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Show ENGLISH HUMOR. Charles M. Pepper, the newspaper man who was appointed a commissioner commission-er on the Intercontinental Railway commission, tells an amusing story in which the main figure is Henry Norman, Nor-man, the British Journalist. Norman visited Washington a few years ago. One evening just before the departure of the Britisher it was determined to put up a ojke on him at the Press club. A Mr. Decker was selected to be the perpetrator. This gentleman arose in his seat and., taking a small bell from his pocket, addressed Mr. Norman as follows: "Sir, I have been designated by my fellow-members to convey to you an expression of our pleasure. On behalf of the National Press club of Washington, I am Instructed to give you this ring." As he uttered the word "ring" Mr. Decker rapped the bell smartly and placed it upon the table. It was plainly to be seen that the Englishman was taken aback. After a good deal of hemming and hawing he replied: "Mr. Decker and members of the National Na-tional Press Club: Words fall me. I am overwhelmed. With respect to this gift, which I am pleased to receive, I suppose that Mr. Decker, as was only natural In the embarrassment of the moment, for we newspaper men are notoriously poor speakers, has made a mistake, for he has, as you see, given me a bell Instead of a ring!" New York Herald. |