Democratic Sentinel, Volume 6, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 December 1882 — The Animals’ Demonstration. [ARTICLE]

The Animals’ Demonstration.

A drove of asses which had been wandering through the country came one day to a ptire and crystal pool. While slaking their thirst, the assea observed that the surrounding section was fertile in the extreme, and was evidently the abiding place of a vast multitude of deer, sheep, goats and lesser animals, for tho pool was completely surrounded by them, all drinking their fill. Presently an ass addressed his companions as follows: “In all our travels we have never found a more delightful dwelling place. This pool, apparently, is the sole drinking place of these animals. Let ns drive them away from the pool and take possession. We shall then have all tho fertile country to ourselves, and can cease our wanderings through the land.” This suggestion seemed a wise one to the asses, and accordingly they notified the deer, the sheep, the goats and the lesser animals that henceforth they must drink no more at the pool. Now in all that country round there was no other water to be had, and as the rightful dwellers on the soil loved their birthplace, they could not bear to leave for a strange land. Therefore messengers were sent to all the deer, goats, sheep and lesser animals, asking them all to meet under a clump of bushes a few rods from the pool. In a little while all the animals met, and so mighty xvere their numbers that the absurdity of so few asses depriving them of their birthright immediately struck all present. * “I perceive,” said an old goat, “that we are all of one mind. We can see that our numbers are so great that it is impossible for the asses to stand before us. Let us therefore immediately fall upon these robbers and trample them out of existence.” “Nay,” said an old sheep; “although they do not deserve it, let us give the asses warning. We will walk in full force to the pool, and our mighty strength will surely strike terror to thia hearts - of our oppressors; they will give up their usurped ownership, and bloodshed will be avoided.” This wise and gentle counsel prevailed, and the sheep, the deer, the goats and the lesser animals, every one, a mighty army, approached the pool. The asses were much alarmed at this imposing sight, but the love of power was too much for them, and they would not let the animals drink. “We will give you time to think over it,” said the sheep, who had counseled this peaceful course; “but by and by we shall come to drink, and if you oppose us, you must take the' consequences.” And now noontide approached and the thirsty animals drew near in full force to the pool. Being asses, the usurpers opposed their advance. A clattering- of many hoofs were heard, a heavy cloud of dust arose, and all the animals were hidden from our view. * When the dust cleared away, the banks of the pool were to be seen covered with deer, and goats, and sheep, and lesser animals, all drinking; but not the vestige of an ass could be discovered