Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 61, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 November 1911 — Page 6

THE MAN HIGHER UP

BY HENRY RUSSELL MILLER

CHAPTER VIIL 808 BECOMES BOSS BOB’S affection for Remington precipitated the events that resulted in the subjugation of the dty. “Affection’’ is accurate. Bob, once the cold, the loveless.now bestowed on the younger man a liking none the less deep and intense for that It was quiet and undemonstrative. This liking was evidenced by the influence Bob exercised upon Paul's career in the legislature. Not that any orders were given; Bob merely by wise counsel guided his friend's footsteps around the pitfalls set for the inexperienced legislator. So that, although be often stood almost alone. Remington was found fighting boldly on the honest side of every measure. His own consummate audacitVjsAnd personal popularity secured tot him a recognition rarely accorded a first term man. The uncompromising stand was possible to him as to few others, since with Bob's indorsement his re-election was deemed assured and be had no need to placate powerful Interests. Bob’s influence may not seem so unaccountable when it is understood that it was dictated only by shrewd, farseeing policy. Bob knew that he who enters the political race must run as lightly as possible and that even at that time support of dishonest measures was apt to prove a handicap to the swiftest runner, especially if the goal were, as in Paul’s case, advancement in. office.

“Never mind what they say. stick it out” he explained to Remington one day after the latter had returned from a dinner with a notorious lobbyist “The railroad and the steel people ever since the war have been looting this state through us politicians. So far the people have stood for it but there’s bound to be a change. The people swing from one extreme to the other. There are forces at work in the state now.** He bad Dunmeade and Murchell in mind. “There’ll be an earthquake hereabouts some day soon, and when it’s over there’ll be a good many political corpses scattered around. I don't suppose you’re anxious to accomplish a premature demise. And. besides. In a tight place the kicker can always get more than the fellow who goes along.” Remington laughed. “Then you’re discarding the meat ax for the rapier? ehf As for himself. Bob had no regrets for his past disreputable practices, deeming them to have been necessary to his financial equipment. Now. however. he decided that bis equipment was sufficient to his needs, and the old contracting firm was dissolved Also the Steel City was treated to the strange spectacle of the “tough" councilmen consistently voting against graft measures Bob was not turning reformer by any means. On the contrary. hie- plans for the future involved the Use of some very questionable means, but he was unburdening himself of every unnecessary weight that might prove a hindrance in the battle he foresaw. And he was learning to make concessions. The battle that Bob had foreseen came sooner than he expected In fact, before he was entirely ready In the second year of Paul's legisla tive career and the last of Dtinmeade's first term opposition suddenly developed to the latter’s renomination An obscure judge from one of the western counties announced .un .-eu as a candidate for the gubernatorial nomination upon a platform the principal plank of which was. "Down with the Murcaell ring!” At first the announcement was treated as a jest—by all save Murchell. who knewthejudge to have been put on the bench through railroad influence. But as by magic the judge’s candidacy grew into formidable strength.

Six weeks before the convention Dunmeade was. so it seemed to the public, hopelessly beaten. Only a few knowing ones, among them Bob McAdoo, refused to believe that Murebell's resources were exhausted. Then the great boss executed a stroke of characteristic daring. A month before the convention, like a bolt out of clear sky. came the governor’s call for a special session of the legislature to consider the passage of laws regulating freight rates and the restriction of rebating and providing for a committee to investigate the methods of the railroads. The knowing ones chuckled. Murcbeil waited. The legislature, convened, surrounded by a swarm of railroad lobbyists. Murehell was present in person. At the end of a week the bills bad been passed by the senate. Two days more, and they were fayorably reported by the railways committee of the lower bouse and passed the first reading. Then the callroad attorney called upon Murcheik

The latter refused him an interview. Next Mure hell received a telegraphic invitation from a gentleman in Adeiphia to run over to that city to discuss the gubernatorial situation. The invitation was curtly declined. By the next train came the gentleman from Adelphi ato see Mure hell in person. He went into the interview in a towering rage. He came from it'outwardly as meek as the proverbial lamb—and with hatred rankling in his heart. When the interview, which had taken place in the governor’s library, was over Murcbeii sent for Dunmeade and told him what had been said. As the governor listened lines of suffering came into his fine face. “It is the only thing, of course.” he said in a discouraged tone. “The trick worked. But it is shameful—shameful to barter away the people’s rights for a petty office. Why wouldn't it be better to pass the bills, push the investigation through and accept the defeat?”

