Our Show: A Humorous Account of the International Exposition in Honor of the Centennial Anniversary of American Independence, from Inception to Completion, Including Description of Buildings, Biographies of Managers, Receptions of Foreign Dignitaries, Opening Ceremonies, Poem, Oration, Amusing Survey of All Departments, Incidents, Etc., Etc.Cohen, David Solis
History
Our Show: A Humorous Account of the International Exposition in Honor of the Centennial Anniversary of American Independence, from Inception to Completion, Including Description of Buildings, Biographies of Managers, Receptions of Foreign Dignitaries, Opening Ceremonies, Poem, Oration, Amusing Survey of All Departments, Incidents, Etc., Etc.
“I was born,” he continued, “on the Island of Borneo. My mother was a
decendant of the noble Italian family of McLaughlini; my father was also
of noble birth; he never walked afoot; he always drove a carriage--for
the man who owned it. Cast upon the world at a tender age, I went to
England and took up my residence on Hounslow Heath--maybe you’ve heard
of the place. Always of a playful disposition, I invented a pretty
little game called ‘Your money or your life,’ which I taught to all the
lonely travellers who passed my neighborhood, to cheer them on their
way. They generally used to leave me their pocket books, watches, and
whatever valuables they had about them, so gratified were they with my
attention. The Royal Family soon heard of me and despatched a regiment
of guards to conduct me to London. Naturally modest, I endeavored to
avoid this distinction, shunning a meeting with the deputation as long
as I possibly could. At last I found myself compelled, as it were, to
accompany the party. I was conducted to a grand stone building of
immense proportions and solidity of design, in which, apartments had
been prepared for me. From thence I was introduced at Court, and, upon
the suggestion of the Lord Chief Justice of England, the apartments in
the granite building were placed at my disposal for six months, after
which time he desired me, in the name of the government, to address a
public meeting of citizens and officials from a raised platform, in
Newgate Yard, hinting that the address would be followed by my immediate
elevation to a high position. My sensitive nature shrunk from this
display. Not wishing, however, to offend the gentlemen delegated to
attend me, I remained quiet as to my plans for avoiding it until the
opportunity I waited for offered. Then, weaving my bed clothing into a
rope, I let myself down through the chimney and hurried home to America,
without saying adieu to them. They were sorry to lose me, and offered
quite a large reward for my return if living, or my body, if dead,
designing, no doubt, in the latter case, to give me a grand funeral. But
I have ever preferred a quiet private life to the elevation they
tendered me. That is all, gentlemen.”
“We are obliged to you, Daniel; good morning.”
“Good morning: but recollect, gentlemen, I am entered according to the
Act of Congress, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and any
infringement will be punished according to law; you understand? Good
morning.”
THE HON. ALFRED TIMOTHY GOSHORN,
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