The Mine Owner and the Jackass

While the owner of a silver mine was on his way to attend a convention for his industry, he was approached by a jackass. The jackass spoke up, saying, "By an unjust discrimination against quadrupeds, I am made ineligible for a seat in your convention; therefore, I am compelled to seek representation through you."

"It will give me great pleasure, sir," replied the owner of the silver mine, "to serve one so closely allied to me in—well, you know," he added, making a significant gesture with his hands raised upward from the sides of his head.

"What do you want?" the mine owner inquired.

"Oh, nothing—nothing at all for myself individually," the donkey replied. "However, the welfare of my country should be a patriot's supreme concern. If Americans are to retain the sacred liberties for which their fathers fought, Congress must declare our independence from European dictation by maintaining the price of mules."