“Because. John Dunmeade.” Murchell said quietly. “I promised your wife to place you where you can reap the reward of your sacrifice, and we haven’t reached that point yet. Patience, man!” His voice changed to a gruff tenderness, and he put bls band on the other's shoulder affectionately. “It Isn’t like yon to lose courage. The fight is just opening. Walt!" When the convention met at the capital the lower house was still debating the bills, nor were the final votes taken until Dunmeade was nominated. Then the bills were quietly amended so as to render them wholly ineffective. Dnnmeade was subsequently reelected. In a full session of the lower house, whose galleries were packed with delegates and visitors to the convention who had stayed over for the proceedings, Remington made the last speech in the debate, it was the greatest speech he had yet made. When in a magnificent climax dealing with corporate Influence in politics be dramatically charged the railway officials with having conspired to defeat Dunmeade the speaker was obliged to pound his desk for several minutes before the enthusiastic applause died down. When Remington made his dramatic charge against the railroad Bob. who sat In the gallery, frowned. He had not known ft was to be In the speech. However, though mucb disturbed over the rash words, he never rebuked PauL Bob foresaw the results of the speech and began at once to make sundry preparations.

The convention was In May. Early in the following August. MacPherson went to Bob’s office in the city hall. “About this young Remington.” MacPherson observed after the preliminary fencing. “I think we’d better not let him go back to the legislature this fait sore on him He’s been beefing it right along with his reform plays, and that speech on the railroad bills was the last straw. Sackett told me Remington must go ” Sackett was the president of the railroad and the gentleman who had called upon Munchell at the capital. “Well, what of It? Remington happens to be one of the people Sackett doesn’t own.” “Come.” MacPherson laughed unpleasantly. “you and I know he owns us all.” Bob looked MacPherson steadily in the eyes. “I have no doubt.” he said harshly, “that Sackett owns you. Mac. body and soul. But he doesn’t own me. and I happen to have a bigger say in the Sixth than he has. I say that Remington goes back to the legislaure.” “That’s final r “Final.” “Beware of the hind leg of the mule." was MacPherson’s parting shot. For an hour Bob smoked thoughtfully. then he wired to Remington, who was away on his summer vacation the following message: “Comback at once. You go to the senate this fan.” The next week MacPherson was in Adelphia and reported the substance of bis conversation with Bob to Sackett “Wbat kind of man is this McAdoo?” he asked. “Is be strong?” “He’s a bulidog sort, barfl driver, goolt manager He’s strong in the Sixtqtebut not outside.” “I s?e." Sackett mused. “He can be made valuable. Don’t v- with him. but beat Kemington. A little curbing will be good for McAdoo. He can be beaten. 1 suppose?” “If we have to,” MacPherson replied. Inwardly cursing Sackett for forcing the quarrel on him. Accordingly MacPherson set up a candidate for the nomination against Remington and supplied him with unlimited funds. Bob managed this ratn-

paign himself. MacPberson’s candidate was overwhelmingly beaten. Then the word came from Sackett to MacPherson. “Get rid of McAdoo. He is dangerous.” But Bob boldly carried the war into the enemy's territory. Under cover of the fall elections he quietly- and carefully built up an organization throughout the city, so quietly indeed that Macpherson received no inkling of his purpose until too late to hinder its accomplishment. Bob also bought control of an old fashioned, sedate, but moribund newspaper, placed it under modern management and began a series of exposures of the methods and deeds of the MacPherson ring. Needless to say. nothing in these disclosures reflected discredit upon Bob’s share it the old regime. Then he approached Stuart, a weak and pliable man. who. however, had a considerable following among the “conservative" element or the city and offered to support him for the mayoralty nomination. The day on which the Bugle announced Stuart’s candidacy Bob received a curt note from the mayor requesting his resignation from the directorate of public safety. Bob promptly complied. His successor’s first official act was to summon Bob’s appointees to “the earpet” and in plain terms inform them that they must work for the success of MacPberson’s candidate or lose their positions. A small number timidly agreed to the boss’ demands, but the majority hesitated. A few boldly declared for Stuart, accepted their discharges and sent one of their number to inform Bob of their action. “All right.” Bob answered. "Your pay goes on the same until the election. After that I’ll take care of you, whether we win or not” When the interview was noised abroad the doubtful employees at once lined np for Stuart. Bob made them the same promise. The campaign will be remembered as long as the Steel City stands. Bob was viciously cartooned and made the subject of rancorous editorial attacks. These attacks were met by loud blasts from the Bugle and countercharges from a band of spellbinders who. led by Paul Remington, stumped the city from end to end.

