Mr. Peleg supported the amendment. They must not leave Mr. Simeon Samuels a loophole of escape. It was also, he said, the duty of the Council to buy a barometer the rogue had foisted upon him.
After an animated discussion, mainly about the barometer, the President accepted the amendment, but produced a great impression by altering 'twice a week' into 'bi-weekly.'
A Mr. John Straumann, however, who prided himself on his style, and had even changed his name to John because Jacob grated on his delicate ear, refused to be impressed.
Committed bi-weekly by a member sounded almost jocose, he argued. 'Buy! buy!' it sounded like a butcher's cry.
Mr. Enoch, the kosher butcher, rose amid excitement, and asked if he had come there to be insulted!
'Sit down! sit down!' said the Parnass roughly. 'It's no matter how the resolution sounds. It will be in writing.'
'Then why not add,' sarcastically persisted the stylist, '"Committed bi-weekly by a member by buying and selling."'
'Order, order!' said the Parnass angrily. 'Those who are in favour of the resolution! Carried.'
'By a majority,' sneered the stylist, subsiding.
'Mr. Secretary'—the President turned to the poor Reverend-of-all-work—'you need not record this verbal discussion in the minutes.'