When Smooth made his appearance at the political gathering
of course no one thought there was any fish-taking going on. Then he
endeavored to make the credulous citizens feel free and easy,
entertaining them with jokes of a strong kind, and explaining the
crude process of electioneering down in Texas and Arkansas. No sooner
had the politicians got through their speeches than they retired to
what was called an 'open house,' where all good radicals could drink
_ad libitum_ and make merry. Smooth was honored with an invitation to
join in a few joyous glasses, but he rather doubted the policy of
drinking so much election liquor. It might under certain circumstances
serve the ends of politicians, but never the greater interests of a
nation. A drinking man is sure to fool himself in the end, nor can a
man serve the interests of the State who neglects his own. But, be it
here understood Uncle Sam, there is a philosophical way of applying
the practical to make things profitable, which may be carried out with
more facility by making oneself cheerful and courteous with those
among whom we may be cast.
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