May 16, 1916 - Three beans.

This letter is a retelling of the day's news and nothing out of the ordinary until the last line. You'll see it when you get there.

May 16, 1916
My dear Helen,
Am en route to Ansonia for a speaking engagement. Suppering here, and am not very hungry – for some reason- tho very tired. Will probably remain over night and start for Bridgeport early to try those divorce cases tomorrow.
    The road to New York – via auto – is terrible just now. It is undergoing a spring overhauling, and there are something like six long and rough detours, that, I’m told, just double the travelling time.
    Normally it should take about three hours running time, but I can’t see the fun of making one rough and rocky trip of six hours, and knowing that it must be made back again at night; so that I will not venture in my car till the roads are open again. Curses!
    Was told this afternoon that some special service is to be held at our Temple Saturday morning, and have been requested to participate too.
    You know the Town is to become a city in January. Also that someone spoke to the officials a week or so ago outlining what he thought ought be done preparatory to the municipal change, making several suggestions regarding financial systems, bond issues etc. etc. Also recommending that a small committee be selected to investigate this subject.
    Well, today Mr. Keen told me that he, I and several others had been appointed to carry out those suggestions and recommendations, and report at an early date that the necessary preparations may be entered upon. Hubbard well said “The reward for work, is more work. By bearing burdens or responsibilities we prepare to bear greater burdens etc”.
It’s 7:15. The machine is honking.
*Three beans.
Sincerely,
Joe

* Three beans was an expression used in World War I that meant:
Very good; very well; from the French tres bien
Dickson, P. (1994). War Slang: American Fighting Words & Phrases Since the Civil War. Dover.

Thenext letter is May 31.