Meaning of the word.
Gentlemen. How the signification of words alter in the course of a century. There was a time when all persons in England, below the rank of an Esquire, were divided into Gentlemen, Yeomen and Rascals. The former word is now used to signify the individuals of the first order—those whom you would take by the hand in the street, and sup with of an evening. The second term retains pretty nearly its original meaning. But to make an application of the latter appellative at this time, would operate as an invitation to be knocked down. 'Gentlemen,' is used in opposition among the old chronicles to 'simple man,' and neither in any very exalted sense. It is on record, that the French Princess, De La Roche Sur Yon, receiving a sharp reply from a Knight, to whom she gave the epithet of 'Gentilhomme,' was told by the King, to whom she complained, that she deserved all she got, for so offending, herself, in the first instance. The lower people in England were commonly 'the Rascality'—equivalent to the 'Canaille' of the French, or our own significant Rabble of the present day.
In what sense do they use the word 'Gentlemen' in Congress—Eh?—Charleston Gaz.
Salem Observer, April 3, 1820.
Profeſſional Anecdote of Dr. Franklin.
WHEN he came to Philadelphia, in 1723, he was firſt employed by one Keimer, an eccentric genius, as a preſſman, for he was then printing an elegy of his own compoſition, on the death of Aiſquila Roſe—and as he had but one ſmall font of types, and uſed no copy, but compoſed the elegy in the preſs, he could not employ him in the compoſition. Keimer was a viſionary, whoſe mind was frequently elevated above the little concerns of life, and conſequently very ſubject to make miſtakes, which he ſeldom took the pains to correct. Franklin had frequently reaſoned with him upon the importance of accuracy in his profeſſion, but in vain. His fertile head however ſoon furniſhed him with an opportunity to ſecond his arguments by proof.—They ſoon after undertook an impreſſion of a primer that had been lately publiſhed in New-England.—Franklin overlooked the piece; and when his maſter had ſet the following couplet—
When the laſt trumpet ſoundeth,
We ſhall not all die,
But we ſhall all be changed
In the twinkling of an eye,
He privately removed the letter c, and it was printed off—
When the laſt trumpet ſoundeth,
We ſhall not all die,
But we ſhall all be hanged
In the twinkling of an eye.