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About Wallowa County chieftain. (Enterprise, Or.) 1909-1911 | View Entire Issue (June 10, 1909)
A GENTLEMAN FROM MISSISSIPPI By THOMAS A. WISE Novelized From the Play by Frederick R. Toombs COPYRICHT. 1900. BY THOMAS A. WISE CHAPTER VIL Ujtavon ixaw or thihos otpixab- HAINES quickly walked over and touched the southerner on Uie arm. "Well, my boy, what can I io tor you?" asked the new senator, turning, with a pleasajit amUe. jly name la Hainea. Senator Ste vens waa to speak to you about me. lm the first of the uewspaper corre gpondenta come to Interview you." Laugdon'a familiar amUe broadened. "Well, you dou't look na though ytfu'd bite. Beckon 1 can stand for it. is it very painful r "1 hope It won't be, senator," Balnea atid, feeling Instinctively that be was going to like this big, hearty citizen. "All right, Mr. Hainea, Just aa soon u I're said goodby to my old friend. Colonel Stoneman, I'll be with you." And to his continued amazement Balnea saw the aenator walk away with the old Union colonel, slap hlin en the back, cheer blm up and finally bid him goodby after extending a cor dial Invitation to come around to dia ler, meet bis daughters and talk over old times. The antiquated Federal soldier march ed away more erect, more brisk, than In years, completely restored to favor In the eyes of the hotel people. Lang don turned to the reporter. "All right. Mr. Haines; my bands are up. Do your worst. Senator Stevens spoke to me about yon; said you were the smartest young newspaper man in Washington. Ton must come from the south." Bud shook bis head. "No, Just New York." he said. "Well, that's a promising town," drawled the southerner, "They tell me that's the Vlcksburg of the north." "1 suppose you haven't been to New York of late, senator?" suggested the newspaper man. "Well, I started up there with Gen eral Lee once," responded Langdon remlnlscently, "but we changed our minds and came back. You may have beard about that trip." Haines admitted that be bad. "Since that time," went on Lang don, Tve confined my travels to New Orleans and Vlcksburg. Ever been In New Orleans about Mardl Gras time, Mr. Haines 7" "Sorry, but I don't believe I have," confessed the reporter reluctantly. The senator seemed surprised. "Well, sir, you have something to live for. I'll make It my special busi ness to personally conduct you through one Mardl Gras, with a special under standing, of course, that you don't print anything In the paper. I'm a vestryman in my church, but since misfortune has come upon our state 1 have to be careful." Haines searched his brain. He knew of no grave calamity that bad hap pened recently In Mississippi. "Misfortune?" he questioned. Senator Langdon nodded. "Yes, sir. the great old state of Mis sissippi went prohibition at the last election. I don't know how it hap pened. We haven't found anybody In the state that says he voted for It, but the fact la a fact I assure you. Mr. Haines, that prohibition stops at my front door, in Mississippi. So I've been living a quiet life down on my planta tion." "This new life will be a great change tor you, then?" suggested the reporter. "Changel It's revolutionary, sir! When you've expected to spend your old days peacefully in the country, Mr. Haines, suddenly to find that your tate has called on you" A flavor of sarcasm came Into Haines' reply. "The office seeking the man?" He tould not help the slight sneer. Was t man never to admit that be bad (ought the office? Haines knew only too well of the arduous work neces sary to secure nominations for high of fice in conventions and to win an elec tion to the senate from a state legis lature. In almost every case, he knew, the candidate must make a dozen dif ferent "deals" to secure votes, might promise the same office to two or three different leaders, force others Into line by threats, send a trusted agent to an other with a roll of bank bills the re cipient f which would immediately conclude that this candidate , was the only man In the state who could savo the nation from destruction. Had not Balnea seen men who bad sold tbeir unsuspecting delegates for cash to the highest bidder rise In the convention ball and In Impassioned, dramatic voice exclaim In praise of the buyer, '.'Gentlemen, it would be a crying shame, a crime against civilization. If the chosen representatives of our rand old state of did not go on 'cord In favor of such a man, such a true citizen, such an inspired patriot, as he whose name I ra about to men tion!" So the reporter may be forglv n for the ironical tinge In his hasty Interruption of the new senator's re