The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-06-13
NUMBER 21.
MIR. BowsER ON SENSE SUBJECTS,

NUMBER 21.
MIR. BOwsER ON SENSE SUBJECTS.
had a caller the other afternoon
when Mr.. Bowser came home, and after
she had gone he asked
How long was Mrs. Blank here ?"
About half an hour"
And you talked about fashions, sup
pose ?"
"Yes, mostly what should we talk
about p
MRS. BOwser did it ever occur to you
that there was anything in life beyond
millinery and dress goods, and dress
makers ?"
"How ?"
"How Why select some subject of
sense-art, science, mineralogy, the la
Dor question, or self government-and
discuss it with calmness and justice and
learn something worth remembering for
half an hour. You women folks might
as well have been born with a pumpkin
on your shoulders in place of head"
lmade no reply to this, but determined
to catch Mr., Bowser in his own trap be-
fore the week was out. Fortune favored
me. 1t was only two days before a
neighbor called over as he was at work
in the back yard. and for two long hours
those men sat down on ladder and dis.
cussed the question whether back gate
should open inward or outward, and the
advantages offered by either situation.
Mr.. Bowser contended for the gate open.
N Otaf I'd nd ka l..
opposite, and the discussion resulted in
Mr.. Bowser getting red clear back of the
ears and lmping up TO exclaim
"Well, let's drop the subject right
here. There can be cranks on alley gates
as well as on politics and religion"
"And there can be lunatics outside OF
the asylums,' hotly replied the neighbor,
Don't call me lunatic:"
And don't you call me crank"
go home and hang your old gate to
the mooD."
I'm hang 1t according to the rules of
common sense, and don't you forget it"
When Mr.. Bowser came in to wash his
hands observed
"Mr. Bowser, did it ever occur to you
that there was anything in life beyond
hanging back gate 2"
He replied with "humph !" of dis
gust.
"Select some subject of sense, Mr..
Bowser-art, science. mineralogy-the
labor question or self government, and
discuss it with calmness and judgment
and learn something worth remembering
for half an hour y
He looked around in desperate, help
lala nj kot .
off without word in reply. wasn't
going to let hun off on that, however
When he came home that evening had
Mrs. Orfendorf over to supper, and as
soon as we were seated at the table
Queried
Doesn't it strike you that Germany's
policy on the Somoan question is one of
conciliation instead of aggression !"
at certainly Does" she replied, "but
there may be hidden motive behind
this seeming submission. Trace the rec
ord of the man back as far as you will,
and his policy has been either aggression
or strategy"
Mr.. Bowser looked from one to the
other of US in astonishment.
81 notice" said l, as passed the bis
cults, "that the Spanish colonial policy
is working toward radical change. Iu-
cited by the example of other and strong
er nations, 1t is about to extend its arms
and enfold new possessions"
The stare Mr.. Bowser favored me with
made my flesh creep.
~ do so hope you can come down to
the next meeting of the Woman's Scien-
tific, Political and Literary Club" said
Mrs. Orfendorf, as she toyed with her
strawberries. Those gatherings are
very, very interesting. At our last
meeting we discussed the Drift Period,
and at the one next week we shall dis
cuss Two Proposed Amendments to the
Constitution of the United States"
"Oh, I'd like TO go ever so much, and
l think can promise you l will be there.
Can Mr.. Bowser come, too ?"
"Well, hardly. Men take such little
interest in such things that they are OBJ
structions."
And Mr., Bowser sat there, turning
red and pale by turns, until his chair
grew so hot that he had to pretend a
headache and get excused. anticipated
an awful tragedy after my visitor took
her departure, hut Mr.. Bowser contented
himself with saying
Now that that shallow-pated, long
nosed old nuisance has finally taken her
leave let's go to bed"
He regained his assurance after
couple of days, however. was talking
to our two-year.ol baby, and tslking as
all mothers talk, when Mr.. Bowser flung
down his paper and exclaimed
Mrs. Bowser, you make me tired
talking to that youngun that way No
wonder so many children grow up to be
~
"How shall talk 2''
Talk sense-the same as you would
to an adult. He's old enough to under
stand. and l believe he will llappreciate it. {"
Very well I'll try"
THANK you. It's more than expect.
ed you'd do"
The trial came that night, We had
scarcely got to bed when baby awoke
and began to whine. He had got cold
and was feverish.
Now, Harry" began, "snug down
and try to go to sleep. It's nothing ser
ious. and object to being kept awake"
He howled more Justify.
my son" l continued, "this exhibit
tion of inRratitude astonishes me, and l
insist that you change your course Of
conduct at once, or leave my house.
Filial respect, If nothing"
"What in thunder and blazes are you
talking about 2" roared Mr.. Bowser, as
he sat up in bed.
I'm talking sense to baby"
Not by jugful you amt !"
Then you try it.
"Ill try it by wringing his neck if he
loesn't shut off steam He's bowling
,ut of spite ~
Then warn him that you may be
to inflict due chastisement,
'ut do it calmly and dramatically"
:! ! !"
That's what Mr., Bowser said as he
umped out OF bed and disappeared into
he spare room. and that was the last
aw of him until morning. Free
Press.
HE LABOR CONTRACT LAW BARS |