The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1873-11-28

Il Is not generally known, perhaps, IN our
own community, that distinguished citizen
of this county, during one Of his electioneering
campaigns in one OF the lower counties. was the
victim Of one of the cruelest jokes on record
During wet evening, after riding for several
hours along dreary road in the barrens, his
heart was gladdened and his mind cheeied
by the genial light of the fire upon the hearth
stone Of wayside cabin. Riding up TO the
fence, he halloed, and q man, hatless and coat
less, made his appearance at the door. he
Immediately recognized In the man an old
supporter in the former canvass, and he there's
tore had no hesitation in distinctly announc%
ing his name, and dismounting he walked ine
to the house, feeling assured of o kind and
generous, if not princely, hospitality. It may
not be known TO most of our readers that In
those places remote from railroads, freplaces
are built ss wide as the end of the house will
permit. Seated in semicircle before the fire
were eight or ten tow-headed children; who,
upon the entrance of our candidate, Scattered
like little chickens upon the sudden swoop of
a hawk. Our candidate, after shaking hands
with his quondam supporter, and compliment
ing the good housewife upon the exceeding
beauty and sprighsliness OF her children, the
Oldest OF whom he managed 20 coax from her
hiding place, he opened the subject of the en-
suing election. All the questions OF the can
vass we're discussed in q manner entirely to
the satiOfaction of his host, and when he an
nounced bis intention of having the tariff lew
would he cheaper. tho eyes of the dame fairly
cleaned with pleasure. With a smile suf ls-
ing her ftce, she FASTENED to prepare supper
for Der guest. Now it Is no easy matter to
prepare supper, ente tain a gu st, quiet the
children, aud ret the table. all at the same
lime; yet we verify aver, that the good hos
did even more than tin . and added the
accomplishment OF smoking her pipe also
But to cut long tale short we viii simpl.
Say tnat our candidats Was never better pleas
ed with h mself, and awoke the next morning
with the cheering sensation OF having made a
profound imp esslOn upon the whole family.
After romIsiug every child big roll OF can
dy as Christmas present, he saddled his
horse, and in company with his host, started
for the county town, at which he was TO speak
that day. Never did he make more telling
speech, and whenever he spoke Of c1eapening
calico, spun cotton, blueing, madden, anu
"sich things" the very heavens rang with IT
verberstions from the well pleased audience.
Now have got 'em." he thought, in the ex-
ubeTsnce of his spirlts. Descending from the
platform, he shook hands with his friend with
whom be had staid the night previous, telling
him that he would have to go over into an
adjoining county, and added, IN Ow, johnson,
when l get to Washington, you must let me
know what Can do tor you, for am deter
mined to help those who help me-" Johnson
looked up with some surprise into the face OF
the Office seeker, and in the presence OF all
the audience exclaimed, "Weil, General, l
don't know as you can do anything for me in
Washington or any Other turin parts; but
there is one thing you can do for me beft re
you leave-you can pay me that little bill
you owe me for staying all night with me
lest night " Il is needless 10 add that the
General paid it, but tie impression was crea-
ted that be was trying to shirk debt, on ac>
count of which he lost many votes in that
section; for if there is anything backwoods
man likes it is q good rife and man who
pays his debts.