The Washington times., 1907-09-07
BIOLOGISTS SPEAK
IN GLOWING TERMS
OF THE SECRETARY
He Tries Hard TO Under
stand, But United
States" Is His Limit.

/ Secretary James Wilson. who recently
exhibited a marked aversion 10 foreign
languages by having certain Latin
phrases on the new Agricultural build
Ing obliterated and plain United
states" substituted, became involved the
other day III another linguistic entangle-
mcnt which proved even more discomfit-
Ing than bis first.
The Secretary was called upon to vel
come the visiting scientists when that
body OF distinguished foreign visitors
reached Washington. Secretary Wilson
delivered himself OF a typical Scottish
American welcome, turned over the
keys OF the city. 50 10 speak. to the zOol-
ogists while here and after touching
lightly upon the bureaus devoted 70
zoology in the Agricultural Department,
took his seat amid the plaudits OF his
hearers The Secretary's address had
been delivered IN plain English. APP
plaUse, furthermore, knows no language
distinctions, and the brand accoIdeo the
Secretary bore the good old u. S. A. ear
marks.
Panied Expression Appears.
It was but moment later, however.
that the Secretary's broad smile gave
way to a panied expression such as that
noticed when he first saw the Latin
phrases underneath the figures on his
new building. Prof. Raphael Blanch-
ard, OF France, who had been selected
10 respond to the Secretary's address,
launched forth upon a characteristic
French Grafton, Of which the Secretary
OF Agriculture understood not one word
The foreign orator grew more and
more eulogistic and made sweeping ges-
lures toward Secretary Wilson, who sat
Just at his right. Ever and anon the
Secretary caught something which
sounded Ike lie Minister d'Agricul-
ture," whereupon the Secretary opined
that he was being talked about. Those
In the audience who understood the
the mention of these and other mystic
terms, and the Secretary was left In
ouandary as to whether he should ap-
Dlaud the speaker or remain silent He
Siid not desire to appear disrespectful
nor could he at all relish the idea or
perhaps Vociferously applauding ssme
complimentary remark concerning MIN
self.
Accordingly. he lent very close ear
for any English sounding phrases the
speaker might let fly, and whenever he
thought II absolutely sure that Prof.
Blanchard had not gone into eestacies
over the manner in which our Agricul-
turaI Department is conducted, the Sec
rotary would smile and clap his ap-
proval.
Eulogizes the Secretary.
The speech, by the way, was mainly
eulogistic Of Secretary Wilson. and as
Prof Blanchard took his seat, DIT. 1. o,
Howard, chairman OF the meeting, who
Is an apt French scholar, walked over 10
Secretary Wilson, Srasped his hand, and
said:
Mr.. Secretary, you should feel proud.
You have never before heard such praise
as has Just been bestowed upon you and
your department"
Secretary Wilson smiled rather faint,
plain United States smile, and said,
with characteristic emphasis; ''H IS, and
I'll never know a blamed word OF it."
Just then a reporter, who had been
quietly taking in the unusual proceed
ings, stepped forward and said: ''Oh,
yes you Will, Mr. Secretary. I under
stand French and have my notes here
in full and will be glad to present you
the bouquets Just as they fell from the
lips OF the French scientist"
WheTeat the smile again appeared
upon the Secretary's face and as a
moment later the Secretary stood listen
by the visitor as to the successful man |
ner in which our Department of Agri- |
culture is run. byStanders agreed that /
James Wilson had again con- /
qUered his ancient foe known as fool I
foreign langua ges
In the meantime the Secretary is not /
attending any language school, but it /
is ruinored that a few mere complica- /
tons Of this kind nill inspire a request |
for an appropriation for an official in |
terpreter Tor the Department OF Agri- |
culture.