The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-11-03
TIE CoM1sa Ox.-When, in the first

days OF the horse disease. it was pro-
posed that oxen should be brought into
the CITY to supply the place of the dead
and dying horses, no one, probably,
imagined that tho proposal would be
seriously adopted. Nevertheless, 80
great has been the interruption of bust.
ness in consequence of the dearth Of
horses, that oxen have already made
their appearance, chiefly in connection
with market wagons, while it is under
stood that large numbers of draymen
have sent into the country in search Of
teams Of oxen, ,wherewith to resume
their interrupted occupation. It is thus
possible that should, the -horse disease
prevail for any length of time, the OK
would become as familiar feature of
our streets as the horse has been: and it
Is by no means certain that he would not
win as high place in our respect and
affection.
The OK is undoubtedly slow and me-
thodlcal beast. He lacks the fiery en-
ergy of the horse, and is i'll. l.adapted to
meet the views of the cabman or hearse
driver of racing proclivities. The omni-
bus driver who wields the ox.eond in
stead of the horse-whip would find it
difficult to instigate his team to the play.
ful joke OF carrying away the wheels Of
obnoxious carriages; and tho wild
butcher boy could not amuse himself
with driving his two wheeled ox-cart
over the toes Of near-sighted old gentle:
men. The OK being, moreover, a prosai-
cally sure-footed beast, would fail to
crafty that numerous part of the COM
munity whose apparent occupation it is
to watch tho struggles of horses who
have fallen on the Broadway pavement.
Certainly the OK would bo failure if he
were expected to lend his aid to fast
driving, or to any other recognized form
OF popular amusement. He has, how
ever, certain well-understood virtues
which might moro than compensate for
the shortcomings just imputed to him.
For example, he is the most plncd and
peaceful of beasts Not even the ma
lignaut ingenuity of the small boy has
Jet devised plan to irritate him into
running away. Broadway might be
crowded with tho frequent OK, bat the
spectacle of run awGy team, now an
every day sight, would never be offered
The thoughtful OK, when tethered at the
curb-stone, and wrapt in meditation
upon the meadows of his rural youth,
might sometimes abstractedly lunch upon
the brilliant skirt of passing lady, or,
dreamily tossing his huge head, hint his
presence with unintentional horn to the
lounging policeman; but in neither case
would his conduct deserve indignant
censure. His work would undoubt edly
be performed with the utmost slowuess
and delibcratiou, but it would never be
shirkcd under the weak pretense OF
'staggers," rs is the reprehonsible habit
Of the vicious horse, while his very SLOW
ness would recommend him to those ex.
press companies whose delight it is to
delay as long as possible the delivery OF
trunks entrusted to their care. It is
possible. too, that his habitual delibera.
t1on and persistent practice of way-sidc
meditation might exert n wholesome in
huence upon our over-worked business
men. and lead them, by tho force of ex-
ample. into easier aud healthier habits
of life. The OK has undoubtedly been
sadly unnppreciated by our citizens, and
inasmuch rs to know him is to respect
him, and to recognize his solid virtues
mny very possibly prove the first step to
their imitation, it will perhaps be a sub
! stantial gain to the metropolis should the
OK take up his permanent residence
among us.-Ne,c York Times.