The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1888-05-10
THEIR WITS ABOUT THEM.
Some Famous Repartces Which Are
Old, But Good.
ATLANTA Constitution. |

A few days ago the Constitution
addressed the following inquiry to a
number Of prominent gentlemen
throughout the State:
"What is the best piece of wit you
pememLer to have heard or read Of in
legal or political circles -
The Hon. John +. Glenn writes:
"Is there anything better than what
Randolph said when he met very
disagreeable enemy on the sidewalk.
The fellow, clustering up and occupy
ing most of the way, said
81 never give way for / rascal
81 always do aaIl Randolph,
politely stepping aside, -
The Hon. 4. O. Bacon writes:
Gan excellent piece of repartee is
accorded TO Mr.. Harris Of Atlanta
whose initials do not now recall, but
who IS named by the irrcyerent as
"Fatty" Harris. He was on the wit
ness stand in Fulton Superior court, and
was being examined by the then At
torney -genafal OF Georgia. The vii
ness did not reply to question as
directly as the Attorney-genc wished
The latter repeated his question, and
added with emphasis: "Now, Mr.
Harris, you certainly understand that
question, for you are a very intelligent
man." Thank you, Mr.. Attorney
Genera" replied Mr.. Harris with a
bow, 81 would return the compliment
with great pleasure il | were not at
present under OATH
Judge Nisbet writes:
lit is not necessary to go outside Of
Georgia for a good piece Of rcpartcc
Judge Underwood, the elder, was a
greater wit than Sheridan, but I'M
fortunately had no Boswell TO write his
biography or a Constitution reporter
to publish what he said. He was en-
gagged in case once and the Judge,
AFTER charging very decidedly against
him, locked the jury up Tor the night and
adjourned court. After tea the Judge
and Underwood were walking on the
piazza of the hotel near the court
house, and heard quite movement
OF chairs and OF feet in the jury room,
when the Judge remarked: Il believe
the jury have gone to prayers, when
Underwood said: i expect SO. Fail
ing to get any light from your honor's
charge, they are seeking it from
above"
Gen. Henry r. Jackson writes:
1.-The best piece OF rcpartce | re-
member to have ever read or heard,
fell from the lips of John Van Buren,,
at one time generally known as Prince
John, under the following circum-
stances: He had undertaken the rep
Tesentation OF 4 certain cause before
the courts, very much to the disgust Of
one of his friends, who, having vainly
expostulated with him and losing tenn
per, exclaimed Van Buren,, is there
! case SO low, SO vile, SO filthy, that
yGu would decline TO represent it?'
Il do not know replied the lawyer,
hesitatingly, and quickly approaching
his ear close t. the lips of the inquirer
he whispered : 'What have YOU Leen
doing p"
Judge S. B. Hoyt writes
"Hon. Nathaniel Ma on, of North
Carolina, was ope of the very few init
mate friends OF John Randolph, OF
Roanoke, They served together in
both houses. Mr. Macon retired from
the house in 1915. His successor
made every effort to succeed him in
the good gfacss OF Mr.. Randolph.
Mr.. Randolph snubbed min. Angry
at this, he took the first opportunity TO
assault Ragdolph in debate. Ran
dolph made no sort of reply, but 4
few days after, il discussing some sub
jet, said: 'Mr. Speaker, l am re-
minded of 4 remark of my friend, the
Hon. Nathaniel Macon, Of North Car,
plina, the wisest man ever knew, and
then, pointing his long, lean finger a.
the seat formerly occupied by Mr.
Macon, but at that time by his sue.
.ccssor, continued, sbut whose seat ir
this house, am sorry to say, i GoH
vacant vacant! yancantl "