Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1860-01-21
"SPAKIN' In ITALICS. !"

Mr. Richard Martini or Dick Martin, as he
was called in the House, had the honor to rep
resent the "free and independent electors of
Galway" and gained considerable notorety by
an Act which he introduced to prevent cruelty
to animals, and which, if we do not mistake, is
still in full force in England. Mr.. Martin,
though very humane man, especially to the
baute creation, had great deal Of eccentricity
about him. Having on one occasion said some
thing so very ludicrous as to convulse the House
with laughter, Mr.. OD--, a gentleman
who was at that time reporter for one of the
morning papers, underlined the passage, and
the compositor of course printed it in italics.
"Allow me to congratulate you," said one of
his honorable friends next n orning, before he
had seen any of the papers; "allow me to con-
gratulate you on your new discovery in the art
Of oratory." "On the what ?" said the men,
Der for Galway, looking quite amazed. "Are
you not aware" said the other, "that you spoke
one part of your speech last night in italics ?"
"Spoke in italics P" observed Mr.. Martin, knit
ting his brow and drawing himself up to lit
tie beyond his full height, in consequence of the
indignation which was now gathering in his
breast; "spoke in italics Do you name, sir,
to be after insulting me ?" demanded the friend
of four footed animals. "Look at the Morning
-, and see whether have not spoken the
truth" said Dicks friend, handing him a copy
of the paper in question. Thunder and light
ming" exclaimed the honorable gentleman,
turning back with horror at the report Of his
speech. "And sure enough the villain of a re-
porther has made me spake in italics will
punish the rascal this very EVENING""
Mr.. Martin by some means or other, succeed
ed in finding out the gentleman who reported
his speech, and repaired to the gallery to take
eummary venUeanca IN tho 20 1ix, lfra -
The latter happened to be in the reporters
room at the time. care you the gentleman
who reported my speech in the Morning
this morningP" II had that honor" replied
Mr.. O'D-. "Honor, sir? Pom my word,
sir, have never seen such consummate effront-
cry ever since l was mimber of Parliament.
What, sir, have you to say for yourself for
treating me in this way" ain what way P" in
quired the reporter. "Why, sir, by making me
spake italics, to be sure"
The reporter attempted to explain the italic-
lied passages, but Mr.. NJ. would listen to no
explanation. "You have insulted me, sir, and
l will bring" "If you have any ground for
complaint" interposed Mr.. d., "You know your
remedy" at the same time presenting Mr.. NJ.
his card. The latter looked first at the card
and then at the reporter, as il utterly confound-
ed at what he considered insult added to injury,
and without uttering another word he rushed
down stairs to the House, and almost out of
breath, from the conjoined effect of the anger
which he felt and the haste with which he had
run down stairs. said, without waiting till the
business before the House was disposed of that
he had to call the attention of Mr.. Speaker and
the House to one Of the grossest insults ever
offered to a member of Parliament. "Sir,"
said the honorable gentleman, addressing the
speaker, "Sir, you and honorable members
must be aware that had the honor of address,
ing this House last night. (Ironical cries Of
hear, hear,) Well, sir, my speech is most vii
lainousy reported in this mornings -
(Titters of laughter in all parts of the House. J
But, Mr.. Speaker, it is not the inaccurate re-
porting that l so much complain of, as of the
circumstance of the reporther having made me
spake in italics. CRoars of Laughter.) You
know, Mr.. Speaker, and so does every gintle-
man in this House, that never spake in italics
at all, at ALL" (Renewed shouts of laughter
Mr.. Martin concluded by moving that the of.
Tending reporter be called to the bar of the
House for having committed breach of the
privileges of the House, but there being NO
one to second the motion, it fell to the ground
Mr.. NJ. taking his seat amid peals of laughter
such as were never before, nor have been since
heard within the walls of Parliament.-Indian-
dpolis Atlds.