While the science of politics ought to be held in the highest esteem
for what its true nature and possibilities are, yet in actual life and
practise the reverse is often true. As an instance of popular disfavor,
the following incident in _Success_ is in point:
Representative Lorimer, of Chicago, who is a great walker, was
out for a tramp along the conduit road leading from Washington,
when, after going a few miles, he sat down to rest.
“Want a lift, mister?” asked a good-natured Maryland farmer
driving that way.
“Thank you,” responded Mr. Lorimer, “I will avail myself of your
kind offer.”
The two rode in silence for a while. Presently the teamster
asked: “Professional man?”
“Yes,” answered Lorimer, who was thinking of a bill he had
pending before the House.
After another long pause, the farmer observed: “Say, you ain’t a
lawyer or you’d be talkin’; you ain’t a doctor ’cause you ain’t
got no satchel, and you shore ain’t a preacher, from the looks
of you. What is your profession, anyhow?”
“I am a politician,” replied Lorimer.
The Marylander gave a snort of disgust “Politics ain’t no
profession; politics is a disorder.”
(2406)