A CERTAIN City desiring to purchase a site for a public Deformatory
procured an appropriation from the Government of the country. 
Deeming this insufficient for purchase of the site and payment of
reasonable commissions to themselves, the men in charge of the
matter asked for a larger sum, which was readily given.  Believing
that the fountain could not be dipped dry, they applied for still
more and more yet.  Wearied at last by their importunities, the
Government said it would be damned if it gave anything.  So it gave
nothing and was damned all the harder.