Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1840-03-25
From the New Lisbon Aurora.
A Characteristic Joke.

From the New Lisbon Aurora. Il
A Characteristic Joke.
An anti-Slaverv lecturer recently calling
at his appointed place to hold forth, was
by one present previous 10 COM
mencing his lecture, and asked if he was
willing TO debate the question of slavery.
He replied, yes; and inquired who pro-
posed to debate with him! The man re-
piled, | will. The lecturer perceiying
his ignorance, knew that the people who
had met to hear a lecture, would be dis
appointed if they went on to debate. He
proposed to the man that he would 90 on
with his lecture, and he might reply after
wards. 0 yes, said he, that will do. He
accordingly went on, lectured about an
hour or so, and closed by remarking that
if any present wished to make observa-
lions, he gave opportunity. The man re-
ferred to Immediately rose, talked forabout
ha1f an hour, all the tme betraving the
most consummate ignorance ofthe subiec,
of abolition. He opposed abolition moye-
mentS He knew all about their opera
tions-had read all their papers from first
to last: told about all he knew, and pos
sibv little more
! When be concluded, the lecturer rose
and proposed asking him few questions
not that he wished to catechise the man
but for his own and the peoples intor-
nation. He admitted that he had not read
all the abolition papers. &c, and wished
10 obtain more light. The man willingly
asSented to answer his queries, when
something like the following dialogue en-
, sued
! Lecturer, How long has it been since
the present abolition excitement com
menced in this country2
Man. [Pausing lttie,l about % years
L. What was the name of the first an.
ti-sIavery paper that was published
M. do not remembtr-l have forgot
l.. Would you know if | were to men
, ton it
: Nj. o, yes.
E L. Was it the African Repository
NJ. Yes, that's the very paper!!
e t. Where was it published
E NJ. Don't know--I have forgotten
\ should know If [ heard the name of the
. place.
}. l.. Who was the first prominent lead
v err in the anti slavery ranks-,he frs
e man who commenced agitating the sub
2 ject2
e NJ. have forgot -don't recoIec.-
should know if heard
. l.. Was it McDuffie /?
M. Yes he was the very mani!
| The audience could hold up no longer
and spontaneously burst forth in roar of
. laughter.
r The lecturer observed that the peopl
r might profit by the Information this MAJ
n communicated, and took his seat
v This is one of the most complete spec
e linens of pro-slavery ignorance that ha.
a come to the public of late 1t shows il
+? bold relief that the opponents of liberty
e preSumlng on their own requirements
hope to impose their ignorance upon III
public.
AS absurd and ridiculous as this man.
answer to few plain questions, embrac
l. ing matters of fact, may seem, they ar
= not more SO than many of those of tn
- political brawlerS of the dav, on this vita
i subject. Who in public life is willing t.
:. admit his ignorance Of the anti-slaver
II movements of the day? Yet are Their
= not hurdfeds of politicians, including O
:, fice-hunters, office-holders, and all sue
- thangs-doaon to the grog-selIer, and eve
{ grog-drinkers, that will go on as if the
:, knew Ievery item Of the history of tn,
. rise and progress of the anti-slavery cause