July 2009 Newsletter
Clever Solution
William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925), a frequent candidate for US president, drank no alcohol. So he faced a dilemma when asked at an official dinner to toast Japanese Admiral Togo, whose strategy had given the Japanese navy a surprise victory in the Russo-Japanese War.
Determined to touch no alcohol – even ceremonial champagne – Bryan solved the problem by raising a glass of water.
“Admiral Togo has won a great victory on the water,” he announced to the assembly. I will, therefore, toast him in water, When Admiral Togo wins a victory on champagne, I will toast him in champagne.”
