Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 February 1898 — The Experiment Failed. [ARTICLE]

The Experiment Failed.

No man admires the memory of George Washington more than Chauncey >l. Depew, and the only defect Mr. Depew ever saw in the character of the greatest American he related at a dinner in honor of the celebration of the battle of Princeton. Washington’s quiet dignity and sternness ot character prevented not only himself but his companions from enjoying the hilarity necessary to a good dinner. “The grandfather of Gen. Cochrane was surgeon general of the staff, and he used to tell this story of the attempt of the younger members to break through this reserve and bring the commander-in-chief into sympathy with both the serious and hilarious incidents that happened. The novel method of producing this result was thalj the best raconteur should tell the story which had found the greatest success. and then that Gov. Morris, the most brilliant, audacious nnd best loved of the officers, should slap the general on the back and say, ‘Old gentleman, how do you 'like *.? Washington was first aston-

islied, then a grieved expression came over his face and he slowly rose and with great dignity retired from the room. This was the last experiment they made upon Gen. Washington.”