Books in Brief

“If Elected, I Promise . . .,” by John F. Parker (Doubleday, $3.95). “When I was a boy,” said Clarence Darrow, “I was told anybody could become President: I’m beginning to believe it.” Which is a sample of 1001 jokes, toasts, stories and gems of wisdom by and about politicians to be found in this book by Massachusetts State Senator John F. Parker, an unstuffed political shirt if there ever was one. Many of these nonpartisan bon mots will be recognized as of ancient vintage, but still it’s handy to have them collated in one spot. For example: A committee is a group of persons who, singly, think they can do nothing, but collectively agree that nothing can be done. A committee is a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours. A committee of five consists of one man who works, three others who pat him on the back, and one who brings in a minority report.

W. H. PETERSON

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“If Elected, I Promise . . .,” by John F. Parker (Doubleday, $3.95). “When I was a boy,” said Clarence Darrow, “I was told anybody could become President: I’m beginning to believe it.” Which is a sample of 1001 jokes, toasts, stories and gems of wisdom by and about politicians to be found in this book by Massachusetts State Senator John F. Parker, an unstuffed political shirt if there ever was one. Many of these nonpartisan bon mots will be recognized as of ancient vintage, but still it’s handy to have them collated in one spot. For example: A committee is a group of persons who, singly, think they can do nothing, but collectively agree that nothing can be done. A committee is a body that keeps minutes and wastes hours. A committee of five consists of one man who works, three others who pat him on the back, and one who brings in a minority report.

W. H. PETERSON