The Sixth stood by Bob loyally. All the tough wards gave enormous majorities for bls candidate, but, so far as the immediate contest was concerned, in vain. When the returns were counted Stuart was defeated by less than 2.0U0 majority. “The people are victorious!” screamed MacPherson’s newspaper. Bob had met his first repulse. When Bob heard the result he gave no sign of disappointment. The only change in his demeanor was a tightening of the lines about his mouth. “I expected it It came too soon,” be said calmly to Remington, and added. with a sudden snap of his teeth, “But it’s MacPherson’s last win!” Those about him now saw a change come over him as be plunged into a campaign to turn his defeat into victory. The change was marked chiefly by a brightening of the eyes and a genuinely mirthful ring in bis rare laugh. The heart of Mrs. Dunmeade was made glad as she saw him compelled by the exigencies of his position into direct antagonism to the interests that were almost openly arrayed against her busband. The city was now awakened from the lethargy in which it had lain for a generation. The continued exposures In the Bugle, which the opposition press tried in vain to counteract by charges that Bob himself had been an accomplice in the same misdeeds, and the knowledge gained during the recent campaign had aroused the citizens .o a realization of the fact that while fhey had slept they had been shamefully outraged. Bob had no mind to wait three years until the next mayoralty contest Moreover, he must take advantage of the popular awakening which, with the cynical unbelief shared by many others, he deemed to be only “ohemeral. The McAdoo organization was extended out into the boroughs and country districts of the county. In this work Remington, with his native diplomacy and winning manners, was an invaluable aid. The choice of a candidate for the district attorneyship was the most difficult part of the program. Bob at length found one suitable to his purpose in Martin, a brilliant and ambitious young lawyer. When Bob first broached the subject to him Martin demurred. “If I took it I’d want to make a record." he said. “There’s a certain line of prosecutions for political offenses that I'd like to push, and I don’t care to be used as a club to force MacPherson into a deal and then be pulled off from the prosecutions.” “That’s all right.” Bob explained, ’ll want you to make g record. ' Of course I shouldn’t want you to . hurt any of Our people, but so long as you stand by us you may go after MacPherson and his crowd as hard as you please. There'll be no deal in that quarter" |TVI don’t know what your game is,” answered. “But. by George. I like your style of fighting, and if you give me this opportunity I*ll be square with youT During that campaign the fame of Bob's struggle spread to the borders of . his state and out into the nation. Men, | absorbed though they were in the Issues of a national campaign, louna . time to turn their eyes toward the ■ Steel City and ask themselves the ques- ' tions: Who and what is this grim; lone- : ly | figure fighting for the mastery of his city single handed against an alliance whose tremendous power is beginning vaguely to be realized, and what does his success portend? The nomination won, Martin safely

elected and the county patronage so disposed as to rivet the weak points tn his machine, for so it must be called, Bob was in the position of a man who owns all the water around a coveted island, but not the island itself. The county government was his. but tne city administration, the goal of his effort. was still in MacPberson’s hands and would be at least until the next mayoralty election, more than two years distant Bob made tentative efforts to bribe Mayor Henry to a desertion of his boss, bqt Henry was loyal. Many a long hour Bob spent over the problem bow to gain control of the city and complete bls boss-ship. It was Remington who suggested the method. - Martin as soon as inducted into office began a successful series of prosecutions against election frauds and cor ruptlon in the city councils—Bob’s supporters were, according to agreement, immune—that kept tbe pot of public resentment boiling against MacPherson's ring. Bob then secured a conference with Dunmeade and Murchell and to them unfolded bls scheme. "I want." he said, “an act of the legislature changing the charters of all

"WOE TO THE CONQUERED!"

