Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1902 — Quizzical Dr. Talmage. [ARTICLE]

Quizzical Dr. Talmage.

After the'last of Rev. Dr. Talmage’s Brooklyn churches had been destroyed by fire he started to preach in the old Fourteenth Street Academy of Music, Jn this city, and there became well ac* quainted with “Ed” Gilmore, the manager. Mr. Gilmore's reverence is not his strongest characteristic, so it was quite like him to say: “Look here, Talmage, tell me why it Is that the Almighty permits your churches to burn up every little while, but never lets the flames get to a lot of diyes and rum shops?” “I’ll answer that question after I get up there,” replied Dr. Talmage, pointing solemly heavenward. “Oh,” snapped Mr. Gilmore. “Well, It is not a 100-to-l shot that you are going to get there.”

Dr. Talmage made no reply, but meeting Mr. Gilmore the next Sunday, he smiled and asked:

“Say, Ed, have the odds changed yet?”—New York Times.

Count William Bismarck, who died recently, was always known as "Count Bill” among his friends, a •name always used for him by his father.