly left, taking with them their victim, from whom they departed at the door. It so happened that just then the superintendent of the academy came along and "The Bison" seeing several of the cadets around

him take off their hats and caps, took his hat off also, his appearance exciting a roar of laughter from the cadets who saw him. The superintendent angrily asked him how he came to appear in such a half-shorn condition, to which the prompt reply was, "The cadet barber is cutting my hair and shaving me according to regulations." "Cadet barber," exclaimed the superintendent, "where is the cadet barber?" "Up in the cadet barber-shop," was the reply, pointing to the North barracks. "Come with me, sir," said the superintendent, "and show me this cadet barber." "The Bison" accordingly led the way to the room in which he had been partially despoiled of his locks. On entering the superintendent saw on the floor the evidences of the tonsorial operation, while Cadets Burnside and Heth, lying on their beds, were roaring with laughter. "So," said the superintendent, "this is the cadet barber-shop, and pray who is the barber ?" Burnside arose to his feet and, paying the usual military salute, said, "I am, sir; I am the one to be blamed." "Well," replied the superintendent, "let me see you finish your job." The young man was told to resume his seat in the chair and Burnside cut off the remainder of the hair and beard, receiving for some time the sobriquet of the "cadet barber."

While at home on a previous visit Lieutenant Burnside had made many acquaintances at the neighboring town of Hamilton, Ohio. Among them was a Kentucky belle, who united to the vivacity of the North the soft and languid style of the South. She was highly educated and her industry in acquiring knowledge was only surpassed by her conversational powers to impart it to others. The young officer was dazzled by her personal beauty and accomplishments, charmed by her affability and bewitched by her fascinations. Offering his hand, it was accepted, the necessary license was procured and on the appointed day the young couple stood up before a clergyman to be united in wedlock. Asked whether he would take the bride to be his wedded wife, Burnside responded affirmatively, but when the question was put to her, whether she would take him to be her husband she said No! and could not be prevailed upon to change her mind. This, of course, terminated the proposed marriage, to the great annoyance of the disappointed bridegroom. The amazement with which youth receives its first defeat in love came to deaden the smart of the rebuff and then the flame which Cupid had so suddenly kindled was extinguished without a sigh. A few years afterwards, a distinguished Ohio lawyer ob

tained from the same lady a promise that she would marry him and the wedding day was fixed. He showed her, on the way to be married, a revolver, and told her that she would return either his wife or a corpse. Prompted either by love or by fear she replied, "I will," and she made a most devoted wife. By a curious coincidence, when during the rebellion General Burnside was placed in command of the military district of Ohio, the lady's mother and sister were arrested as they were about to go South, carrying correspondence and munitions of war concealed on their persons. General Burnside ordered them sent through the lines into "Dixie," and the husband of his old lady love had hard work to obtain from President Lincoln permission for them to return to their home.-BEN: PERLEY POORE, "Life of Burnside."

"Did you hear what I've been saying?" he asked of each of his division generals as he issued orders on the night of the battle of Antietam. "Yes." "Then say it over." And the generals, like school boys in a class, repeated their lessons.-New York Herald, September 14, 1881.

BURR, Aaron, 1756-1836.

man.

American states

When Aaron was about four years old he had some misunderstanding with his preceptors, in consequence of which he ran away and was not found until the third or fourth day after his departure from home.

When about ten years old Aaron evinced a desire to make a voyage to sea; and with this object in view ran away from his uncle Edwards and came to the city of New York. He entered on board an outward bound vessel as cabin boy. He was, however, pursued by his guardian and his place of retreat discovered. Young Burr, one day, while busily employed, perceived his uncle coming down the wharf, and immediately ran up the shrouds and clambered to the topgallant masthead. Here he remained and peremptorily refused to come down, or be taken down, until all the preliminaries of a treaty of peace were agreed upon. To the doctrine of unconditional submission he never gave his consent.

In the college there was a literary club, consisting of the graduates and professors, and still known as the Clio-Sophic Society. Dr. Samuel S. Smith, subsequently president of the college, was then (1773) a professor. With him young Burr was not a favorite and their dislike was mutual. The attendance of the professors was supposed to be regular. The members of the society in rotation pre

Burr, Aaron

sided over its deliberations. On a particular occasion it was the duty of young Burr to take the chair. At the hour of meeting he took his seat as president. Dr. Smith had not then arrived, but shortly after business had commenced he entered. Burr, leaning on one arm of the chair (for, although now sixteen years of age, he was too small to reach both arms at the same time), began lecturing Professor Smith for his non-attendance at an earlier hour, remarking that a different example to younger members was expected of him and expressing a hope that it might not again be necessary to recur to the subject. Having finished his lecture to the great amusement of the society, he requested the professor to resume his seat. The incident, as may be well imagined, long served as a college joke.

