Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-05-20
The Menagerie Takes a Vote on
the Presidential Question.
From the Burlington Hanksre.l

From the Burlington Hawkeye.l
The elephant came strolling into
the big tent just after the close of the
afternoon performance, and the ami.
mails were talking politics, having
caught it from the chatter they heard
in the audience. They didn't know a
great deal about politics in the cages,
but that, you know, children, is no
bar talking politics. Indeed no. Some
of our congressman, who hold on to
Office the longest, and talk the most
and loudest, don't-but | digress.
The elephant listened to the rest of
the animals for a little while, aud then
he said tothe giraffe:
WHO is your candidate for presi-
dent?"
Blaine" said the giraffe.
Yes said the elephant, that's
you, Your ideas are always up. You
can't get your head out of the top Of a
pine tree. Just because MI. Blaine
was quick enough to STE where the
giraffe came in DR.. Garcelon's men
agerie you think he will pay particu-
lar attention to you. Take care of
yourself, my ~aristocratic friend. Your
head is not as long as your neck by
forty feet. You cant come the giraffe
over me, Mr.. Blame. | say Old
Faithful he continued, addressing
the big dog in the Happy Family
who is your mani"
The Newfoundland said he was for
John Sherman.
les, the elephant said, because
he's interested in the currency. If
he is elected you will want the tariff
put upon dogwood, just the same as
Peruvian bark. Well, go ahead, howl
for a free ballot and unmuzzled press,
and don't whine if you are beat, as
you usually do. Jean Vatican" he
went on, turning to the tiger, who do
you go for?"
Amy man who comes close to my
cage replied the amiable animal in
the conviets suit.
Correct you are said the ele-
plant, "bnt you can count me out
when you begin ballOting. Who is
the next animal to vote"
The hyena said be was for Tilden.
first, last and all the time.
I'm bet YOU" commented the ele.
plant, anybody might know you
would go for a dead man, you wretch
ed apotheosis Of an old medical stu
dent. All, you Seventeenth ward res
urrectionist, you'll run against a Cir
cleville torpedo some of these days
that will knock that smile of yours
into a cooked hat. Any respectable
citizen Of the menagerie ready to ex-
press his preference before | close the
pole?"
The tortoise said he was in favor OF
Fitz John Porter.
"Of course you are" said the ele-
plant because he moves just fast
enough to suit your gait. If he does
emit move forward any l%ivelier for the
presidency than he did for General
Pope he won't hear Of the nominations
until six weeks after election. You'd
make a good running mate for him in
war time, and you ought to get alonG
pretty well in politics. The next zoo
logical wonder and living euriosit,
will step up lively can't keep thos,
polls open all night; we've got t
dress for the evening p%erformanc,
yet"
The turkey expressed himself il
favor Of David Davis
Right you are" said the elephant
and that's because he keeps you
company on the fence all the time
Moreover, he looks more like me thai
any of the other candidates, and it j
eminently proper and respectful il
you to support him on that account
Any other voice from the plains an,
jungles2"
The gopher shouted as Justify as h
could for Mr.. Seymour.
Sure enough" said the elephant
because he stays in his little hole al
the time, just like yourself. Well
gopher him fyou wish, this is a fire.
country, except the menagerie, whicl
costs you just one quarter Of a dolla,
every time you look at it. Come, now
move along lively now or you'll loos,
your votes, poll close in"
The wild ass of the desert her,
stepped to the front and roared hi
voice for Mr.. De La Matyr. of Indi
ana, amid the widest enthusiasm ant
loud hootings throughout the tent.
The elephant winked at the cage
with a merry twinkle in his eve
That's right, my brave cactus-eater
he said you are naturally and proI
erly one of Mr.. De La Matyr's follow
ers. Braves him up to the skies
you want to. Nepotism is fashion
able in this country now. Next W
teri"