Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1896-07-08
A NEW DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

A NEW DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
A span of sleek horses came trotting
along the dusty county road which led
past "the old Whitney place" one
morning late in June. Mr.. Whitney
himself was in the field, and paused,
pushing back his straw hat and wiping
the sweat from his forehead as he
watched the spirited creatures driven
by a coachmen in livery.
Mr.. Still-the Hon. Mr.. Still, if you
please-occupied the carriage, and
leaned forward, reckoning with one
pudgy white hand as the horses sud
denly stopped.
Drive a little nearer, Pat" said he,
and as the wheels paused in a clump
of daisies near the fence over which
the farmer leaned in neighborly atti-
tude, he exchanged solutions with i'm
pressive cordiality.
After inquiries concerning hay and
crops he said: 81 came on business
this morning, Mr.. Whitney. l hear
you have a son just through college.
He's a fine reader, I s%uppose?"
why, yes, Johns a pretty fair
reader, 1 guess, Had plenty of practice
these four years back" replied the
farmer.
"Ah, yes, exactly. l understand he
goes ahead of the professor. Well, tell
him 1 have him down to read the Dec
laration of independence at our little
celebration here in Hopedale."
The adjective little" impressed Mr..
Whitney, for the whole country side
had been discussing Mr.. Stills plans
for observing the GLORIOUS Fourth"
and knew that fine speakers, bands
decorations and fireworks were to be
imported at his expense.
yes" continued the honorable gen.
tleman, mo such occasion is quite
complete without the grand old Decla-
ration. Let him shorten it if he chooses
-unimportant passages, you know
but give US the main thing"
"Shall be glad to know your son, Mr..
Whitney. Hope he won't be a preacher
or teacher-mere scramble for a living
put him into business. Be glad to
give him my-my advice, any time,
Good morning. Drive Oh Pat"
Mr.. Whitney took up his scythe agar
to finish moving among the loose
stone, natures "rockery," on a New
England farm, and with the pungen
incense from fallen buttercups anC
%goldenrod the farmers thoughts min
gled agreeably.
He might help John, that's a fact
Hard times don't seem to touch him
and it's quite likely he could find
situation for John by just turning hi
hand over. It'll seem good to be get
tin back some O. the money we've laiC
out on his schoolin'. If mother, now
BY mother" he meant his wife.
John had been away during the fore
noon, but was at the dinner table whel
Mr.. Stills invitation was repeated.
His father gave it with his usua
moderation, making long pauses fo
eating and drinking, SO that when h
finished John had a clear view @
horses, carriage, coachman and portl,
owner, as we'll as Of the honor proffel
ed him. But he only laughed.
THAT old hyprocrite, "he exclaimed
why, father, he just wants to use III
Dick Ainsworth has told me all abou
this wonderful celebration, and he say
1t is q clever political scheme. Sti.
wants the votes of the rural district
and takes this method instead of buy
ing them outright. He's a boss pol
tician in the city, but out here poses {
patriot. No, thanks; l wouldn't rea
Wiz CSSioioeioh uoWiu Wuat L w, II
fifty dollars"
Mrs. Whitney sent a triumphal
glance across the table.
JOINS right, father" said she. {
told you there was pitch on that man
hands"
Mr.. Whitney had expected some sue
verdict from mother, and turned ha
impatientiy toward his graduated SOL
saying, pitch, o, well, you may thin
so. but he's a man of influence, l tie
you, and it's handy to have such
man round when a fellow starts o.
for himself"
~ know it," assented John mo
gravely. perhaps l am wrong; b
Professor Crazy says that politics vi
never be purified as long as men con
ont of schools and colleoes. where tn,