Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 June 1882 — SOMETHING IN A NAME. [ARTICLE]

SOMETHING IN A NAME.

A Hungarian gentleman, C. G a, occupying a prominent official position in an association of his countrymen in San Francisco, relates an amusing story d a singular contretemps attending his debnt in this city. His first name is Cornelius, which in Hungarian is spelled ComeL Like any business man and stranger, he found frequent necessity after his arrival in the city to act as his own master of ceremonies, and introduce himself, which he did after the foreign custom, stating his name in full, without any prefix of Mr. or Herr. He was astounded at the free-and-easy manner which characterized Americans. ‘‘'Cornel G--W’ he would say, on encoufitering ayfetranger, perhaps the father of a family. “Ah, Cornel G s,” would be the genial response, “happy to make your acquaintance; Cornel, ladies, Gomel G s,” and the bold California girls would take up the refrain and address him as familiarly by his Christian name as if he had been their brother. Sometimes inquiries were made which perplexed him, *‘ Did you participate in the late war between France and Germany, Cornel?” “No, sir.” “Ah! In what companies have yon served?” “In none, sir. I have never been a soldier.” The confused expression of his interlocutor and giggles from mischievous young ladies only served to mystify him more and more. At last he grew offended—indignant. One of his new acquaintances—an elderly gentleman of considerable dignity—met him on the street and hailed him loudly: “ How are you to-day, Cornel ?” “ How are you to-day, Johnnie ?” returned the irate Hungarian gentleman. The old gentleman looked murderous at this affront. “How dare you call me Johnnie, sir?” “How dare you call mo Cornel?” Explanations ensued, and when it transpired that the name had been naturally mistaken for the soubriquet of “Colonel” both parties had a hearty laugh and shook hands over the mistake, but the foreigner now resolutely writes and pronounces his name with an initial only before it.— Man Francisco Chronicle.