Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 June 1897 — A Failure. [ARTICLE]

A Failure.

A certain professor in one of the leading schools of Nashville was not long since desirous of incorporating some negro dialect in a story he was preparing, says the American of that city. Not being very well versed in their manner of speech, be bethought him that it would be a good idea to study the language in its purity undefiled. With this end in view he betook himself to the vicinity of the Union depot, near which representatives of the ebon race are always to be found. One effort was enough. Meeting a coal-black negro driving a wagon rather well loaded, and accosting him as “Uncle John,” the following brief dialogue ensued: “Pretty heavy load, uncle. Can you get up the hill with it?” “I do not know, sir, but I presume so.” Such an example of English coming from such an unexpected source almost paralyzed the professor, who retraced his steps to his apartments.