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John Bright's Sarcasms

John Bright's Sarcasms image
Parent Issue
Day
14
Month
August
Year
1874
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

John Bright has long been regarded as one of the most eloquent speakers in the English House of Commons, and one of the most popular orators with the people. His sterling common sense, his, candor, and his wonderful psthos, make him a general favorite, and he always draws a very large crowd when announced to speak in public. But it is not so well known that his power of sarcasm is almost unrivaled. When provoked by the taunts of opponen ts to use this weapon, which he does but seldoin, his retorts are overwhelming. Not very long ago he replied to some of the Tory party, who had been finding fault with the measures of Mr. Gladstone. He said, " These gentlemen must flnd fault ; it is their nature ; if thoy had been in the wilderness tbey would hare complained of the Ten Commandments as a harassing piece of legislation." But his sharpest sarcasms have beon against members of the nobillity. When boasts had been made of the antiqity of a prominent family, that their anceators came over with the Conqueror, his reply was prompt, " I never hesrd that they did anything else." A noble lord once said on en occasion of Mr. Bright's sickness, that Providence was punishing him for misuse of talents by inflicting a disease of the brain. The sarcasm of the rejoinder was terrific when Mr. Bright resumed his seat. " It may be so ; but, in any case, it will be some consolation to the friends and family of the noble lord to know that the disease is one which even Providence I could not infliot upon him."

Article

Subjects
Old News
Michigan Argus