Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1902 — A Japanese Retraction. [ARTICLE]

A Japanese Retraction.

The art of retracting without taking anything back—if the bull may be allowed—seems to be understood lb Japan. A young orator at a political meeting called a public official a thief. A policeman on duty gravely rose and addressed a remark in a low tone to the speaker, who thereupon said, “The chief of police requests me to retract the word which I have just spoken. Although the word of a sage should never re-enter, let us make a concession; let us take back the word and keep the idea.” Great applause and cries of “Bravo!” greeted the orator’s escape from his dilemma.—Youth’s Companion.