The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-11-26

Fun FROM PHlLADELPnIA-STATE OFF,
GALS AT MINSTREL SHow.-One of our
leading citizens, who recently returned from
Philadelphia, tells little story which proves
the truth of the old adage, "many u true
word is said in jest" 1t appears some days
since Governor Hartranft; Bob Mackey,
Russell Errett, Senator Rutan, Secretary
Quay, and some half dozen other promi-
nent politicians, met in the city of Brotberly
Love. The question Of how the evening
should be spent came up for discussion, and
it was suggested that the party should visit
Birch's Ministries. This proposition was
readily agreed to, and boy was dis patched
TO buy tickets for the distinguished party.
When the messenger arrived at the box
office the number of tickets asked for created
surprise, and in his curiosity, the treasurer
asked who they were for. The boy Informed
him that Governor Hartranft, Mr.. Mackey,
&C., had determined to visit the theatre that
evening. AS matter Of course, the result
was that seats were reserved for the party in
the very front row.
The news of the intended visit of this dis
tinguished party was at once communicated
to the management, and it was determined
to have some fun al the expense OF the lead
ing politicians Of the State.
Promptly at s o'clock the party arrived.
and were taken TO their seats by gentle
manly usher. The first part Of the perform
ance, consisting of songs and jokes, was
thoroughly enjoyed by the gentlemen, and
the curtain having descended, was in a few
minutes ruDg up for the second part. As it
rolled up, and the stage came into view, an
aged DARBY was seen seated at a desk, with Il
huge rattan in his hand and collection Of
books before him. Across the scene was the
inscription "School for Boys" In minute
in came number of badIy-clothed, dlapida.
ted coiored boys, who took their seats on
benches opposite the old mans desk. Having
raped for order, the schvolmaster began to
call the rel. He did it in this wise: "'John
+. Hartranlt, stand up;" "Bob Mackey,
get up dar;'' ''Come 'ere, Quay :" Err
rett, coma to de 'front.'" and so on until he
had called the names of all the gentlemeH
who were occupying the seats in the front
row. The audience, which was a crowded
one, soon found out where the joke came in,
and as they picked out one and another of the
gentlemen whose names were being called
the applause became exceedingly uproarious.
When the names Of all the distinguished
visitors had been In this way announced
there was still one person left sitting on the
bench. ..s @
Said the schoolmaster: els John W. For.
ney here?" --.
Chorus of scholars "Yes, sah.''
Where is he?" .n.f ..,..s..
The pupils turned and pointed to the
colored individual still seated on the bench.
= :" You, John w. Forney, STAN up" -
mo WON'T" r. -. i t'
"Stan' up directly and join your class"
ono won't" !. a.. -
off you dou't get up and get into the
ring you'll never get cent as long as you
live" au
The hit was taken in an instant by the au-
dence, and cheers burst forth all over the
house. So general was the applause that the
act had to be. repeated before the people
would be satisfied. 1t is said the only
persons in the house VINO did not enjoy 1t
were the occupants of that front row Of
seats.-Allegbaay Mail.