Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 January 1897 — Daniel Webster’s Wit. [ARTICLE]

Daniel Webster’s Wit.

While it caunot be said that the great writers and speakers of history hare stooped to the frivolity of lnoeaoant punning, yet most of them have not uegleeted to make use of a good pun when “In order.” I>aniel Webster was once addressing the Senate on the dry subject of Internal Improvements when the clook hands came around to the hour of two. Rut Instead of striking twice, the clock continued to strike without cessation more than forty times, till It ran down. All eyes were turned to the clock, and business was suspended. Mr. Webster remained silent, until about twenty strokes had sounded, when he thus appealed to the chair: "Mr. President, the clock Is out of order. I have the floor." The staid and august Senate broke into an uproarious laugh at the timely witticism. The Joke can never be repeated In the Senate, however, for the striking part of the clock is no longer wound up. i ■ - - f