The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-10

ment business lie saw and heard much
That appealed to his sense OF humor.
He went one day by appointment to
pay an official visit 10 II great French
dignitary. who at their first meeting
embraced him cffuSivcly and. to his
great surprise and Infinite disgust. i'm
planted n fraternal kiss on his cheek.
In letter to his wife written Il few
days aftcrward he makes mention of
tho matter thus: Il was bussed by II
Frenchman on last Tuesday and since
then have been without relish for
food. ] have not yet learned whether
or not the Frcnchman is similarly af-
fected."
How Jefferson Avoided u Theological
Pttfall.
Thomas Jefferson was one OF the
famous wits of his generation and
his sense OF numor was seldom out Of
working order. An anecdotc which
shows his gallantry, as well as his
disposi:i"i to extract amusement from
tho passing events OF life, has become
traditional In Virginia, but until now
has not found it's way into print: One
day as he rs leaving his parish
church after morning service ana had
halted In the churchyard to exchange
greetings with some Of his nciEhbors,
the Sage of Monticello then N-Prcsi-
dent, was accostcd by an old lady. II
Scotch Presbyterian, who worshinpcd
ut the Episcopal sanctuary occasional
~ on account of its convenience, but
always under protest.
Mr.. Jefferson" she began in II
high pitched and rather ducrulous
voice, Il am told YOU are II dtsbclicvor
in eternal punishment"
The cx-Prcsidcnt removed his shiny
beaver hat. bowed low and stood in
an attitude of polite expectation.
DO YOU deny it:" she persisted
severely.
Madam, | have made II my inflcy-
lille rule never to deny anything Of
which am accused jefferson an
swcred amiably. Permit me 10 asS
YOU, madam, whether you are a be-
lever in the doctrine Of eternal pun
ishment??"
Il have never doubted it an instant,
SIR she returned cmphatlcHlly
Then you must not expect me 10
Disagree with you. madam. Whatever
may be reported of me. il shall never
nc said truthfully that Thomas JEFF
ierson disagreed with II lady in her
very presence. Permit me to bid Won
good day. madam" he said. again how.
ing low and proceeding TO his carriage
with great dignity
''"N '"auiNen Silcurcd the Minister.
Although naturally reserved and
somewhat formal In his manner, there
WAS not IL man in the Virginia group
oil Presidents who responded more
readily TO the influence Of q humorous
situation than james Mndison. About
the time he retired from Congress tho
political condition of this country was
very critical. The two great political
nartics-th the Fcdcralists and the Re-
publicans---wcre almost at tho civil
war point, England was taking adyap-
taRe OF the situation to be unusually
Irritating and the French Revolution
was coming on. Fairy strife ran 50
nigh that social Intercourse between
members OF the parties was abolished
and even the children Of The opposing
creeds were rot permitted to associate
freely with one another. Madison was
an outspoken Republican, and VIVA
accused by his political enemies of
being sympathier with the revolu-
tionary party in France. One ,lay a
clergyman who had recently come over
from England to take charge Of the
church of which Mr. Madison was a
parishioner. and who was Il militant
Fcdsralist. ca.icd to demonstrate with
the eX-Congressmun.
How would you like to have a
guillotlne erected In this very parish.
sir?' demanded the excited dominic,
made desperate By Madison's APP
parent sympathy With the doings I'm
France. How would you like To sec It