After his return from Europe in 1812, he met a maiden lady in Broadway somewhat advanced in life. He had not seen her for many years. As she passed him by she exclaimed to a gentleman on whose arm she was resting, "Colonel Burr!" Hearing his name mentioned he suddenly stopped and looked her in the face. "Colonel," said she, "you do not recollect me." "I do not, madam," was the reply. "It is Miss K., sir." "What," said he, "Miss K. yet?" The lady, somewhat piqued, reiterated, "Yes, sir; Miss K. yet." Feeling the delicacy of his situation, and the unfortunate error he had committed, he gently took her hand and emphatically remarked: "Well, madam, then I venture to assert that it is not the fault of my sex."

The best definition of law, he said, was "whatever is boldly asserted and plausibly maintained."

Mr. P. had long been an inmate of his house; he had been connected with him in many respects and for many years. Colonel Burr and two other lawyers were discussing a proposed motion in a chancery suit in which P. was the plaintiff, the colonel himself having an interest in the result. P. was then out of town. A letter was brought in and handed to the colonel, which, telling us to proceed with our debate, he carefully read and then placed in his customary manner on the table, with the address downward. Our discussion proceeded earnestly for some ten minutes at least, when the colonel, who had listened with great attention, asked in his gentlest tones: "What effect would the death of P. have on the suit?" We started and asked eagerly why he put the question. "P. is dead," he replied, "as this letter informs me; will the suit abate?" The colonel himself was ill at

the time and unable to leave the sofa; and, even if there was some affectation in his demeanor, there was certainly remarkable collectedness.

"Now move slowly; never negotiate in a hurry." I remember a remark made on this subject, which appeared to be original and wise. There is a saying, "Never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day." "This is a maxim," said he, "for sluggards; a better reading of the maxim is, 'Never do to-day what you can as well do to-morrow; for because something may occur to make you regret your premature action.””—MATTHEW L. DAVIS, "Memoir of Aaron Burr."

When he received a sum of money of his own, he used to make a kind of well of books for its reception in the middle of his large, crowded table; and then lucky was the applicant who made the first claim on it. He gave and gave and gave until the well ran dry, and was filled in again with law papers and books; when, too often, a creditor would present himself and go away disappointed.— JAMES PARTON, "Life of Aaron Burr."

"Was Hamilton a gentleman?" inquired some foreigner with a note-book. The reply is filled with quiet resentment, "Sir, I met him."-F. S. OLIVER, “Life of Alexander Hamilton."

The late honest, but poor, Matthew L. Davis, his executor, received from him, while living, trunks full of feminine correspondence, by which Burr sought to make Davis's fortune, but which were generously returned, without fee or reward, to the grateful recipients. Lobbying-now an anomaly-was then in full force. Several important bills had passed the New York legislature and some were so uncharitable as to intimate that improper influences had been resorted to. Davis was accused of being engaged in bringing about the successful result. A lady of rank and fashion condescended—and ladies rarely condescend to mingle in anything out of their appropriate sphere, the limits of the domestic circle-to say hard things of Davis; she went so far as to intimate that she could calmly look on and see him hung. Davis went to her door, rang the bell, sent up his name, and was promptly answered that she was not, and never would be, at home to Davis. "Pray, ask her if she has heard from her husband at Niagara?" He was forthwith invited upstairs. The lady entered in trepidation and alarm. "Has any calamity happened my beloved husband?" said she. "This will explain all," Davis said, handing her a letter in her own chirography, addressed

to Colonel Aaron Burr. "Good heavens, sir," said she, "for what purpose is this letter destined to remain in your possession?" "Madame, to be disposed of by you, at your discretion," was the reply. “My kind friend,” exclaimed she, "how can I ever repay such an act of unparalleled magnanimity? I, who have spoken so unkindly, so unjustly, of so noble a friend?" "Ever afterwards," said Davis, "she almost broke her neck in extending her head out of the carriage window to greet me as I passed."—Harper's Magazine, July, 1857.

BUTLER, Benjamin Franklin, 1818-1893. American general and statesman.

Student

When a student at college it was binding on students to attend college church-a duty which to him was very irksome. On one occasion he heard the preacher (who was also a professor) advancing propositions like the following: (1) That the elect alone would be saved. (2) That among those who, by the world, were called Christians probably not more than one in a hundred belonged really and truly to the elect. (3) That the others, by reason of their Christian privileges, would suffer more hereafter than the heathen, who had never heard the gospel at all. Mr. Butler, whose audacity was as conspicuous as his lack of reverence, made a note of these propositions and on the strength of them drew up a petition to the faculty, soliciting exemption from further attendance at church, as only preparing himself a more terrible future. For, said he, the congregation here amounts to six hundred persons, and nine of these are professors. Now, if only one in a hundred is to be saved, it follows that three even of the faculty must be damned. He (Benjamin F. Butler) being a mere student, could not expect to be saved in preference to a professor. Far be it from him, he said, to cherish so presumptuous a hope. Nothing remained for him, therefore, but perdition. In this melancholy posture of affairs he was naturally anxious to abstain from anything that might aggravate his future punishment; and, as church attendance had been shown in last Sunday's sermon to have this influence on the non-elect, he trusted that the faculty would for all time coming exempt him from it. The result of this petition, written out in an imposing manner, and formally presented to the faculty, was that Butler received a public reprimand for irreverence and, but for the influence of one or two friends of the family, would have been expelled.—Harper's Magazine, August, 1871.