marks. Langdon could not suppress a chuc kle at the doubting note In Haines' at titude. "I think the man would be pretty mall potatoes who wouldn't seek the office of United States senator. Mr. When I was a young man. air noIlHca in the south was a career for a gentle-1 man, and I still can't see how be conld b better engaged than In the service of his state or his country." "That'a right." agreed the reporter, further Impressed by the frank sinceri ty of the Mlsslsslpplan. "The only condition In my mind, Mr. Haines, is that the man shonld ask himself searchlngly whether or not he's competent to give the service. But I seem to be talking a good deal. Suppose we get to the interview. Ex pect your time is short We'd better begin." "I thought we were in the inter view?" smiled the correspondent "In it!" exclaimed Langdon. "Well, if this Is it It Isn't so bad. I see yon use a painless method. When I was down In Vlcksburg a reporter backed me up in a corner, slipped his band In his hip pocket and pulled out a list of questions just three feet four Inches long. "Ho wanted to know what 1 thought concerning the tariff on aluminium hy drates and how I stood about the open ing of the Tento Pu reservation of the Comanche Indians, and what were my Ideas about tbe differential rata of hauls from tbe Missouri river. "He was a wonder, that fellow! Kinder out of place on a Mississippi paper. I started to offer him a job, but be was so proud I was afraid be wouldn't Accept It However, it gives you my Idea of a reporter." "If you've been against that I pught to thank you for talking to me," laugh' ed Haines. "Then you dou't want to know any thing about that sort of stuff?" said Langdon, with a bugb sigh of relief. "No, senator," waa tbe amused re ply.' "I think generally if I know what sort of a man a man is I can tell a great deal about what he will think on various questions." Langdon started interestedly. "You mean, Mr. Haines, if yon know whether I'm honest or not you can fit "My hand are up. Uu your worst." me up with a set of views. Is that tbe Idea? Seems to me you're tbe sort of man I'm looking for." Tbe other smilingly shook his head. "I wouldn't dare fix up a United States senator with a set of views," he said. "I only mean that I think what a man Is Is important. I've been do ing Washington for a number of jears. I've hud nn exceptional opportunity to see how politics work. 1 dout be lieve In party politics. I don't believe In parties, but 1 do believe In men." Langdon nodded approvingly, then a twinkle shone In his eyes. "We don't believe In parties in Mis slsslppl," he drawled. "We've only onc-the Democratic party-and a few kickers." nnlues grinned broadly at this ae- scrlptlon of southern politics. "What was this you were saym about national polities?" continued the Mlsslsslpplan. "I'm a beginner, you know, and I'm always reauy 10 ienm. "This Is a new thlng-a reporter teaching a senator politics," laughed Haines. , . Senator Langdon Joined In the merri- ""1 reckon reporters could teach Unit ed States senators lots of things, Mr. Haines, if the senators had sense enough to go to school. Now 1 come op here on a platform the chief prln ii. r which is the naval base for the gulf. Now, how are we going to put that through? My state wants n. ..v.,vo nmhnhiv sure It will be a wonderful thing for tbe country and the south," suggested names urt nnnrap." "But why do you think most of the ,umon and senators will vote WUftlCO""-' The southerner took off his hat lean ed back and gazed across me iuuu, V, n ert f II 1 1 V. "Seems to me the benefit to the south and country would be sufficient reason. Mr Haines," be nnaiiy repi. The newspaper man's brain worked mi. finin over the entire con versation with Langdon and what . he bad seen of him. he was certain that the Mlsslsslpplan believed what J snld-tbat moreover, the belief was deeply rooted. His long newspaper bad educated Hl-. Sg way" oI n,Pn-,lie,r actions and mental processes - what naturally to expect iruia a given set or circumstances. He felt a growing regard, an affection, for this unassuming old man before him, who did not know and probably would be slow to understand the hypocrisy, tbe cunning trickery of lawmakers who unmake laws. "Sufficient reason for you, senator," nalnes added. "You have not been In politics very long, have you?" be queried dryly. A wry smile wrinkled the Mississip pi's face. "Been lu long enough to learn some unpleasant things I didn't know be fore." He remembered Martin San ders. "Will you allow me to tell you a few more?" asked Haines. Langdon inclined bis bead in ac quiescence. "Reckon I'd better know tbe worst and get