Squatter sovereign., 1856-05-20
afliissfelIaneolls.
JoNATHAN BRRKs.


The following incident took place many
years ago. on the morning of the second
day Of the session. Old Jonathan Berks
had been elected from Cumberland county.
sorely against his will. He told the peo-
pie he was not " smart enough; but they
persuaded bin that they knew better than
he. At that session, there were great
many new members who were unused to
the forms of legislation, and who commit
ted some mistakes which were source of
amusement for many years after.
The prayer over, the names of the
members were called, to ascertain whether
quorum was present to do business.
The clerk began the rule alphabetically,
as usual. A profound silence reigned
throughout the hall.
"Arthur Atchison." He paused awhile,
he then repeated, g Arthur Atchison." !"
He looked around the house. Not word
in reply. At length tall, bony figure
unrolled himself from his seat, and with a
slow, steady step, approached the clerk.
All eyes were turned to the guant and
grim being who majestically moved to-
wards the clerks desk.
6. Do you want me 2" said Mr.. Atchi-
son, in low and modest tone of voice.
A litter of ill-suppressed laughter ran
around the hall at the expense of poor
Atchison, who shrunk back abashed to his
seat, now conscious of having made him
self ridiculous.
Berks chuckled with delight. He pitied
Atchison from his very soul, and was sor-
ry that the poor fellow had been sent there
to be made a laughing stock of. The
clerk proceeds
/" Francis Baker"
Hay!' said Mr.. Baker, with real
baclswoods drawl as. though he wasn'l
afraid. But to his surprise and mortifica.
ton, the laugh went round greatly to the
discontinue Of the honest woodsman.
Our Berks-not "Tom Burk of ours,
but our Berks-laughea as heartily as the
rest.
Why" said he to himself. "what a
, fool Baker is. He must feel awful bat
to be laughed at so. wonder how mar
feels when the whole house laughs at him
All! Baker, you have no business here
that's certain. You thought you were
smart, but the opinion of the house il
against you," and he shook his sides witt
inward Joy.
"George BallingalI." cried the clerk.
"I know nothing of the question" re
piled that gentleman.
Again the laugh burst forth louder thar
ever, and Mr.. Ballingall turned variou
colors, like Hudibras' Holsters.
Now" said Berks with delight, " nov
he won't do at all. He imagines we ar
voting on a bill. Lord, what goose
The people knew more than though
they did. They told me that I would fin,
sight bigger fools than myself, and sur
enough here are three at the start. wis
they would call old Berks-the laugl
would stop then, I'll warrant ye."
James Beatty"
NAH Mr.. Beatty exclaimed, with
broad Scotch-Irish accent.
Away went the laugh again in gleefu
mirth, that bid defiance to description
Rap, rap, rap, went <he speakers hammer
and with frown he gracefully leaned for
ward and lectured the house upon its in
creasing disorder, checking for time, it
boisterous hilarity. This brought up MI
Beatty, who said:
"Mr. Speaker: I dina care how muc
they laugh. They may all go to the de-
for me-"
This was too much for the Speaker an
house. Berks laughed till the tears trick
eled down his face.
"Ah," said he, my people are smar
They knew more than did. They kne'
there would be bigger fools than old Berk
here and sure enough there are. Oh,
shall be great man one of these"
But this self-glorifcation was stoppe
by the clear voice OF the clerk.
"Solomon Beene."
Mr.. Beene arose and asked
"Vat ish de question 2"
His face was so composed with the gre;
lcares of government. and the awful n
Isponsibility of making laws, that. soon'
than unbend with mirth, its muscle wou
have broken like iron of a frosty mornin;
In spite of the repeated calls to orde
the house broke forth in the NEST uproa
Gus laughter.
Misther Speaker: You may all lauE
as much as You tam please. have ser
lmine country. I'm gettin' old. ] nes