Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 May 1887 — “Old Zack’s Logic.” [ARTICLE]

“Old Zack’s Logic.”

Xo man in the country was more surprised than Gen. Zachary Taylor himself, when the W higs began to talk ol him as their candidate for the Presidency. He would not, at first, consent to stand, knowing his own disqualifications (or the office. He was ignorant of political questions, and cared so little for party politics that he had not vqted for forty years. But the battle of Buena Vista had put his name on every man’s lips, and the Whigs were determined to run a popular candidate. The unlettered, honest, simple-minded soldier was persuaded to “run,” and during the campaign every school-boy became familiar with Pale, Alto, liesaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista.

“Old Zack” took with the people, and they elected him with a large majority. Ahecifbtes of his firmness and simple habits impressed them with the beliei that he would make a serviceable chief executive. One of these stories was timt du rin g th e BI ack Hawk war,CjoL Taylor, while pursuing the Indians, came to Ilxick River, then considered the northwest boundary of Illinois. The volunteers declared they would not cross-the river, us they had enlisted to defend the State, and were not obliged to niarch into the Indian Territory. Orders came for Taylor Jo follow Black Hawk. The held a sort of town meeting on the prairie, .and invited Col. Taylor to attend. went, -havittg -prev-mnsly- orderetl the United States regulars to form in the rea'r of the _ meStnrgr~ After listening for some time to the volunteer's speeches, lie rose. “Men."hesaid, “the word has-been passed on to me from AVashington to foHow’’ Black Hawk, and to take you wffn me-as soldiers. J mean to .do botii. There are the flat-boats drawn up on the shore ; there are Uncle Sam’s men drawn up behind you on the prairie. ” In a few hours the volunteers were all across the river, ,in hot pursuit of the foe. They saw that it was useless to reply to a man who argued in such a forcible style. The people thought that a man who used that sort of logic was the one then needed to occupy the Presidential chair. — Youth ’3 Cornpa n ion. Heaven opened wide her ever-during gates, harmonious sound! on golden hinges turning.— Milton