THE PRESIDENTS COW.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 371, 25 May 1889, Page 4

THE PRESIDENTS COW.

A Story of Wilmam Henry Harrison and a Maryland Drover— Tub Latter Was Anxious to See ' Granny, 1 and the Chief Magistrate Pointed Himself Out.

A native and old resident of Washington tolh the following anecdote, which was current and credited in Washington during the brief adminisbiation of President Harrison, who was called tho ' CincinnabU3 of the West' by the Wigs and ' Gianny Hairipon 'by the Democrats. When he came zo Washington to be inaugurated no one was surprised al the plain looks and tho simple manners of tho old hero, because the pictures of tho log cabin in which lie had lived were common during the campaign as illustrating his simple habits. JS'o, nor woie they incredulous of the story they soon hoard of him. Ib seoms that there was no cow — or no satisfactory cow — at the White House, so the old ex-farmor made inquiries, and learned that Saturday was the clay when the drovers came in from the country to the Marsh market to sell their cabbie. Consequently, early on Saturday morning President Harrison, instead of sending a servant, arose and walked down to the market. There he found co\\.s galore. He soon made a trade with a burly Montgomery county drover, by which he became the possessor of a fino Durham. ' Where shall I drive it, sir ?' inquired tho drover, who did not recognise tho President. 'To the Whito House, I will show you the way,' xeplied President Harrison. ' Why, you don't mean to say, friend, that you've bought this yere beast for old Granny Harrison ?' demanded the drover with dilated eyes. ' Yes,' replied the old hero, without showing the resentment that a smaller man might have thought necessary The drover left his cattle in the care of his son, and turned the Durham out on the avenue, where he and the President walked side by side behind the cow, guiding her way. The President, on the inside, gently raised his stick when sukey made an eflbrt tv promenade the sidewalk, and the drover flourished his whip, when she threatened to break into tho middle of the street. •I'm a Democrat, myself,' the drover volunteered to inform his companion, 'and voted tor old Van. of couise, bub the other day at the 'nauguration— ha, ha, ha, — I'll be doggone if I didn't fling up my hat and hurrah for Granny Harrison with the best on 'em ! Couldn't help it, somehow.' ' Thank you,' said the President. ' Oh, you're a Whig ! But I might a known that by your having a siteration in the White House, as I s'pose you have, hain't you ?' ' Ye&,' said the President. ' What be you there now ? Gardener ?' '>o.' 'Coachman then, or body servant?' ' Neither. I suppose I may call myself a geneial servant.' 'Oh, yes. Run eriands, wait on the table, answer the door knocker, and like o' that, 'remarked the drover, who had no idea ot what the domestic establishment of the President of the Unibed States was like. 1 Something not very unliko that,' said the President, with a tolerant smile. ' Do you see much of Granny Harrison now ?' inquired the man as they neared the White House grounds. ' Considerable,' replied the President. ' How do you like the old fellow ?' ' That's hard to tell. Too well, most likely,' thoughtfully replied the old hero. ' I'll go bail you do.' • Well, here we are,' taid the President, opening the gate that led to the stable. Several men servants came forward touching their hats. 4 Take charge of this cow and attend to her !' ordered the President. Then, turning to the drover, he said : ' Come friond ! Come into the house and take some breakfa&t. ' 'Thanky! I don't care if I do! Say, could you get me a sight of old Granny Harrison ?' 'Didn't you see him at the inauguration ?' ' Lor', yes ; bub nob nigh enough to know what he looked like ! I would like to get a .•squint at him, anyways !' Come in friend,' said the old soldier, leading the way up the steps and through the south door into the mansion. The diover turned around and looked oub upon the extensive grounds, and then remarked : ' A bettor place than that ar log cabin out in Ohio.' 1 1 don't know,' replied the old soldier, leading the way along the hall. Heie they were met by a servant dressed like a clergyman, who bowed and opened a door to the left. The President ushered his guest into the family breakfast room, where breakfast was standing ready. ' Lor's a mighty ! what a sight of silver and chiny !' exclaimed the drover gazing on the glittering service. Here were more servants, who, with deep bows, placed chairs to the table. ' Sit down, friend !' said the illustrious host, politely indicating a chair. ' Look a here ! I say now ! Ain't you taking on a great liberty? Granny Harrison wouldn't like this here now, would he ?' inquired the drover, puzzled and hesitating. ' I think he would, very much. Pray sit ! down.' 'Now, just look here, now. Ain't you too fresh ?' inquired the drover with his hands on the back of the chair, which for some roabon or other lie did nob take. ' Who bo you, anyhow, as makes so bold and takes sich liberties in the President's house ? You ain't told me your name nor likewise ■) our siteration here as gives you so much freedom.' 'The people call me William Henry Harrison and have made rue President of the United States,' quietly replied the exfarmer. ' Lord Almighty !' cried the drover and he bolted from the house and never stopped running until he was off the grounds, and when he sat down on the curbstone ♦he cussed himself grey,' as his wife said.— 'Washington Star.'