Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1880 — Discussion on the Nihilists. [ARTICLE]

Discussion on the Nihilists.

Nihilists. For the first time in her life it occurs to h*r that it might be as well to understand the meaning of the term “Nihilists." She consults the Professor oyer the soup. This is now tha discussion goes:, . . f ,! *. “My dear, who are those dreadful people. the Nihilists f ’ • , • . The Professor sniffs something and adjustshisglasses. ' ’ “The Nihilists, my lover*. . “Yes, my dialing.” “They are Russian revolutionists, my dear.” - “I know that, stupid.’’ “Then why did you ask for information that yen already possessed P* “Why will yon be so provoking? X want to know who they are." “I have already told you.” “Yen told me nothing. They shoot and stab > people, don’t they, and, blow up places and railway trains aad all that soft of thtng?” .uch a'ftuiny name!" ' ■ “Funny! I see nothing funny in your name." * “Good gracious, Fitxgoggles? You’d vex a mint." “Or a—ahem! fallen angel.” “Thank you, sir. You’re in a charming hnmor this evening. I ask a simple question—a very simple question—and receive a characteristic reply." “But what do you wish to know, my tore?” “What a question to ask! Have I not already told you?" “And have I not already answered ?” “No. I want to know why Russians who shoot and stab and blow up palaces and things are called Nihilists." “They are called Nihilists because they shoot and stab and blow up. I might call you a Nihilist at that rate.” “Mr. Fitzgoggles, don’t try to be sarcastic. If you must be a Russian you needn’t be a bear." “If you must be a woman you needn’t be a tartar. There, there. Well, I’ll tell you, if you’ll only listen." “Tnank you, sir; the information is not of the slightest consequence." “But I insist. A woman should not remain lu ignorance." “A nice match I made marrying a dictionary !” “The embodiment of all wisdom, my love.” * “Yes, bound in calf." “Josephine!" “Ha ua ha!” “Madam, you seem to enjoy your own wit excessively. It is pleasant to see that some one enjoys it” “You seem to enjoy it vastly.’’ “My dear, it is waste of time to argue or explain with a woman." “That Is how you men always try to escape. Well, then, what is the meaning of the word Nihilist?" “Since you condescend to ask in an intelligent manner I will try to explain, though I fear the explanation will never get into your pretty head. A Nihilist, my love, is a person who believes in nothing.” , “In nothing?" “Absolutely nothing, and is resolved on destroying everything that is.” “How shocking! -Then why are so many women Nihilists?" “Upon my soul, 1 can’t understand unless it be that women, understanding nothing, naturally believe in nothing. HAhAha?" 6 “Quite true, my dear. They believe in men.” The Professor collapses.