Why can't a committee of this kind occasionally exhibit a grain of common sense? If I send a man to buy a horse for me, I expect him to tell me
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Lincoln, turning crosswise in his chair, swinging both legs backward and forward.
“We don't read that ‘Hannibal’ had any ‘money’ to prosecute his wars with.”
The President was one day speaking of a visit he had just received from another delegation of bankers, from New York and Boston, who had been urging the removal of General Cameron from the Cabinet.
“They talked very glibly,” said he, “especially a man named G-from Boston; and I finally told them as much — adding, nevertheless, that I was not convinced.
‘Now,’ said I, ‘gentlemen, if you want General Cameron removed, you have only to bring me one proved case of dishonesty, and I promise you his “head”; but I assure you I am not going to act on what seems to me the most unfounded gossip.’
”
The Hon. Mr. Hubbard of Connecticut once called upon the President in reference to a newly invented gun, concerning which a committee had been appointed to make a report.
The “report” was sent for, and when it came in was found to be of the most voluminous description.
Mr. Lincoln glanced at it, and said: “I should want a new lease of life to read this through!”
Throwing it down upon the table, he added:
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