The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-03-11
OLD ROMULUS.
Cecil " iIiL

HINT TO CONGRESSIONAL CLAIMANTS.
It's not of the fabulous twin we write,
the aquatic hero of the classic Tiber who
stranded, with his brother Remus, at the
foot of the Palatine Hill, gave birth and
name to the Papal City. This was the
Legendary Romulus, the wolf-nursed babe,
and sired by Mars himself. Less mythical
than he, was cold Romulus,'' sired of rare
Virginia stock, who bore on his patrician
back heroes of great renown, and some Of
whose centennial posterity may still sur
vive, to repeat their sire's Congressional
experience. But thereby hangs tale. In
the stirring times of '76, Old Romulus,
then in his prime, awaked with his neigh,
the netghboring hills of Old Virginia, proud
mother of the Nations Presidents. His
happy owner was David Dardin, who added
to the virtues of the rare old Virginia gen.
teman, the characteristic love of a good
horse. And such one was Old Romulus.
Look what horse should have he did not lack,
Save, proud rider proud a back"
But higher destiny awaited Old Romu-
lus, than the propagation of his species
in his quiet country home. Here was a
charger, fit to bear the fortunes of Great
Washington himself, and doubtless would,
had not Nathaniel Green, his chieftain's
peer, first seen him. The brave commander
of the Southern force, at once impressed
the horse. "Stay General old Dardin
cried, " $500, and that in gold, would not
repay me for his loss" The General
dlsmounting, Old Romulus was saved.
But the respite was not long. Another
officers envious eye, soon fell on Dardin' S
and never to return. This was in 1881.
Long years rolled on, and Dardin, un.
requited for his loss, was gathered to his
sires. But Dardin's widow, Amy, lived.
Lived with persistence peculiar to her
class. Lived, to bequeath the rich legacy
of claim against an ungrateful Govern
ment, in whose service Old Romulus was
slain. Year after year, Old Remulus was
the subject of Congressional debate until
per diems thus expended, would have horsed
whole regiments. An eloquent member
from Virginia, not Of the Tucker strain,
capered and pranced in Congress on the
memory of the old charger, SO long as
breath survived him. Another followed,
who managed to keep the memory of Old
Romulus green, until at length after anx-
ous years, friendly Congress ordered to
be prepared, t,oo pamphlets for the members
use, in which was graphically portrayed
the history of Old Romulus' charges both
in and out of Congress.
| This was in 1903. Years again rolled on
and still the service of Old Romulus stood
unrequited. But at last, the end came, as
| States after grace debate since Old Rom
had lain in his for thirty years, in 1915
passed the claim. Thus was closed the
eventful and instructive history of horse,
thirty five years after the period of his
military service.
Should any Of the Virginia posterity of
the ancient charger be now anxiously wait
ing their turn at the doors Of Congress,
they need no prayers for speedy relief, if
their service be as great as his.
THE AMERICAN FARMER.-The number
for March is received, and, as the season
for Spring work is at hand, special regard
seems to have been paid to meet all the
requirements Of the farmer. Many origi-
nal and other papers on the cultivation OF
the various crops will be found extremely
useful and timely. Corn, oats, the grasses,
the orchard, the vegetable and flower gar
den, &C., are all treated on, practically and
scientifically, by able cores ondents. The
dairy, the live stock department, the poul-
try yard, and the apiary, all receive due
share Of attention. Besides these, numer.
Gus other matters are treated on, all of
which are of great use. Published by ).
Sands & Son, Baltimore, Md, at 81. 80 per
yelr-fiye comics for So