"And," he continued, "I want the paper, also, in order that, if I should appoint any other person, I may show _his_ friends how powerful an influence and what strong recommendations I was obliged to disregard in appointing _him_." The committee departed mystified. * * * * * WANTED THE JAIL EARNINGS. A Western senator bothered the President about a client of his for back pay of a dubious nature. Lincoln responded with one of his evasive answers--that is, "a little story": "Years ago, when imprisonment for debt was legal, a poor fellow was sent to jail by his creditor, and compelled to serve out his debt at the rate of a dollar and a half a day. "When the sentence had expired, he informed the jailer of the fact and asked to be released. The jailer insisted on keeping him four days longer. Upon making up his statement, however, he found that the man was right. The prisoner then demanded not only a receipt in full for his debt, but also payment for four days' extra service, amounting to six dollars, which he declared the county owed him. Now," concluded Lincoln, "I think that county would be about as likely to pay this man's claim as this government will be to pay your friend's claim for back pay."--(Told before Colonel Noteware, of Colorado, a Western senator, and a congressman.) * * * * * A TITLE NO HINDRANCE. A German noble and military officer wished to serve as volunteer under our colors. After being welcome, he thought it expedient to unfold his family roll, so to say, but the ultra-democratic ruler gently interpolated as if he saw an apology in the recital, and soothingly observed: "Oh, never mind that! You will find _that_ no hindrance to your advance. You will be treated as fairly in spite of that!" * * * * * A TALKER WITH NOTHING TO SAY. A reverend gentleman of prominence, M. F., of ----, was presented to the President, who resignedly had a chair placed for him, and with patient awaiting said: "My dear sir, I am now ready to hear what you have to say." "Why, bless you, Mr. President," stammered the other, with more apprehension than his host, "I have nothing to say. I only came to pay my respects."