Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 September 1901 — Not Wanting a Job. [ARTICLE]

Not Wanting a Job.

When the late William E. Gladstone was chancellor of the exchequer, one day he,was in the shipping department of the government office getting some information and figures for the coming budget. While thus engaged a Sunderland shipowner called to see Mr. Lindsey, the then member for Sunderland. While waiting for Mr. Lindsey to come in the shipowner got his eye on Mr. Gladstone, and was watching him closely. After doing so a little while he thus addressed him: “Thou seems a good writer and clever at figures. I’ll give thou £IOO a year, and that’s an offer thou’ll not get every day!” Mr. Gladstone thanked him, and said he would see Mr. Lindsey. Just then Mr. Lindsey entered. Then Mr. Gladstone told Mr. Lindsey of the offer his friend had made him. Mr. Lindsey Said it was a very good offer, but he did not know if Mr. Gladstone could be spared. Anyway, he had better introduce them. Turning to his friend; the shipowner, he said: “Allow me to introduce you to W. E. Gladstone, chancellor of the exchequer— Mr. So-and-So, Sunderland.” The amazement of the shipowner cannot be described. The grand old man laughed Immoderately.