through with It." "Well, then,' senator, somebody from Nebraska will vote for what you want in tbe way of the naval base because he'll think then you'll help blm de mand money to dredge some muddy creek that be bas an interest In. "Somebody In Pennsylvania will vote for it because be owes a grudge and wants to hurt tbe Philadelphia ship people. "You'll get the Democrats because It's for tbe south, but If your bill was for tbe west coast they might fight It tooth and nail, even with tbe Japanese fleet cruising dangerously near. "And the Republicans may vote for it because they see a chance to claim glory and perhaps break tpe solid south lu tbe next presidential cam paign. You catch the idea?" "What!" exclaimed tbe astounded Langdon. "Well, who in hades will vote for it because it's for the good of the United States?" be gasped. "I believe you will, senator," replied Haines, with ready confidence. CHAPTER VIII. HOW BENAT0B LANGDON GETS A SECRE TARY. L" ANGDON leaned over and seized the arm of bis interviewer. "See here, young man, why aren't you lu politics?" be said. "Too busy, senator," replied Haines. "Besides, I like the newspaper game. "Game?" queried Langdon. "Oh, I use the word in a general sense, senator," replied Haines. "Pret ty much everything Is a 'game' socie ty, politics, newspaper work, business of every sort. Men and women make 'moves' to meet tbe moves of other men and women. Why, even in rell glon, the way some people play a" The speaker was Interrupted by tbe appearance of Hope Georgia, who was searching for her father. "Stay here and listen to what a bard task your old father has got," said the Mlsslsslpplan to his daughter, whom be presented to Haines with a pictur esque flourish reminiscent of the pride and chivalry of the old south. "He bas the Idea that those New Yorkers who read his paper would actually like to know something about me." Hope Georgia stole many glances at tbe reporter as be talked with her ra ther. He made a deep Impression on her young mind. She had spent almost all ber life on tbe plantation, ber fa ther providing her with a private tu tor instead of sending her to boarding school, where her elder sister had been educated. Owing to tbe death of ber mother tbe planter bad desired to keep Hope Georgia nt home for companion' ship. This good looking, clean cut well built young man who was taking so big and so active a part of tbe world's work brought to her the at mosphere that her spirit craved. He gave one an Impression of ability, of earnestness, of sincerity, and she was glad that ber father approved of him. Hope Georgia, by tbe same token, did not escape the attention of the in terviewer. Her appealing charm of face and figure was accentuated by her daintiness and a fleeting sugges tion of naivete in poise end expression when 6he was amused. His first glance revealed to Haines that ber eyes were gray, the gray that people say indicates tbe possessor to have those priceless qualities tbe qualities that make the sweetest women true, that make tbe maiden's eyes in truth the windows of her soul, tbe qualities that make women womanly. She snt close to ber father, ber band In bis. listening intently to tbe unfold ing of a story of what to her was a mysterious worly -tbe man's world, the strong man's world which many a woman would give ber all to enter and play a part therein. "What else have you against a po litical career. Mr. Haines I" went on the senator, taking up their couver satlon. "Well, my age for one thing. I haven't any gray hairs." Langdon waved this objection aside. "I might arrange to pool ages with you. Sometimes I think we want young men lu politics, like you." The reporter shook his bead. "Old lu age and young In politics, like you. Senator Langdon," be replied. "Politics 1 sometimes think Is pure hypocrisy and sometimes something nrum A nr mem AmmtaA wttb Ai0 Professional Diectory of Wallowa County THOS. M. DILL ATTORNEY-AT-LAW A rt.i ... I Office first door south of New Fraternal Bldg, Enterprise, Or. A I HtttMttmm ; BURLEIGH BOYD .AnORNEiS-AT-LAW Practice lu all State Courts and ? Interior Department Caretul at- X teuiion to all business. 4, D. W. SHEAHAN LAWYER ENTERPRISE Practice in State and Federal Courts and Interior Department C. T. HOCKETT, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON I t Office upstairs in Bank Build- ui. inu. Home pnone in ornce jl and residence. $ trickery and dishonesty and corrup tion." Then," drawled Langdon, "the thing to do is to jump In and stop It! I read in tbe newspapers a great deal about corruption. Tbe gentlemen in national politics whom 1 have bud the honor of knowing Senator Moseley, an Intimate friend of thirty yenrs; my present colleague. Senator Stevens, and others have been as honest as tbe day Is long." . 