On hearing that an American composer was engaged in writing a national hymn——, the President hinted that “He hoped that it would not have too many runs in it.”
An Impossibility.
“The Americans,” said Chase, “at the present crisis, must not be extravagant—they must live under their incomes.” “How can they do that,” said the President, “when there is no alternative but their living on them.”
Jack’s Opinion.
The President narrates the following story:—“While passing along the streets of New York, one day, I met a Jack Tar. ‘What ship,’ I enquired, ‘do you belong to?’ ‘What odds is that to you,’ was the reply. ‘Do you know who I am,’ I exclaimed. ‘No.’ ‘Why, I am the President.’ Then, said Jack, ‘You have a damned good berth of it!’”
The House of Congress.
“That house,” said Abe, “is a swan house—all white and fair outside, but only think of the black-legs that are working out of sight.”
[This, if ever said by the President, is an adaptation from Douglas Jerrold.]