Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 July 1884 — A Withering Retort. [ARTICLE]

A Withering Retort.

A group of gentlemen at the Carlton were pleasantly discussing the failings of a well-known minor politician who was gathered to his fathers. One of them, who during the deceased’s lifetime had apparently been his intimate friend, particularly distingu shed himself by the searching nature of his criticisms on the less pleasing qualities of the. departed. Just as he was concluding his remarks, Mr. Disraeli joined the group, and was at on9© deferentially asked by the post-mortem depreciator whether he (Mr. Disraeli) did not take the speaker’s rather unpleasing view of the defunct politician. “But,” objected Mr. Disraeli, "I always understood that you were a great ally of the gentleman we have lost.” “Oh, dear me, no,” said the depreciator, “only an acquaintance, I assure you.” “Ah,” said the Prime Minister, smiling, “I had thought the contrary. But though I did not observe all the failings in the late Mr. which you have just kindly enumerated, yet I agree with you so far as to acknowledge that I constantly found him guilty of one particular sin.” “Indeed,” said the depreciator, delighted, “and what was that, may I ask?” “A sin, sir,” replied Mr. Disraeli, “of which nobody can accuse you—sin-cerity.”— English Paper.