The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-23
A Diplomatic Bxistake-Afinister Thornton
Mistakes Jones for the Presidest.

The Wsshir gton correspondent of the Cincin-
natl Gazette tells the following; et.r
most ludicrous case of mistaken identity oc.
cured in the Cincinnati Gazette rooms here q
shoTt time since. gentleman who shaIl be called
Jones, an employe of the Senate, and who really
resembles President johnson in stature and feat
ures 10 q remarkable degree, was sitting in the
ofice conversing with the gentlemen come tied
with the establishment. While thus quietly en-
gagged the front door Of the public office opened,
and newly arrived foreign minister came In,
with friend. TO lock over the files. He had that
day been presented to Mr.. johnson, had told him
how highly his government esteemed him, and
had heard In reply something to the effect that the
United States In general, and Mr.. johnson in par
tculsr, were both proud to welcome him. Though
coming from court, he was deeply impressed
with the Presidents bearing, and went away q
captive. ~
The minister and bis friend came into the back
cffice, and were introduced In order. Mr. Jones
was about to be presented, when as the eyes of
The minister fell on him the former lifted his hat
made profound bow, declared he was Mr.. Jones'
most humble servant and thus bowing and declar-
ing, TetreatiDg backward in real court style into
the front Office, where he stood in most respect
full attitude, eyeing Mr.. Jones 81 every oppor.
tunity. Those in the Office we're puzzled. II took
The combined politeness OF all employed there to
come up 70 the full level OF the occasion. Whether
Ibe man wse only practising court etiquette for
effect, or whether he was q little sprung either
in the head or the stomach, none present could
tell. No one suspected what be was thinking
about, and above al none who knew Mr. Jones
imagined that the visitor was lsboring
under the impression that Jones was Pre-
sident johnson. But this, it seems, was so.
To break IN upon the stiff ceremony Of the
scene, the minister was invited to come into the
back Office, and though the supposed president
was standing, the minister was urged TO sit down
in a manner that doubtless indicated TO him
great want OF reverence for the chief magistrate.
be finally remarked in low and most respectful
lrla H. -. - =
could not think OF sitting down under the circum.
stances. What those circumstances we're, as they
lay In bis mind, was the wonder. However, IL
came out gradually. Said he to jones'
May make bold 10 inquire, sir whether you
often thus free in your visits around the city
Mr.. Jones replied that he spent most OF his
evenings In going around.
"lDo you consider it entirely safe, sir, in the
present excited condition Of affairs in your coun-
:ryr'
''Oh. yes. sir,r said Jones, most inopportunely
for the minister's mistake, "1nless the impeach-
ment excitement leads 10 trouble, expect it Will
be safe to walk the streets.v
With this all doubts as 10 Jones being johnson
disappeared, and bows became more frequent
and more oeferentisl, and the reply still more
amusing. Said be:
There can be DO possible danger Of impeach.
ment. cir. II you live till that causes you trouble
sir. yours will be very long life"
Mr.. Jones remarked that he thought there was
little prospect of danger 10 himself in 1t.
Upon this Mr.. Jones started toward the door,
but was stopped before leaving, and short and
very familiar conversation took place, which
csnsed the minister forther and very great sur
prise.
A remark concerning some not very creditable
reports in circu!stion regarding White House
matters. being made by one OF the parties present.
the minister could endure the want of respect 20
the president no longer, and advancing towards
Jones, said with low bow, which be had not
equalled before:
81 often find that one must 20 away from home
TO learn the news. Don't you find IT so, Mr.. Presi-
dent ?" The myftery was explained by the last
words. Jones could NOT stand the pressure, and
left; and such laugh as followed, and such q
blush as came over the minister's features, have
neither been excelled in Newspaper Row for many
months.