Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 January 1896 — Jefferson No Circus Rider. [ARTICLE]

Jefferson No Circus Rider.

I The amusing ignorance of some people, whose lives are spent away from I'cities, in regard to the dw'es of-am actor, can De illustrated by one little incident told by Joseph Jefferson, which occurred while he was living on his plantation In Louisiana, says the Grand Rapids Herald." “I had been out duck shooting,” said Mr. Jefferson, “and was being paddled slowly along the bayou in a canoe by my man Friday, a colored boy about 18 years old; ‘Mr. Jos., will be mad if I ax you sometin ?’ said John, the colored lad referred to. “ ‘No, John, what is it?’ said I. “ ‘What does you do in a show?’ “I told him it .would be rather difficult for me to explain what my particular line of business was. “ ‘Well,’ said John, ‘does you swallow knifes?’ “I told him I had nd talent in that way. “‘Well, your son told me that you swallowed knives and forks and fire, and de Lord knows what all, and I believe he was just foolin’ me.’ “I agreed with him, saying he was quite capable of it. “ ‘Well, dore’s one thing certain,’ said John, ‘You don’t act in the circus. .“I asked him how he could be certain of that. John burst into an immoderate fit of laughter, almost tipping the canoe over In his violent mirth. “ ‘Oh, no, oh, no, sah! you can’t fool me on dat. I’ve seen you get on your horse; you ain’t' no circus rider.’ ”