'But the days do get short In No vember, when congress meets, don't they?" laughed Haines, rising. "I'm afraid I've taken too much of your time, and I seem to have talked a lot" Langdon was amused. "Does look like I'd been Interviewing you. I reckon each one or us bas got a pretty good notion of what tbe other man's like. I wanted it that way, and I like you. Mr. Haines. I've got a prop osition to make to you. They tell me I'll need a secretary. Now, I think I need just such a young mau as you. 1 don't know jUBt exactly what tbe work would be or what the finauclal ar rangements should be, but I think you and I would make a pretty good team. I wish you'd come." He turned to his daughter, with a smile. "What do you think of that Hope Georgia? Isn't your dad right?" Smiling ber approval, the young girl squeezed her father's band in ber en thusiasm. "I think it's a splendid Idea, dad: Just great! Won't you come, Mr. "Won't tou come, 3fr. HalnetT" Haines? We eh I I know my fa ther would like to have you." As be stood before bis two new found friends for such Haines now considered tbe Mlsslssipian and bis daughter he could not suppress feel ings of surprise tinged with uncertain ty. He bad, like other newspaper men, received offers of employment from politicians who desired to Increase their Influence with tbe press. Some times tbe salary offered bad been large, the work so light that tbe reporter could "earn" the money and yet retain bis newspaper position, a scantily dis guised species of bribery, which bad wrecked the careers of several promis ing young reporters well known to Haines, young men who bad been tbus led into "selling their columns" by un scrupulous machine dictators. Haines knew that tbe Mlsslsslpplan had no ulterior purpose to serve In bis offer, yet be must have time to think over the proposal "I thank you, senator," be finally said. "I appreciate the opportunity, coming from you, but I've never thought of giving up the newspaper profession. It's a fascinating career. one that I am too fond of tv leave." Langdon started to reply, when a de lightfully modulated southern voice in terrupted "Father, I've been out with Mrs. Spangler to look for some other rooms. 1 don't like this hotel, and I found some that I do like." Haines turned to see a handsomely gowned young woman who bud tbe stamp of a patrician's daughter In ber beating and ber countenance a bru nette, with delicate features, though determination shone In her eyes and appeared In the self contained poise of her head. She was the imperious type of beauty and suggested to Haines tbe I instinctively conceived ber to be in- I tensely. ambitious, and of this Halues 1 HEARTENING RUMORS OF SNAKE RIVER ROAD A Lewlston report says a railroad ! construction camp Is being put in near PiUabiir th.t lk. n b V n j plU8Dur. tat the O. R. & N. .company has announced a nervlm to be tnamrurated on th ,mr hy jthe steamers now lying In dock at ; Riparla and It U believed the con- 'structlon of the Huntlngtou-Lewlston line from the Lewlston terminal Is near at hand. The above report is probably prema ture but something of this nature Is expected soon. It is practically cer tain the section of road from Home- 'stead to Pittsburg will be under con tract mis summer. Chamberlain's Cough Remedy th feat on the Market "I have used Chamberlain's Cough Remedy and fiud It to be the best on the market," says E. W. Tardy, editor of The Sentinel, Galnsboro. Tenn. "Our baby had several colds the past winter and Chamberlain's Cough Remedy always gave It relief at once and cure I It In a short time. I always recommend It when oppor tunity presents itself." For sale by Burnaugh & Mayfield. Read the advertisements. Was Soon to nave uut'ipvi-teu tiwrute. Gazing at ber with a sense of a grow ing admiration, Haines gave an invol untary start as Senator Langdon spoke: "My daughter, Miss Carolina Lang don, Mr. Haines," said tbe senator. Carolina was Interested. "Are you tbe newspaper man who Is Interviewing father? I hope you'll do a nice one. We want blm to be a successful and popular senator. We'd like to help blm If we could." The correspondent bowed. "I should say you certainly would help blm to be a popular senator," he declared emphatically, falling to notice that Hope Georgia was somewhat an noyed nt the enthusiasm displayed over ber elder sister. In fact, Hope Georgia was suffering a partial if not total eclipse. "I'm leaving It to Mr. nalnes to put down the things I ought to say," broke In the senator. "He