154: HORSE PORTRAITURE. 



that old man's request, as if he were the party honored, 

 than for all the battles he ever gained. 



PEECEPTOE. That was a beautiful trait in the charactei 

 of the successful military chieftain whom a whole people 

 are anxious to honor, escaping from the plaudits of a 

 crowd to gratify one humble individual by the admiration 

 of his colt. 



The plan you speak of, if forced upon the attention of 

 Congress, would do even more for the improvement of 

 horses than the most sanguine supporters claim. Poli- 

 ticians, however, will not see the benefit, as there is 

 nothing to be gained by them from the appropriation. 

 Incorporate with this bill a whole army of useless offices, 

 with rich salaries, and it will go through the House like 

 a "prairie on fire/' as that would make places to reward 

 adherents and relatives for their aid in elections. Farm- 

 ers are the most indolent men in the world in looking 

 after their interests not immediately connected with their 

 bit of land. They never will learn the lesson taught by 

 the faggots resisting all efforts to break them when 

 united, but which is so easily accomplished when un- 

 bound. Broach this subject to them, and nine out of ten 

 will admit its merits not one in a hundred second it 

 with an effort, or sign a petition, if you have not pen 

 ready to place in their fingers. Once make it popular, 

 and the Hon. M. C.'s will vote for it, even if lacking the 

 essentials I have before remarked. How are you going 

 to do this ? Not through the political press ; their col- 

 umns are filled with stuff disgusting to a man not biased 

 by party drill. The agricultural press, in their advocacy 

 of fat bullocks, swine, and sheep, ignore the horse that 

 has speed enough to carry one comfortably to mill or 

 market, from a feeling of jealousy at the prominent place 

 occupied by horses and "jockeys" at the fairs, these very 

 horses, enabling managers to pay premiums to cattle 



