Poser

When a quizzical child pops a question which Teacher cannot answer, Teacher may frankly admit ignorance and, helpfully, find an answer. Or, if Teacher is lazy, or cunning, or suspicious of the pupil's motive, or enthusiastic about youthful initiative, he may say: "You find out and tell me."

Gilbert Smith, 13-year-old eighth grader of Somerville, N. J., got so interested in history class one day lately that he asked his teacher the following question:

"If the French Ambassador at Washington was murdered by the English Ambassador, what country would have jurisdiction?"

Gilbert Smith's teacher was either unwilling or unable to reply. So Gilbert asked his parents. Then he asked the County Judge. Finally, he wrote to the Department of Justice in Washington.

The reply which Gilbert Smith received last week from Washington brought him no nearer the truth. If not in fact evasive, it was a reply which waived the question and offered admonition in place of enlightenment. The reply said:

"My dear Mr. Smith:

"If I were you I don't think I would occupy myself with the question which you suggest. If you will study the Constitution in a more general way you will get more out of it than presenting such queries as those you present.

"Sincerely yours,

"William H. Taft."

One answer given to Gilbert Smith's question is: Great Britain.

The British Ambassador would go home, either peaceably or deported by the U. S. after his Government had shorn him of diplomatic rank. Home, he would face British Justice, famed for speed.