The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1874-07-04
VOLUME s.
Electionereing in Back Room.

(. 1he parties who were engaged IN the
following conversation are both candi
dates for the next Legislature, and each
confident that he will win. Fer the
sake of convenience we shall call one
Quartz and the other Crusher. The
place in which The interview took place
is smallten by twelve room.
Quartz--"I have been watching for
chance to have a chat with you for some
time, Mr.. Crushcr, but the Argus
eyes of these devils around here have
been fixed SO closely upon me that |
found it next to impossible to do SO
without being caught. You see these
follows about this place, langers-on,
knowing that l am strong man, and
feared by the lesser consultations which
adorn the political sky, would give
anything for the least information from
me in regard to my propo cd plan Of
campaign. They want 1t and would
make money out oft by imparting the
same. to my small fry-opponents. You
understand. Now to business l sup
pose, Mr.. Crusher, you are aware of the
fact that I am candidate for the
Legislature p
C,ushcr-"Yes and so am L. Certain
men have had office long enough, and I
intend to give some Of them Ii IL if
they dare to offer themselves"
Qudrta-(SomcwEat cxcited), "Wcll,
that's just 1.-THE very thing | wanted
to find OUT. There are five members to
8be elected to the House, and if you an
a can agree upon some plan aud work
together, we will be Two oi thcm'i
Crushc'- (ln abusincss like manncr).
That will do very well to talk here, but
how do you know that youand will be
successful provided we coalcscc? Have
you canvnsscd the chances?
Qua,t.--"NI ontlls ago. and tell you
again there is no doubt about tiie
matter"
Crusher-(Still unwilling to jump at
conclusions,) "Ilow are Bochimo, Van
Dykes, Alphonso and Cuthbert? d..
you think you can count on the II"
Quartz-"Oh yes they will do an;
thirg in the word for me- Why they
have proffcred to spend money in my
favor"
CrHsAr-"You sayyou arc sure Of tue
support of Van Dydcs and Cu,hbcrt."
Quart=-"Thcy may not support me
as strongly as the other two; but hey.
will help what little they can They
havin't got much in hucnce you know
any way"
Crush''--'Wcll, Quartz, you must
have been successful in getting these
fellows in lively mood before they
made you all these promises They are
usually very cautious and reserved"
Qnartz--"Nevcr SO with me. NJ,
relations with them have been very init
mate. l know all their secrets, aud
can command them if 1 want to-
C,mhe,-"l begin to.unders,and you
now. They've done something the,
would not like for the public to know
and will help you along to keep your
mouth shut. Is that it Z"
Quart:--"Ycs. Now come and let Us
agree upon some plan. by coalesciug
wo will unite orr forces, and thus com
bincd, we could weed out the small fr,
of half dozen Counties like this.
Crushc,--"l'll think the matter over
and let you know tomorrow.
Qnaytz--Wcll, if you do that rcmcm
ibcr that n,un, is the word.
Here those two politicians SC paratcd,
'Crshcr said 10 himself, as he was going
home, "Now he is pretty fool to think
hc can play his gum game off on me
ulc wants my influence. lie shant.
'havc it. All the men ho mentioned
'b,long to my clique, and control them
/ intend to tell them too Low he l:nts
sat their secrets. He's got no Influence
and wants other men to carry him. l
won't do it.
Quartz was left by himself and soil
loquized thusly-'NYoll, I've gained
'one point by talking with that fool
4 Z. q