THE MODERN JOKE.

Te Aroha News, Volume VIII, Issue 485, 2 July 1890, Page 6

THE MODERN JOKE.

A Study of the Evolution of the

Chestnut,

‘Let me illustrate for your benefit the evolution of the chestnut, or “The Rise and Fall of the Comic Skit,”’ remarked Hon, Erastus Gurley to a St. Paul ‘ Pioneer Press ’ reporter, lighting a post-prandial cigar at the Merchants’. The many satellites of the eminent statesman immediately scrambled for chairs in his vicinity. * How often we hear the question, “ Who fakes up the comic gags w r e eeein the newspapers?”'continued the politico-philosopher. ‘ W ell, I can assure you that one comic—originally comic—idea is made to cover a good deal of ground nowadays. It is hashed and rehashed by hundreds of cheap humorists all over the country. The same idea reappears in a dozen disguises, and it plays many parts on the journalistic stage, Take an example. The Yonkers “Statesman” says : • “ The man who is willing to take things as they come finds usually that they never come.”

‘This skit, you perceive, contains a conceit which attracts attention. Bones, hired humorist of the Wigviile “ Wail,” sees it and, presto, the succeeding issue of the " Wail” contains the following :

‘ “Nibsey—Cheer up, ole chappie : take things as they come.” ‘“Nobsey—Yes, but blank it, things don’t come.”

‘ Masquerading this time, you see, as a colloquy. Tambo, hired humorist of the Yellington “Yelp,” sees this last version ; has not seen the original, and he tries his prentice hand on transposition of the scale. The “ Yelp” soon after contains the following :

‘“Some men decide it is best to take things as they come, and die just before the things come.” ‘Slight variation, you see: almost imperceptible. Paintpot, comic artist of “Snicker’s Weekly,” sees Tambo’s effort, and sits down and draws a comic sketch, which appears soon, showing a big sign blown from its moorings and about to strike a man in the back of the head, the man meanwhile explaining to a friend : 4 “ I’m the coolest man you ever saw in your life; I always take things as they come.’

‘ Young Pegasus, humorist of the Tickleville “Te-He,” is of a poetical cast. He sees the comic picture and his muse yearns with a big yearn to tackle it. It does so. The next issue of the “ Te-He” is brightened with this jett d'esprit — The man who takc3 things easy, Who takes things as they come, Will find, when old and wheezy, That things avoid his home. A man must up and rustle. Must make things spin and hum ; And then in life’s fierce tussle. He’ll catch things as they come.

‘ This settles it. The chestnut is now full grown and ready for ten years’ service in the press. It’s a great t a grotesque, a purely American snap and one which, so far, has evaded the notice of Max O’Rell.’