knows." "Yes, be knows everything about Washington. Carolina," exclaimed Hope Georjila spiritedly . Tlio older girl spoke eagerly. "I wish you'd Interview nio. Mr, Ilaiurs. Ask me how I like Washing ton. I feel as thoiiKb I uitixt tell some one just bow much I do like ltl It Is too wonderful!" "I'd like nilflity well to interview you, Miss Laiigduu," enthusiastically exclaimed Ilalnes. "1 hope you will some time, Mr. Haines," remarked Carolina as she said goodby. Watching her as she turned away. Ilalnes saw ber extend a warm givet- " hope you'll do a nice one." lug to Congressman Charles Norton, j who bad ad vu need toward tbe group. t "Strange how the Langduiis treat ' htm as a friend Intimate one, too," be ( inougut. "wnat u tney snoum leurn of Norton's questionable operations at tbe cupltol; of bis connection with two unsavory 'deals,' cue of which result ed in an amendment of the pure food law so that manufacturers of a value less 'consumption cure' could continue to mislead the victims of tbe 'white plague;' Norton, who uad uttered an epigram now celebrated lu tbe tap rooms of Washington, The paths of glory leud but to tbe graft.' " "Miss Langdon is very beautiful and attractive, sir," said Ilalnes, resuming wltb the senator. 'Yes," drawled the Mlsslsslpplan. "Girls In tbe south generally are." 'Well, I must be going. I'll think about your secretaryship. Senator Langdon. Perhaps I can fiud some one." "Wish you'd think about It for your self," observed tbe senator, while llopu Georgia again uodded approval. "It would be a bard job. There are so many mutters of political detail about which 1 am sadly Inexperienced that really most of the work would fall on ihe secretary." Bud Ilalnes paused. Ajruin be thought over Langilou's offer, its genuineness appealed to blui. Suddenly there dawn ed on blm uu iJea of Just what it might mean to be associated with this honest old citizen who bad usked for bis help who needed It, as ilalnes .- i i MILLIONS OF AT LOWEST RATES. ON EASIEST TERMS. Wm. Miller & Brother, SUITE 204, Wallowa National BanH Building, Enterprise, Oregon. I 4 W. C. KETCHUM DCNIIST - ENTERPRISE -f.Ke lierland Building, Independent l'hone. Home J CONAWAY CORKIN3. A. B. Conaway. O. M. Corklns.? $ LAWYERS Enterprise, Oregon. i E. T, ANDERSON. M. D. I riiYSICIAN AND SIRGEON f Calls attended to day or'nlKht. uoiuo pnone. Kiueiuri.se, Ore. A, DR. C. A, AULT 1 FliYSICUN AND SIRGEON I Office in Hank Building. Home phone both office and! resilience. V senator's guide n"d ronlUr.nt hl ad viser In big unit tern. Why. ho wou'.d practically be lulled Staic. remittor himself. lie knew the "lm Ule" na few others In Washington. Here was a chance to r;ntch bis wit nrtli't t'i:it of PealKx".-. ttie boss of the somite; n chance to spoil t;oup of the i!lslin::int schemes of th- :ie who were rilrc.ltly "playing the panie." lie could l Vr, too, the intriguing incuilict' of tlm "third boiiK," us the lohl ) l.its tao called, lie couM direct a H ..htnltig bolt luto the camp of A inly ('orvUnn, who claimed the honor of Iwlnjr "speaker of the third bouse." These thoughts crowded Into bis mlml. Then, too, be would become practically a member of the LunRilon fiunl'y and have association with tlio two charm ing daughters with Carolina Lang don. "It would be a great chance," he murmured half nloud; "next thing to being a senator." Tlio old MlHslsslppluu heard tlio young man's words. "I reckon it would," he drawled in agreement "You feel sure you want me?" ur.-cd I tbe other. Langdon chuckled. I "I atiked you," lie said. ! Ilalnes came abruptly to docl.dnn. "I've thought It over, seur.tor, an J it 'It will be a great chnnrein every way. I'll accept." seems to me It will be a great cbunce In every way. I'll accept We'll fix it up tomorrow, uml I'll try to make you a good secretary." Langdon held forth bis bund. "And I'll try to mako you a good sunn tor, my boy. Fix up nothing to morrow. Your duties begin tonight. You tire to come to dinner with tpe and nv daughters." Cite I- (Continued next week.) A Thrilling Rescue. How Bert U. l.em, of Cheny, Wash wan saved from a frightful death Is a story to thrill tha world. "A hard cold,'' he wi'liei, ''brought on a des perate 1 m tra.i' la that bafflod an xpert doUor htra. Then I paid $10 to f15 a visit to a lung spoclallst In Spokane, who did not help me. Then ( went t- Califo.nla, but without benefit. At last I uaod Dr. Kings Now Discovery, which completely cured me and mw I am as well as ever." For Lung Trouble, Bronchi lis, Coughs and Co'd.i, Asthma, Croup and Whoiplng Cough lu suprome. 50 cents and $1.00, Trlul bottle free. Guaranteed by Burnaugh & Mayfield. t