cities of the secona t"ass. giving the mayor the power of appointment of all department heads without interference from councils, with a provision empowering the governor to unseat the present mayors at once and appoint substitutes. And I want you to let me name the man for my city.” “That is a dangerous game, young man,” Murchell said. “You have the people with you now. A move like that is apt to drive them away.” “Give me the city administration and payroll and I'll risk it” Bob replied confidently. After a long discussion of details Murchell said: “Well, if we do that for you—what?' Dunmeade extended his hand protestingly. “No: we’ll do it Let there be no bargains for once.” At the next session of the legislature Bob’s bill passed. Dunmeade “ripped" Mayor Henry out of office and appointed Stuart in his place. That night Irishtown held high revel. How would Bob use his power? In a cartoon appearing in MacPherson’s newspaper the morning after Stuart’s appointment Bob was represented as a hideous giant; in his outstretched hand was.a cruel looking lash. Before him cowered a shackled figure representing “The People.” Beneath was the caption, “Woe to the conquered!”

CHAPTER IX. eavesdropping; light to the blind. BOSS M’ADOO threw down the papers he had been comparing and. leaning back, lighted a cigar. He puffed contentedly for a few minutes as he thought over the events of the past few days. It was an evening early in January. A blizzard had fallen upon the city. Outside the wind bellowed around corners and under eaves. From the library below came voices. They were talking about him. and he listened frankly. In this case he knew the eavesdropper would hear nothing unkind. “Today.” said Paul, “a man took me up into a high place and showed unto me all the kingdoms of the earth and offered to give them to me.” “And what were those realms?” Kathleen laughed idly. “And would the crown fit?” “The kingdoms were very cleverly suggested congressional, gubernatorial, senatorial possibilities, even cabinet portfolios, rich, juicy plums transferred from the public pie into my watering mouth. In short. . all those things that are most desirable to an ambitious but poverty stricken state senator.” “And for what?” “The consideration was that I should bow down and worship and serve the tempter. To make these hopors mine all 1 must do is to give over my independence. sell my soul into perpetual bondage and betray Bob into the hands of his enemies.” “Betray Bob—how?” “Oh. he'didn’t put it with such brutal frankness. I was merely to induce Bob to make an alliance with the men he is now fighting. The offer was an insult to my intelligence. They don’t want an alliance with him. Their ally must be their servant. Fancy Bob any one’s servant!” “And the temptation—did it tempt?” He hung his head. The man upstairs strained his ears to catch the answer.

“Yes," Paul said bitterly. "On, he was very crafty, was Sanger. He had evidently studied my case. Very slyly he hinted that my reward hasn't been in proportion to my services, that I’m fit for higher things than a mere state senatorship. And it's true.” He flung his head back sharply. “It’s true. The crown would fit. I know my worth, and I’m ambitious. At times when I see Bob outstripping me so rapidly my ambition literally hurts me.” ‘Then-why did you say no?* “Because.” he answered simply, “as long as I have his friendship 1 must be true to him, for I am the victim of my own plot. I set out to like him as a matter of policy, to climb in his trail. And now”— He hesitated. “And now?” T love him as my own brother.” Tbe man upstairs felt his heart give a quick, sharp throb. He bad schemed an existence in which love should never fetter mind or heart. At an acknowledgment of affection from one whom he bad called friend, hardly knowing the meaning of friendship, a strange, unaccustomed joy flooded his

heart, revesting the hold that friendship bad taken on him. A new purpose came to him. His power took on a new and higher value. With it be would royally endow this friend, defending Paul from the weakness of his own temperament, and make him great and honored in the land, “It has been a day of fate.” Paul said, “for today I saw her once more.” “Surely not the dream lady? I supposed you had forgotten her.” ’The same. I was tvalking along the street. There was a carriage blockade. I bad the feeling one has when another’s eyes are fastened on one. I looked into the carriage beside me. It was she. She turned away quickly, but not before I had looked full into her eyes for a moment She will know me when we meet as we shall soon No; I have not forgotten. I shall never forget her. I can’t I wouldn’t if I could." Bob muttered a savage oath. Then he broke into a mirthless, ironical chuckle. “Me. Bob McAdoo, the man of iron —save the mark—apostle of self sufficiency! Jealous of a woman—of a dream! Bound! Helpless!” Resolutely striving to put away disturbing thoughts, he closed the door and set himself to work. *

