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