OLD OFFENDERS.
It was at a country election that the following took place.
Every man for miles around was in attendance, from the prosperous farmer to the lowest farm-hand, and here and there in small groups they held lively discussions about the respective candidates. Finally the chairman rapped for order, and the speech-making began. The wily orator explained loudly and long about the poor condition of the country's welfare, and wound up by asking all those who wished for a betterment of things to stand up. Every man arose except an old gray-whiskered farmer, who had fallen asleep over the long-winded oration.
"Now," said the orator, after his listeners had seated themselves, "if there is a man here who does not wish for a betterment of things, let him stand up that we may look upon him with scorn."
At this moment the old farmer awoke with a start, and catching the words "stand up," got upon his feet and stared slowly around as a number of hisses were thrown at him. This roused his ire, and he said,
"Waal, Mister Speaker, I don't know whether we be votin' fer or agin the sentiments of my brethern here; but you and me, I reckon, are in the minority."