, 1860-05-25
THE ROAD TO OFFICE;
A Scene from Life on the Rio GTandO.


DalevillC, which is situated on the Texan shore
Of the Rio Grande, not hundred miles above
its debOUchure into the golden bowl Of che Gulf
Of Mexico. He was evidently traveller; a any
one might perceive by glance at his appearance
and equipments. His long beard, swarthy, sun
burnt conf lexion, and soilod, unseemly clothing
with the iaded condition Of thu. otherwise noble
animal which carried him, with the iron frying
pan, the coAfee-pOt, and tin cup, which were fas-
tened to different parts Of his saddle, in front or
behind all proclaimed the fact that Nc had made
long journey, and, judging by the direction
whence he came, Il must have been lonely one
and beset with many dangers Of different kinds.
Nor did he seem either unprepared or indispOsed
to face any ordinary perils, provided they were
such as human prudence or courage might over
come He carried on his shoulder Mississippi
rifle splendidly ornamented with silver mounting,
the handle Of a bowie-knle CLEANED through
the opening Of his vest, two enormous Derringer
pistols, deeply rificd, hung in his belt and the
holsters before him contained couple Of Colts
revo'vers Of the largest size, such as, in skillfu
hands, might bring down n man or deer at from
sixty to one hundred yards
As Charles Rivers advanced slowly into the
town, he could not possibly avoid noticing the
extraordinary appearance Of the streets, or rather
Of the numerous and excited throngs that
crowded them, in some places so densely as to
render the passage both difficult and dangerous.
Two opposite oliical parties were marching
through the various public thoroughiares at the
same time, to the sound Of various drums and
flies. There seemed to be the want Of the usual
courtesics Of civilized life, when two rival fac
tons in relation to liberty and sell-goyernment
should both turn out to hold high festival on one
identical day. The probability Of acollision was
too obvious for extraneous suggestion, even 70
the dullest intellect. But what astonished the
youth more than anything else, as being some
thing altogether novel and unprecedented in
American politics, was the adoption Of Gpecullar
color by each party and he murmured to him
self " Has the age Of chivalry, or the war of the
roses, come back again !" The banners and slg-
nails Of one faction were Of the deepest blue,
while those Of the other showed bright blood
red.
During such professions on the Rio Grande,
as well as the days Of legal election, the oppo-
site Gctions endeavor to press into their service
by menaees, persuasion, or the promise Of reward,
all foreigners as well as natives, and Shether
mere travellers or actual settlers, so that it is
nearly, or quite impossible, for any one to main
tain statue of neutrality. Accordingly, the
young stranger had not Proceeded tar before he
was accosted by one Of the blues" with the
tlattering invitation. giving him also a title by
courtesy to which he bad no sort Of claim
Come, captain, viii you not join US we are
the decent party. and our principles are ten
thousand times the best The others are set
Of bullies and vagabonds. "
You forget my dear sir" replied Rivers,
that have but this momsnt arrived in your
village, and cons, ,quently have no knowledge
whatever Of the questions that divide its dstin-
guisbed politicians and eminent statesmen"
The other, without percciving the keen irony
which luTked IN the latter part Of the previous
sentence, rejOined, eagerly--"0 y, as TO that mat
ter, can soon enlighteu you. The reds are
the aristocrats, the monopOlsts, but the blues
are the democratic masses, the genuine PEOPLE
OF course you will join US" VI t-s .NgQII
As am an entire stranger in the country,
think that any interference on my part on such
subjects, would seem indelicate and improper"
said Rivers, mildly, as he saw that the other had
no wish to offend him N-ti 1i1B'I
How you are mistaken, captain" exclaimed
the arguiSt, in accents Of perfect politeneSs
"Why, in this valley, everybody votes and runs
for office who wishes TO do so, and when we are
hard pushed IN our elections, We send into Mex
leo and bring over the Greasers by dozens. You
need, therefore, have no fears as TO your not be-
ing allowed in the game, and perhaps tine Office
TO boot" ..,s ,,,t..1, ,sa
g am constrained to decline your friendly Of
tefi" said the youth, growing weary Of the da-
logue. l am no aspirant alter official station,
and, while remain "a the country, my course
shall be that Of a strict neutrality in all things
pertaining to elcctions.n 3fAi.
.@l am not disposed to quarrel with your re.
solye;" said the other IN disappointed tone
"but as to your being neutral that the reds
will certainly not suffer you 10 be. You will see
when you come across Tom McGrab."
"Lshall not be forced TO adopt any line Of con-
duct which does not please me, by the fear Of
mortal man" answered Rivers, haughtly, as he
put bis horse in motion.
admire your metal, but i will soon be SO
vcrely tried, exclaimed the politician, and mme-
diately added, in an earnest yoice-"If you