Franklin B. Gowen at one time tried a case in court against a man who was defended by a lawyer named Browne. The issue involved was an important one and every point was vigorously contested. During the trial Mr. Gowen frequently referred to Mr. Browne as "Mr. Brow-nie," which embarrassed the lawyer so much that the presiding judge noticed it. "Mr. Gowen, the name of the plaintiff's counsel is Browne, not Brow-nie. Now, my name is Greene, G-r-e-e-n-e, and you wouldn't call me Gree-nie, would you?" To which Mr. Gowen replied, "That will depend altogether on how you decide this case."
NECESSARY LABOR
The other Sunday two small boys were industriously digging in a vacant lot, when a man who was passing stopped to give them a lecture.
"Don't you know that it is a sin to dig on Sunday, unless it be a case of necessity?" asked the good man.
"Yes, sir," timidly replied one of the boys.
"Then why don't you stop it?"
"'Cause this is a case of necessity," replied the little philosopher. "A feller can't fish without bait."
THE RETORT COURTEOUS
Daniel Webster was noted for his ready wit, and the following example of it is told by a man whose father heard the statesman's retort:
Webster was standing one afternoon on Pennsylvania Avenue, in Washington, talking with a Senator from South Carolina. Between them there was a certain ill-concealed enmity. As they were talking a drove of mules was driven past them. The Senator remarked: