University of Virginia Library

PRECISE STATEMENTS.

Mr. Carter, of the American Literary Bureau,
which furnishes most of the lecturers in the United
States, has been sued for saying that a certain lecturer
“appeared on the platform half sober.”

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196

“What do you mean, sir?” asked the indignant
lecturer.

“Why, I meant precisely what I said, sir,” replied
Mr. Carter. “I said you were half sober. I'm an exact
man, sir. I only saw half of you—the side towards
me. I only spoke of that. I don't mean to insinuate
that the other half wan't sober, too. Oh, no! But,
sir, it would have been preposterous for me to say anything
about the half which was out of sight. Wouldn't
it, sir—me, a precise man?”