People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 October 1894 — A FIDDLER’S PRINCIPLES. [ARTICLE]

A FIDDLER’S PRINCIPLES.

The Examination of a Violinist in the Days of the French Republic. The citizens of the French revolution were, in the early days of the republic, after the tragical overthrow of the monarchy, of a terribly serious nature. They took careful account of every man’s political views and intentions, and exacted not only agreement with their own revolutionary ideas, but a grand social purpose for the future. Among the suspected persons brought before one of the revolutionary tribunals was the violinist Peppo, who had been a favorite in the salons of the rich. The story of his examination is told by Mme. de Bassanville in a work entitled “The Salons of Other Days.” “What is your name?” the violinist was asked by the court. “Peppo,” he answered. “What do you do?” “Play the fiddle.” “What are your political opinions?” “I have none; I play the fiddle.” “What did you do during th* reign of the tyrant?” “I played the fiddle.” “What do you propose to do In the future?” “Play the fiddle.” “But what service do you intend to perform for the republic?” “Why, play the fiddle!” Peppo retorted, as though perplexed at being put through such a questioning. The remarkable thing about the trial was that Peppo was set free. Perhaps his republican inquisitor* thought that even the most tragical of social systems might have occasion*! use for a cheerful tune.—Youth’s Companion.