MARK TWAIN'S JOKE.
Humorist Asks Secretary Shaw for Old Bonds and Greenbacks to Use as Fuel.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21. - The following letter was received at the Treasury Department this morning:
New York City, Oct. [1]3.
The Hon. The Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C.:
Sir: Prices for the customary kinds of Winter fuel having reached the altitude which puts them out of the reach of literary persons in straitened circumstances, I desire to place with you the following order:
Forty-five tones best old dry government bonds, suitable for furnace, gold 7 per cents, 1864, preferred.
Twelve tons early greenbacks, range size, suitable for cooking.
Eight barrels seasoned 25 and 50 cent postal currency, vintage of 1866, eligible for kindlings.
Please deliver with all convenient dispatch at my house in Riverdale at lowest rates for spot cash, and send bill to your obliged servant.
MARK TWAIN,
Who will be very grateful and will vote right.
