Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 May 1902 — An Unkind Cut. [ARTICLE]

An Unkind Cut.

Beriah Wilkins, proprietor of the Washington Post, says that during his first campaign for congress he went to a ratification meeting in a small town and found to his horror that none of the expected speakers had appeared. Mr. Wilkins is among the poorest of orators, but felt compelled to attempt a speech. He did so, talked for about twenty minutes, and then gave out. Not a soul in the hall applauded; and to make matters worse the chairman rose and said solemnly: “If there is anybody present that can make a speech we will be glad to hear from him.’’