P. McK.—I was saying that, in the sympathetic judgment of this country, your admirable people are experiencing an unforeseen adversity.
E. F.—Lort Roperts haf onvaded our sagred soil und he vil nod led go.
P. McK.—My great and good friend, pardon me, but didn’t your people begin that?
E. F.—We haf tvice unpology made, but Lort Soolsbury he vill not occept.
P. McK.—How strange!
E. F.—Ve oppeals on der great und goot Yongee heart, vich lofes us. It vas vun grand receptions vich der Amerigan beobles vas gif us under Ny Yark som day!
P. McK.—Yes, it was. I have here a list of names of the Reception Committee, which [enter Secretary Gage] I will read to you. [Reads].
Secretary Gage—Mr. President, may I ask if that list of names was copied from the books of the Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island?
P. McK.—O, no: they are names of exponents of American public sentiment. They “received” this honest gentleman.
S. G. (eyeing honest gentleman)—Well, I fancy it would be more blessed to give him than receive.