Too Much for His Philosophy.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 26, 26 June 1902, Page 29

Too Much for His Philosophy.

A Virginia member of Congress used many years ago to tell a story which may have been intended as a parable for politicians who approach questions from the wrong side. It is still capable of performing that of] ice, not only for politicians, but for others. The proprietor of a tanyard built a stand on one of the main streets of a Virginia town for the purpose of selling leather and buying raw hides. When ho had completed the buildnig, ho considered for a long time what sort of feign to put up to attract attention to the new establishment Finally a happy thought struck him lie bored an auger hole through the door post and stuck a calf's tail into it with the tufted end outside. After awhile he saw a Bolemnfaced man standing near the door looking at the sign, his eyes in a round, meditati\e stare behind his spectacles. The tanner watched him a mmuto, then stepped out and addressed him. ' Good morning, sir ! ' he said. ' Moaning ' ' said the other, without, taWmg his eyes oil" the sign. ' Want to buy leather ? ' asked tho tanner •' No.' ' (Jot any hides to sell ? ' ' Mo. 1 ' Are you a farmer ? ' ' No ' ' Merchant ? ' ' No.' ' Lawyer ? ' ' No ' ' Doctor "> ' ' No ' ' What are you, then ? ' ' I'm n philosopher. I've been standing here for an houi trying to figuie out how that calf got through t iiat auger hole.'