The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1874-09-19
Whot Perseverance, WiW DO.

| The following is the substance of story told
| by Hon. George M. Dallas, former Minister
Plenipotentary to Russia, at public dinner
| given him in Philadelphia on his return from
| Russia in 1888. The story shows what pluck
and energy will do, and is n instructive lesson
| to those who DO not wish to become failures in
| life.
One day lad apparently about nineteen,
presented himself before our ambassador al st.
Petersburg. He was pure speciman of the
genius Yankee, with sleeves too short for his
bony arms, trousers half way up to his knees,
and hands playing with coppers and tenpenny
nails in his pocket. He introduced himself by
saying, give just come out here to trade, with
few Yankee notions, and / want to get sight
of the Emperor"
"Why do you wish to see him."
"Tve brought him present all the way from
America. | respect him considerable and l
want to get at him to give it to him with my
own hands,
Mr.. Dallas smiled as he answered, at is such
a common thing, my lad, to make crowned
heads present, expecting something band
some in return that l am afraid the Emperor
will consider this only Yankee trick. What
have you brought"
Gan acorn"
Gan acorn? What under the sun induced you
to bring the Emperor of Russia an acron?"
"Why, jest before sailed, mother and went
when we was there we thought we would jest
step over to Mount Vernon. l picked up this
acorn there, and l thought to myself l would
| bring it to the Emperor. Thinks, says l, he
| must have heard a considerable deal about our
| General Washington, and | expect he must ad
mire our institutions. So now you see I've
| brought it, and want to get at him."
| "My lad, it is not easy matter for stran
s s VIII take no notice Of your present. af5ja
had better keep it,"
~ tell YOU l want to have talk with him.
expect can tell him a thing or two about
America myself. guess he would like mighty
| we'll to hear bout our railroads and our free
schools and what big swell our steamers cut
And when he hears how well our people are
getting along, may be it will put him up to do.
ing something The long and short of it is l
shan't be easy until | get talk with the En-
peror; and l should like to see his wife and
children. I want to see how such folks bring
up family"
'"Well, sir, since you are determined upon it,
1 will do what can for you but you must ex
pect to be disappointed. Though it will be
rather an unusual proceeding, would advise
you to call on the Vice Chancellor and state
your wishes. He may possibly assist you"
"Well, that's all want of you. l will cal
again and let you know how get on"
In two or three days he again appeared, and
said, "Well, I've seen the Emperor and had 9
talk with him. He's real gentleman, can
tell you. When gave him the acorn, he said
he should set great store by it; that there was
no character in ancient or modern history he
admired SO much as he did Washington. He
said he'd plant it in his garden with his OWE
hand and did do it, for l seen him with my
own eyes, He wanted to ask me so much
about our schools and railroads, and one thing
and another, that he invited me to come again
and see his wife and daughters; for he said hi'
wife could speak better English than he could
So l went again yesterday; and she's lint
knowing woman, tell you; and his daughter
are nice gals"
"What did the Empress say to your
"Oh, she asked me sight of questions.
Don't you think she thought we had no serv
ants in America. told her that poor folks die
their own work, but rich people had plenty
servants. But then you don't call them serv
ants said she, you call 'em help Il guess
ma'am, you've been reading Mrs. Trollope
saws l. I'VE had that ere book on board oul
Ship The Emperor clapped his hands ant
laughed as if he'd kill himself. You're right
sir, said he, you're right We sent for an Eng
lish copy, and she's been reading it this yer.
morning. Then l told him all knew abou
our country, and he was mighty pleased. H
wanted to know how long expected to stay il
these parts. told him / had sold all the nc