Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-04-18
THE PREkIDENY'S COW.
A Story of VIM. III. Harrison and
q Maryland DrOver.

A native, an old resident of Wash
ington tells the following anecdote
which was current and credited ir
Washington during the brief admins
tration Of President Harrlsoa, who was
called the 'Cincinnatue OF the West by
the Wings, and Granny Harrison by
the Democrats. When he came tc
Washington to be inaugurated, no one
was surprised at the plain looks and
the simple manners of the old hero, be-
cause the pictures of the log cabin In
which he had lived were common dur
ing the campaign as illustrating biz
simple habits. No, nor were they in
credulous Of the story they soon heard
of him.
1t seems that there was no cow-os
no satisfactory cow-at the White
House, SO the old ex.farmer made in.
quiries, and learned that Saturday was
the day when the drovers came in f1on
the country to the Marsh market to sell
their cattle. Consequently, early on
Saturday morning President Harrison
instead of sending a servant, arose and
walked down to the market. There he
found COWS galore !
He soon made trade with a burly
Montgomery county drover, by which
he became the possessor Of fine 'Dur'
ham.
Where shall I drive it, sir ? inqulr.
ed the drover, who did not recognize
the President.
To the White House. l will show
you the way, replied the President.
Why, you don't mean to say, friend
that you've bought this we're beast fol
old Granny Harrison ? demanded the
drover with dilated eyes.
Yes replied the old hero wlthou
showing the resentment that smaller
man might have thought necessary.
The drover left his cattle III the care
Of his son and turned the Durham ou
on the avenue where he and the Presi
dent walked side by side behind the
COW, guiding her way. The Presiden
on the inside gently raised his stick al
sukey ~heu she made an effort to prom
enade the side walk, and the drovel
Aourished his whip when she threaten
ed to break into the middle Of the
street.
I'm Democrat myself the droyer
voluateered to inform his companion
and voted for old Van, of course; bu
the other day at the inauguratlon-ha
ha! ha!-l'll be doggoned if 1 dian''
fling up my hat and hurrah tor Granny
Harrison with tho best of 'em! Coul(
not help it. somehow
Thank you, sand the President.
Oh! you're Wbigl But l might
have known that by your having a sit
uation in the White House, as s'pos'
you have, haint YOU?
Yes said the President.
What be you there now !: Are yo'
gardner
NO
'Coachman, then, or body servant ?
Neither. l suppose | may call my
self a general servant
oh, yes! Run srranls, Wait on thu
table, answer the door. knocker, ant
like that remarked the driver. wht
had no ideas of what the domestic
establishment of the President Of th'
United States Was like.
Something not very unlike that. salt
the President with a tolerant smile.
DO you see much Of Granny Harri,
son, now?' inquired the man, as they
nearel the White House grounds.
Considerable, replied the President
How do you like the old fellow?
That's hard to tell. Too we'll, mos
likely thoughtfully replied the Ole
hero.
'I'll 90 bail you do
We'll, here we are, said the Presl-
dent. opening gate that led to the
stables. ..'
Several men servants came forward
touching their hats.
Take charge of this COW and attend
to her ordered the President.
Then, turning to the drover he sad
Come, friend Come into the house snt
take some breakfast.
'Thanky! don't care if I do Say
could you get me sight Of old Cram,
Harrison ? ....
Didn't you sec him at the inauRu
ration?>
'Lor'. yes! but not nigh enough II
know what he looked like. like tt
get a squlnt at him, anyways!
Come in, friend, said the old sold