The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-03-29
TRAMP IN LEEDY's OFFICE.
The Governor Gives a Quarter to a
Weary Willie.


John McCauly. a veritable DUSTY
Roads," worked Governor Leedy for the
price of a bed in very clever manner
one day last week It was kept quiet.
While the employees of the executive
Office were busily engaged in receiV-
ing visitors and doing their work, Nc
Cauly drifted in at the west door. He
was as ragged as a man could become
and escape the operation of the Vag-
rancy ordinance He had combed his
hair with astonishing accuracy and
pasted it down upon his forehead as
tight as possible.
With his accustomed pOlitenesS Elk
ecUtive Clerk Fleharty crossed the
room and inquired the object of the
visit.
I want to know if this is where
Governor Leedy stays" was the an
swer.
This is his Office
''Wel, " ant to see him.
The governor is engaged at pres
ent. But he viii see you. Sit down"
The visitor declined the invitation to
be seated and posted himself near the
entrance of the governors private Of
flee, where all visitors are received.
Shutting uneasily from enc foot to
the other, gazing about the room
and looking furtively towards the door,
convinced those around him that the
visitor was queer" if not insane. A
close watch was kept. but the man
quoted down and no further attention
was paid to him.
Presently the door opened and Nc
Cauly darted into the presence of the
governor with Fleharty and Major
Shreve in hot pursuit, visions of assas-
sination crossing their minds.
Governor Leedy was astonished. He
surveyed the visitor and looked in
wonder at his assistants seemingly in
curing who had left the door open
when the wind was blowing.
rs this the governor said the
tramp, thoroughly at ease. bowling low
and dOffinS his tattered hat.
Sometimes I occupy that position"
remarked the governor.
We'll, you are the man I'm looking
for" said McCauly, while Messrs. File
harty and Shreve prepared to sieze the
dynamite bomb which they fully ex-
pected to see drawn from the bullying
coat pocket. The bulge was OccaSiOned
by the lack of about four inches of coat
necessary to enable the owner to but
ton it with comfort.
All continued the visitor, gov
eTnor, 1 greet thee"
I am glad it is with a SMILE" rum
mated Mr.. Fleharty.
L have seen you before, governor
seen you before. In the campaign
have heard your anti-railroad oratory
mount to the high heavens defending
the plain people against the oppres-
sion of greedy corporations. 1 have
seen you as a candidate, and 1 now
take pleasure in doing you honor as
governor
This Disconnected the governor and
Major ShreVe was about to Go the
highland hing-that is, fling the visitor
into the hall.
Twas a great victory, governor
f'Well, my man, what do you Want?''
inquired the governor.
I simply came to call. love to
give honor where honor is due. feel
that I am honoring the greatest, noblest
man in Kansas. l salute you
Before the governor had recovered
from this last shock DUSTY Roads
continued:
'"The fact is, governor. need 25 cents
the price of a bed for tonight. am
unemployed, have not eaten for
days"
Never mind exclaimed the COVER
nor. heres a quarter"
"Ah. thank you. You are a true
CHRISTIAN
Come again in ten or twelve years.
remarked Mr.. Leedy, as the visitor was
ushered out.
As he was leaving, McCauly stopped
long enough to say to Mr.. Fleharty: I
made u bet with a fellow that l could
get into the governors Office and work
him for a quarter. 1 won"