Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 February 1881 — Mr. Greeley’s Humor. [ARTICLE]

Mr. Greeley’s Humor.

Years ago, travelers going to Canada by way of Lake Champlain used to seek the steamboat which Capt. Sherman commanded. The Captain was famous for the neatness of his boat and the discipline of its crew, and for his own politeness. He was the only man whom the late Horace Greeley acknowledged to be his superior in pohte behavior. One morning, after breakfasting, Mr. Greeley, who was in a capital humor, turning to a friend, asked : “Do you know that I claim to be the most polite man in the country ?” The friend, well aware that the celebrated editor, when irritated, was neither gentle in manner nor courteous in speech, replied that he was not aware that the graces of politeness were prominent among his many excellent traits. “But I assure you,” answered Greeley, with a smile that overspread his baby face—some one said that he had a philosopher’s head with the face of a baby—“ that I have never been beaten in politeness but once in my life. ” Then he told the story of his defeat. Before the days of railroads, he left Utica one morning in a stage-coach. His fellow-pass.enger was a gentleman of prepossessing appearance, with whom he fell into conversation. After a while the stranger drew a cigar case from his pocket and offered Mr. Greeley a cigar. He declined the polite offer, and the conversation was resumed. Presently the gentleman, taking a cigar from the case, put it in his mouth, and returned the case to his pocket. While they were talking, he abruptly but courteously remarked to Mr. Greeley : “1 hope, sir, you have no objection to a cigar?” “ None in the world,” answered Greeley, “ when it is not alight.” “ Oh,” replied the gentleman, “ I had not the remotest thought of fighting it I” “ Then and there,” said Mr. Greeley, laughing, “was the only time I ever was beaten in politeness. I afterward ascertained that my victor was the famous Capt. Sherman, of Lake Champlain.”