The Daily Madisonian

From the U S. Gazette

TROPES AND FIGURES

Col Johnson has taken the field with a determination on his part--and in this his numerous and staunch friends will sustain him,--neither to be coaxed nor frightened off. Volens volens, "sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish," he runs for the Presidency; and the Western Locos will rally around him like a host, so will the real, genuine, original, Simon Pure Locofocos of New York. He is far from being an object of scorn or derision to any antagonist in his party.

Then again, Mr. Benton has been brought forward by Missouri, and he has no idea of giving up the contest without a fair trial. His chance is now or never. for the Chief Magistracy. The great Missourian is no tame and complying ox, to be yoked or slaughtered, as it shall suit the purposes of those who would be glad to make him draw their load, or feed their forces. He has pulled in the yoke long and faithfully; and thinks he has now a right to be comfortably stalled, or installed. If he is not, he works no more.

But where is the little Fox, the while. Ah! hah! yonder he is, away at the South, on the outskirts of the field, appearing to take no interest in what is going on, yet occasionally casting sly and furtive glances over every part of it, allowing nothing to escape his keen but apparently demure observation. I see him now, in easy conversation with sundry animals who have been invited by a noble charger to meet his little pet and guest. Take care, there's mischief afoot for some of you; the Fox never goes from home, or pays a visit en famille, to a noble beast, in a retired and shady corner, for nothing.

Then here comes from Pennsylvania a huge, broad shouldered, Conestoga team-horse. Is he to be made light of? His motions are slow, and by no means graceful, but his step is firm, his tread heavy, his strength great. He knows little about manoeuvring but for a solid pull, straight ahead, he can scarcely be matched. Let him have fair play and he will ask no odds. But he likes not the looks of the field; he likes not to see his kinsman, the old charger, receiving the friendly visits, and listening to the smooth flattery of the little Fox; nor does he like to see his road blocked up by those he cannot drive or persuade out of his way. He is puzzled and fretted, and though the noblest of them all, ten to one they out manoeuvre him.

That's our joke.