The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-11-05
Groeiey's Ride TO PiacerviIlc.

s'sU y stu W y
All are familiar with Horace Greeley'i
ride across the Sierra Nevada mountains
some years ago, with Hank Monk as thu
driver. Horace was anxious to reach Pla.
cerville at q certain hour, and Hank was de.
tailed by the stage company to put the old
philosopher through. Greeley was the
sole occupant of the stage, and his ride
will be remembered by him long after the
chagrin of his coming defeat will be forgot
ten. Hank always obeys the instructions
of his employers, and he was ordered to
be in Placerville at q certain hour.
Around the steep and dangerous grades
of the road he welt like a locomotive. Up
and down mountains, skirting declivities,
through chasms and across bridges went
Horace with a rapidity appalling to him.
Vainly he informed the driver that he was
in no hurry--that there was danger in such
terrific speed Hank had received his in
structions, and his only reply was, keep
your seat, Mr.. Greeley, and I'll put you
through on time" And he was 'Iput
through on time" and helped from the
stage at Placerville more dead than alive.
The story has been told a thousand
times. Greeley is now running for Presi-
dent of the United States, and Hank Monk
IS driving a stage between Carson City and
Lake Tahoe. Well, Hank made a short
speech at the Glenbrook hotel, some days
since, a report of which has Just reached
the Virginia City (Nevada) Enterprise, from
which paper we get the facts. He had but
q score or so of auditors; but having been
accused OF being a supporter of Greeley,
he mounted a box in front of the hotel.
His remarks are not digniied or courteous
I'VE must, indeed, plainly premise that
they are coarse-but they are certainly
characteristic of their author, and are ac-
cordingly plain and pointed:
Look here, youeroveling lumbermen and
bull-drivers-this thing has gone about far
enough. The man who says | am for Greeley
is q liar, and is too mean to be harnessed
with a donkey to a swill-cart. drove the
cowardly old turnip-headed free.loyer
across the mountain once, and because |
moved a little faster than O walk, he was 50
frightened that he shook as if he had a
Wabash chill. He hadn't as much nerve
as a jackass rabbit, and after he got
through he lacked the decency to thank me
for keeping him from jumping out of the
stage and breaking his neck. He wants 10
go to the White House! Why, the sway
backed, spawned, h~ip-shotted old mustang
ought to be turned out to wild grass thir-
teen miles from water, with his tail bobbed
and flies and mosquitoes thicker than in
the San Joaquin tules. General Grant is
my man. He is good blood, and can put in
his work either at the wheel or in the lead.
Greeley wouldn't make a cracker to his
whip, and can't begin to whip his mule and
mustang team down to time to get to the
White House on the 9Th of next month.
Now, boys, my opinion is that the old
Republican stage, with Grant as the driver
is the safe way of travelling. 1t rolls over
a good road and has never been upset yet.
Take Hank Monks advice. Put on the
brakes you fellows in the old Liberal lum-
ber-wagon; turn squarely around and take
q seat in the other coach. There is not a
rotten spot in it, not a trace o ftreason in the
harness. All aboard of the Republican coach
straight for glory and the White house !
There is no fare to pay. Keep your seats
and you'll be put through on time. Don't
ask the driver to put on the brakes, or try
to jump out. as old Greeley did, but 60 it
asst you intended to reach the next station
before shutdown. Keep your seats and
Grant will put you through on time. If
there's not room enough for me inside or
out, I'll ride in the boot. Hank Monk
for Greeley? I'll be spawned if I am!
Hanks speech, the Enterprise informs as,
was warmly received, and Saxton, the
proprietor of the hotel, enthusiastically
knocked in the head of a key of Bourbon
in celebration of the occaSion.D