The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1873-11-06
:. OHIO, GENTLE SISTER, WE GREET
THEE.o
A Thrilling Hesdifse--Hsw They Were Feel.
ed--A Rcminiscenee.

The election in Ohio proved Unexpectedly
close, considerable interest has been manifested
to see what the precise result would he. We
dropped into downtown grocery store, last
evening, and the subject of the Ohio election
was being canyassed goOd-naturedly by a knot
of Democrats and Republicans, among whom was
" Uncle Tom /" p, a trne-blue Democrat who had
grown gray while fighting as private in the
ranks of the grand old party. Uncle Tom was
ut home in talking about the Buckeye State.
He then related an incident which happened in
this city, half century ago more or less. At
that time the opponents of the Democracy were
known as Federalists, and q weekly paper called
the Mercury was Hartford organ devoted to
abusing Democrats and upholding Federalism.
This paper published on the corner of Arch
and Main streets, the editorial room being To-
Gated over grocery store, at that time kept 10y
a Mr.. Shepherd.
As long ago as that in the absence of railroads
and teeGraPhs, election returns frnm far away
States were brought by stage, and came drag
ging along fortnight after voting day. In the
event of n close cuntest, it may be imagined that
the excitement ran high, and that the stage
coaches were objects of interest. One arrival
might show the Federalsts ahead, and in the
midst of their rejoicings along would come an
other stage bringing the news that the Demo-
Gratis were in the van. And TINS the tiGe of vie
tory would alternate for several days. On one
occasion, at least, Ohio was in this fix. Both
parties claimed the victory for several days. bur
finally the Federalists received assurances that
Ohio was all right. Up went the flags, and the
Feds were wild with deli ght. The Mercury pro-
prietOrs could scarcely contain themselves. The
paper was to come ont the day following, and
something stunning in the way of headlines was
Notwithstanding that would elate their par
tisans, and carry CONSERVATION to the Democrats
A group of half dozen leading spirits had
congregated at the Mercary Office, and the
question as to what would be the most thrilling
and eIectrifying heading for the cheering news
was talked up. One man remarked that they
wanted something inspiring, and forthwith they
sent for bottle of Old Holland. This had the
effect to unlock their reservoir of ideas, but
nothing suitable flowed forth. Enough in
quantity, but the quality WAS not mp to the re-
quirod standard. SUmcbudy said they needed
something more inspiring, and this somebody took
the bottle and went below. He gone a long
time, and his absence created no little uneasiness
in the circle waiting to be inspired. Just as
they were about TO appoint committee to 20
and fretch him, he came rushing in, exclaiminr
"Pve got It'll I've got it"
What is it'" queried chorus of voices.
What have you gotf"
THE headline for Ohio. Hurrahr
"Well, what is it Spit it Quit"
Striking an attitude at once poetical and grace
ful-his left foot thrown well forward his right
arm stretched upward at an angle of forty-tive
degrees, the hand clutching the bottle vigorous
ly by the neck, as If afraid the inspiring fluid
would escape, his rubicnnd complexion aud sub
dued expression of countenance looking as mel
low as a ripe pumpkin under the genial rays of
an October sun, with voice of becoming gravity
he said:
Listen, here il is:
"Ohio, gentle sister, zoe greet thee"
This was well received, and the bottle was
emptied in honor of the brilliant conception and
the Mercury came out with that electrifying and
stunning beading. But the matter didn't end
there. The following week the Mercury contain
ed, in an obscure corner, the modest announce
ment that Ohio had been carried by the Locofo-
cos. Of course, the Democrats were jubiant
and for great while thereafter the Feds didn't
hear the last about their gentle sister,