The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-05-02
THEIR WITS ABOUT THEM.
Como Famous Repariees which Are oid'
Rut Good.


4 few DAYS ago The Constitution addressed
the folloalng inquiry 10 number oil prom
inent gentlemen throughout the state:
what is the best piece Of wit you remem-
J bar 10 have heard or read of in legal or polit-
i..l crclcs.'
The Hon. John T. Glenn writes:
rs there ANYTHING better than what fan-
dolph .aid when he met a very disagreeaUie
eusny Oh the sidewalk The fellow, buster
Inc up and occupying most OF the way, sald'
CO. 4 never give way for rascal
81 always do said Randolph, politely
stepping aside"
lte Hon i. o. Bacon writes:
An excellent piece of repartee Is accorded
70 . Nh. Harris Of Atlanta-whoSe initials
do not now recall, but who is named by the
irreycrcnt as Fatty Harris. lie was on the
witness stand in Fulton superior court, ana
was being examined by the then attorney
general Of Georgia. The witness did not re-
Nv to a question as directly as the attorney
general 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. y
"Thauk YOU. Mr.. Attorney General, repiied
Mr.. Harris with a bow, Il would return the
compliment with great pleasure IL were not
at present under oath
judge Nisoet writes:
at Is not necessary to 60 outside OF Georgia
for GOOD piece Of repartee Judge Under
wood the elder was a greater wit than
Sheridan, but unfortunately had no Boswell.
to write his biography or Constitution re-
porter to publish what be said. lie was en-
coed in n case once and tho judge, after
charging very decidedly againSt him, locked
the Jury up for the night ana adjourned
court. After tea the judge aud Underwood
were walking on the piazza OF the hotel near
tic court house, and heard quite movement
Of chairs aud OF feet til the jury room, when
the Judge remarked: i believe tho jury have
zone TO prayers when Underwood said; i
expect so. Failing 10 set any light from
your honor's charge, they arc seeking 1t from
above.
Gen. Henry r. Jackson writes:
THE best piece OF repartee | remember 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
circumstances He had undertaken the rep
rcsentation OF a certain cause before the
courts, very much TO the disgust Of one Of his
friends, who, having vainly expostulated
with him and losing temper, exclaimed:
Van Buren,. is there a case 50 low, SO vile, SO
G!ihv. that you would decline 10 represent
itr L do not know, replied the lawyer, hesi-
taiugly and quickly approaching his ear
close to the lips Of the inquirer he whispered
What have YOU been doingf
Judge S. +. Hoyt writes:
The Hon Samuel Macon, OF North Caro-
lima. wa, one OF the very few intimate friends
Of John Randolph, Of Roanoke. They served
together in both houses. Mr. Macon retired
from the house in ISIS. His successor made
every effort TO succeed him in the good graces
Of Mr. Randolph Mr. Randolph snubbcd
him. Angry at this. he took the first cppor-
tunity 70 assault Randolph in debate. Ran
dolph made no sort OF reply, but few days
AFTER, in discussing some subject said: Mr..
Speaker, am reminded CT a remark Of my
friend. tho Hon Nathaniel Macon, OF North
Carolina. the wisest man ever knew and
then. pointing his long. lean finger at the
seat formerly occupied by Nj Macon, but at
that time by his successor, continued, but
whose seat In this house, am sorry to say, is
now vacant, vacant. vacant Atlanta
Constitution.