The Clip Sheet

Passaic, N. J., Herald News: "A New Jersey congressman who plays an occasional practical joke on his Washington colleagues was feeling gay about a year ago. A capital idea struck him while he was having a few drinks and he proceeded to execute it immediately. Among his acquaintances was a congressman from another state who had become a notorious rummy, the despair of his friends and a nuisance to all whom he met while on his benders. The Jerseyman thought it would be excruciatingly funny to steer the congressman into the arms of Alcoholics Anonymous. He telephoned the rummy: 'This is Alcoholics Anonymous,' he said, disguising his voice. 'We have been watching you, and we think it's about time you joined us.' There was a brief silence on the other end of the wire. Then the rummy spoke. 'I want to thank you for this call,' the rummy said. 'I've been thinking of coming to see you, but I haven't been able to get up the courage to do so. Maybe you understand how it is. I'm very grateful for your call. I'll come to your next meeting.' The Jersey congressman had heard enough. He hung up, suddenly ashamed of himself for thinking that what he had done would be funny. The other congressman's voice, so plainly sincere, touched him. He kept quiet about his prank. But as time when on, he could not help notice the change which came over his colleague. And eventually he pieced together the rest of the story. The rummy had gone to a meeting of A.A., all right. And he had become a member. From a man who was wrecking his career, he changed overnight to a model of sobriety. It has been a year since the Jerseyman played his prank. His colleague has not touched a drop since."