Constitutional Whig

A bill was introduced at the recent session of the Vermont Legislature, to lay a tax upon dogs; it went no farther, however, than to empower towns to pass by-laws on that purpose. It occasioned the following jeu d'esprit in the Bellows Falls Intelligencer, from some friend of the canine race:

To my Dog Jowler, on hearing of the late motion in the Legislature.

Jowler! they've taxed ye, honest friend,
Assessed ye, put ye in the roll;
To exile every dog they'll send,
Unless some friend will pay his poll.

By all that's good! the rascals meant
I'ween you and me to breed a strife,
To drive you into banishment,
Or bribe your friend to take your life.

But Jowler! dont you be alarmed
If politicians do neglect ye,
For all their tax ye shan't be harmed—
I love, and honour, and respect ye.

But taxes, says the constitution,
Convey the right to represent,
So dogs, by this same resolution,
May just as well as men be sent.

Now dogs, and men, and voters hear!
That Jowler's put in nomination
To go, upon the ensuing year,
And aid in public legislation.

Jowler, steer clear of demagogues,
Steer clear of the minority,
Take care to smell of other dogs,
And vote with the majority.