Aside from this agreement
Their differences were wide;
Since to each weighty problem
There is another side.
While the progressives favored
A salary from rents,
The mossbacks advocated
Pay from emoluments.
The Prime Minister now arose,
His colleagues to address:
“We must, as is the custom,
Announce it through the Press;
“So that, according to our rules,
Contestants may apply
From whom our Tsar can pick out
One who may qualify.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs
Now gave a guarded hint
That also foreign papers,
Should the announcement print,
Since there was not a native
With ability or skill
With whom this great position
They, with confidence, could fill:
“We cannot use a novice—
We must have one well tried;
One highly recommended,
Able and dignified.
[52]
