The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-11-17

You talk like a string of fish. 1 Will
work out the details of this REFORM
Loeb looked out Of the window. The
president wrote hurriedly. After >
time he aid Here is the plan: We
will put blue uniforms with silver but-
tons on the ushers and rec uniforms
with gold buttons on the messengers.
land white uniforms with buff trim
innings on the stenographers. and yell
How uniforms with gold sashes on The
servants. and"-
The president stopped. Then he
Jumped TO his feet. BY Godfrey he
shouted. This idea is too great to be
devoted to mere Wen uni
form everybody. Well devise a cos
tune for the government clerks aud
wen rig out the house of representa-
Itives and the senate. I will get up
something brilliant for the cabinet"
Great" said Loeb. a what will
you wear"
Il think announced the president.
I"that my dress uniform will be a COM
bination of the striking features OF
1.-THE uniform of the general of the army
and the admiral of the navy. I'm boss
Iof both you know"
Great" shouted Loeb.
Hey peeped an unidentified man
who had pushed his way into The
room. How about a striped costume
for those postoffce ~thieves?"
Great excitement prevailed. The un-
mar was hurled out on the
$4,000 tennis court.
II. THE REALIZATION.
Several days were given to complet-
ling the plans. Inasmuch as the uni
forms for the ushers, blue with silvrr
buttons, were simpler than the others,
lit was decided to get that lot ready
first.
Work progressed rapidly. The pres
Iident was delighted.
Wont it be fine" he asked his Wis
|itors. ito see the stately Senator HoIr
lin a shad-bellied waistcoat of draL,
with a purple coat and pink small
clothes? And Joe Cannon in top boots,
red breeches and a lavender coat with
stock and a brass helmet? Hi ii.
|FTnei''
'Great," said the visitors.
The uniforms for the usherS were
ready. The story was printed. Imme-
there came fOrcible remarAs
from all parts of the country.
rs his an empire or a republic p
of the Questioners had the nerve
to ask. |
When did 0 get to be king?" Was |
another distressing inquiry.
The mails were flooded. Some edi- |
tors went so far a. to say the scheme |
was silly" |
"Ha." sale the president. Its evil
the proletariat does not appreCf- |
ate the artistic touch l sought to give |
to my administration. l am a candI-
date for election next year / must de- |
sist until l am safely in the White |
for a full term"
That evening the blue uniforms were |
to the attic. |
II. THE ELIMINATION.
Next day there was much activity at |
the White House. Newspaper report |
ers We're told something important was
about to happen.
Precisely at Don Secretary Loab
came out and handed the assembled
to uniform the attaches of the White
news gathers typewriter slips of pa
per. The reporters read:
'In view of the criticism of the plan
House and some others the president
feels lmpelled to "a that the plan
originated with Secretary Loeb.
The president originally gave some
slight consideration to Mr.. LOeb's prop
but maturer reflection causes
him to hat the propositiCT
made by Mr.. Loeb was ~ill-advised and
ill-~considered and he has ordered Mr..
Loeb to discontinue the preparations
and to drop the matter entirely.
The president desires to state that
Loeb acted in entire good faith il
the matter, but as the plan was who'll
lily Mr.. Loeb's and the president dis
all responsibility. Mr.. Loeb
will. of course, accept whatever criti-
|cism there is, although the president
feels constrained to "a the plan must
been an error of the head and not
of the heart"
Moral-They also serve who stand |
and take it in the neck.
SAMUEL @. BLYTHE. !