I responded to Clay individually instead of to the list. I think Twain is referring to Irishmen. Any other thoughts?
John
Sent from my Galaxy TabŪ A
-------- Original message --------
From: Clay Shannon <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 3/5/21 10:05 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Hod-carriers and Presidents
In "THE TREATY WITH CHINA: ITS PROVISIONS EXPLAINED" (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/33077/33077-h/33077-h.htm), Twain wrote this:
I have seen dogs almost tear helpless Chinamen to pieces in broad daylight in San Francisco, and I have seen hod-carriers who help to make Presidents stand around and enjoy the sport.
Was there some special reason Twain connected hod carriers with the making of presidents? He meant electing them, I assume, but why them more than anyone else? Was there a common phrase at the time that mentioned hod carriers and presidents?
- B. Clay Shannon
CAUTION: This message originated from an external source
