The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-11-07
A GOVERNORS TACT.
Incident OF Social Life at south Afrlcan
Mine.


1t was at Pilgrims Rest gold fields in
the Transvaal one sultry evening in the
spring OF 1850. The Zulu war was just |
concluded, and peace and plenty had
come with Christmas just past after
more than five years of continual
border warfare and financial depres-
sion.
The party was awaiting the arrival OF
Col. Sir Owen Lanyon, the governor OF
the Transvaal during the brief British
regime, who had promised to ride in
from Leydenburg, 35 miles distant, and
attend dinner 10 be given in his honor.
In talking over the preparations for
the event, some ill-adwsed youngster
wondered if the respect due 10 the gov
ernor demanded the wearing OF evening
clothes.
Each of the party owned n dress suit,
put away somewhere, but none had
Numbered white shirt. The shirts were
there, but they had not been in use in
months. and Parker, the only store
keeper. had never even heard OF starch
In this dilemma DR.. Ashton, who
was in camp on a visit, volunteered 70
ride to Leydenburg and buy some, and
did 80. 4 laundry was an uahcard-of
luxury. but the youth who had started
| the trouble declared he knew how
starch was used. and offered to direct
the washing and ironing of the shirts.
| With the aid OF an ancient negro who
| did odd and ends around the store they
| were fixed up and duly delivered.
t.,se Il "A
down they discovered that the zeal OF
the volunteer laundryman had far out
stripped his knowledge. The shirt had
been starched back and front from col
| lar TO hem.
There was no time 20 make any
change and the martyrs 10 fashion re-
solved TO sit il out. Most OF them had
increased in muscle and girth since
their clothes were made, and looked
fully as unhappy as they felt.
Soup was served as soon ns the gov
ernor arrived. He noticed that his hosts
were moving uneasily in their seats.
and the chairman of the occasion, BIC
Africander, serene in flannel and cordu-
row. explained in whisper the cause.
Then Col. Lanyon exhibited n specimen
OF the tact that had made him beloved
and is still remembered gratefully 10y
many who experienced his courtesy.
AS soon as he recovered the use of his
voice he rose in his chair and made
perhaps. the most welcome address Inc
} had ever uttered:
Gentlemen" he said, Its so in
formally hot that / must ask your per
mission 10 take off my coat and this
thick collar. | would have done Sc
without asking, only you all look Sc
} spiclx and span. / wish you would
; keep me In countenance by following
my example"
: The governor looked deliciously coo
: I'm n thin undress uniform coat anS
duck riding breechcs. and the mei
: recognized the goodness of his sugges
:. ton and gave him three cheers. Thei
7 they stripped 20 their undershirts ant
T, trousers and enjoyed the remainder o
y the evening. Notwithstanding the joke
r of those guests who had not beer
c blessed with university cducations ant
e cristocratic tastes. The discarde'
{ ehirts were stood around the back @
= the room like tombstoncs. as monu
> mcnts 20 their owners discontinue
. serving as rests go hold up the cast-oi
D coats and aistcoats.-Chicago Jour
q nal.