Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1885-08-05
GRANT As Il BOZ.
Il Horse Trdde-An Early Fighter.

81 horse Irdde-Ast Early Fighter.
On one occasion his teacher had given him
task to perform, in mastering which he ex-
perienced more than usual difficulty. A
schoolmate, noticing his trouble, remarked:
lyon can't master that task" The persever-
ing lad remarked that he did not know the
meaning of the work ''can't t." and would re-
fer to the dictionary and ascertain its signifi-
cation. Not finding it in the book he referred
the matter to the teacher, who explained the
origin of the word, and was so much pleased
with his pupils action in the matter that he
related the anecdote to the entire school, and
impressed upon them the Importance of ac-
comprising whatever they might undertake,
and always to remember that there was no
such word as can't.
It is also stated that when he was about II
years Of age his father sent him to purchase
horse from man named RalstOn, telling
him to offer the owner, at first, Sos; If he
wouldn't take that to offer S55, and to go on
as high as $50, if no less would make the pur-
chase. Ulysses started off with these instruc-
tons fully impressed upon his mind. He
called upon Mr.. Ralston and told him he
wished to buy the horse.
How much did your father tell you to give
for him.? was the very natural inquiry from
the owner of the steed.
why said Ulysses, she told me to offer
you $50; and if that wouldn't do, to give>you
$50; and if you wouldn't take less than $780,
to give you that
OF course $50 was the price.
But" added the boy, although father
SAID $50, have made up my mind to give
you only $50, so you may take that or
nothing
OF course he secured the animal.
About the same period of his life he had
among his school-fellows his own cousin,
whose parents had settled in Canada, and
who had become imbued with the strong
prejudices of the people of that province
against the Americans. This cousin, whose
name was John, had the same feelings as his
parents, although he was being educated In
America.
On one occasion the cousins were engaged
in a discussion on the subject of love of
country and the duty owed the rulers.
Ulysses" said John, you talk great
deal about Washington. He was nothing
better than rebel. He fought against his
king"
''Now look here, Jack" said Ulysses "you
| must stop that, or II give you a thrashing.
| Mother says must not fight, but must for
give my enemies. You may abuse me as
much as you please; but if you abuse Wash
| ington I'll off coat and let into you if you
were ten times my cousin, and then mother
may afterward whip me as much as she
/ likes
Jack stood his ground, and so did his cousin,
| until they came to hard blows, when the
| former got the worst of it.
| When Ulysses reached home his face be-
| trayed evidence Of the struggle.
/ $50 you have been fighting" said the
| mother.
| Ulysses explained the whole of the circum-
| stances, without addition Or detraction, but,
| Notwithstanding the explanation, his mother
began making preparations to give him the
| promised castigation, when the father inter
posed and saved him.
'Wife," said the old gentleman, she does
not deserve to be punished. He has only
| stood up for his country, and the boy who
| will fight in defense Of the honor and in
| tegrity of the name of Washington will rise.
if God spares his life, to be a man, and a
| Christian, too
| Some years afterward the cousins met, and
John reminded him Of the affair, when he
| laughingly replied:
ayes, 1 remember the event, and under
| the same circumstances would do it again. !"