Later Paul went up to Bob’s library and began to discuss the coming mayoralty convention, set for three days thereafter. Under the ( provisions of the “ripper" bill the Steel City was to choose a new mayor in February. The Republican primaries had already been held, in the choice of delegates fiv,iu a majority of the precincts instructed *or Bob’s candidate, Hemenway. “Bob.” said PauL “vuikts up?” “What’s up?” “There’s something in the air. 1 cwn feel it I was at headquarters today, and every one who came in had caught the fever of restlessness. But no one could fathom it You and Haggin haven’t been visible for two days, and Hemenway is at home sick, no one allowed to visit him What’s up? My guess is an independent candidate, backed by the old MacPherson crowd.” “Worse.” Bob answered coolly. “Hemenway has sold us out. He is to withdraw the day of the convention —giving ill health as the excuse—and leave his delegates unpledged.” “My God!" Paul gasped, falling limply into a chair. “Why. man, it means —it means that they’ve bought over the delegates, too, and will push their man Rusling through. They wouldn’t let Hemenway withdraw without first making sure of the delegates.” “Precisely ”

Paul raised his hantjs and let them fall in a gesture of utter helplessness. “What shall we do?" he groaned. “What cau we do?” “Nothing!” “Nothing!” Paul cried in excited reproach. “Are you going to allow them to carry off the victory without a fight?" “I can say nothing.” Bob explained calmly, “because there's nothing more to do. It has all been done. They kept it mighty quiet—they had to—but I got wind of it night before last. They overreached themselves, as Mac generally does. They made the mistake of going to Haggin. He led them on. agreeing to everything they proposed, pocketing their money like the old grafter he is. and then came and told me. We got busy at once. We have the delegates back, and the other crowd are out a barrel of money.” Paul leaped to his-feet and seized Bob’s hand. “You old Roman!” he exclaimed in affectionate pride. “They can’t beat you, can they?” His face' lighted up. “But what will .you do for a candidate?’ “There’s only one thing to do.” Bob answered slowly. “We must have a man we can count on at every turn”— “Yes. yes.” Paul interrupted eagerly. “Who has good nerve”— “With the courage to withstand all their power.” “Who won’t worry over newspaper attacks”— “With a spirit too strong to be wounded by their malicious lies.” “And not too much conscience.” Bob concluded dryly. “There’s just one man in the city who fills the biiL And ne is”— He paused, searching Paure countenance keenly. “Yes, yes.” Paul’s face shone with anticipation. “Myself.” Bob turned his eyes away quickly that he inight not behold the disappointment which he knew was written on Paul's face. For several min utes they sat thus without speaking while the storm outside howled in fierce glee. '

T’m sorry, PauL" Bob broke the ■Hence gently for him. T thought of you the first thing, but I think it better not. It would hurt more than it could help you. The mayor of a big city always goes out- of office with more enemies than when he goes in. There is the crowd of disappointed job hunters who are convinced that they have been unfairly treated and hate him forever afterward. “I’m planning several things,” he continued quietly, “that will stir up a big howl. It won’t hurt me. I’m used to it. 1 have no personal bold on the people anyway. They yell for me now because they think what I’m doing in to their advantage and because I'm on top. But with you it is different. You’re strong with them all over the state, stronger than you know. You can’t afford to reduce that strength for a mere mayoralty. You go on building it up and your time will come for something better. You’ve been, square with me,” he added awkwardly, “when you might have bettered yourself by going over. And I won’t forget it" At this the nearest approach °to affectionate demonstration Bob had ever made the cloud vanished from Remington’s face Impulsively he held out his hand. “Forgive me. old man." he said with fine humility. “You make me heartily ashamed of myself. You. are the prince of friends, and I’m an ingrate. But I ask one favor.” “All right. What is itr “I must present your name to. the convention. It shall be the speech of my career. Gad. what a chance! You say you have no personal hold on the people.” He began to pace the floor, his eyes shining brightly. T will compel them to love you. They shall learn to know you in your true, heroic proportions. Not a man in that convention will dare vote against you.” “In the meantime I’ll keep an eye on the delegates. Come down to earth.’* (To be continued.)

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