The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-02-05
Stories of an inland State.

In politics many men taste defeat and one
man, if he is persistent enough, may drink
the bitter cup many times. Public opinion
twirls the weather-vane. Its gods are un-
stable and go topping at every fitful gust
The first defeat is a sorrowful thing. II
brings pangs and discouragement and in
many cases disaster. Those vino survive II
meet defeat second time as an old enemy
and fly at il with a chivalrous obstinacy.
When politicians are defeated the second
time they gioat over the responsibility
which will accrue to the victor and the
blame which Will sooner or later bring him
low and humiliate him. But a third de-
feat docs not have callosity for a shield.
The third defeat means that a politician
can not win, that his condemnation is COM
piete, his sentence TO private life unlimited
and that he will never run again. Politi-
clans then become what is called sore
Tney turn, Ike dogs which have been
abused beyond patience, and bite. They
turn against old friends and treat them as
enemies. They pour out bitterness impair
TALLY, If anything discriminating in favor
Of the men who have fought them.
Few young men taste the third degree
or defeat. To many old men who are late
being a finality to their political careers,
brings the Soreness which is such a COM
mon thing in politics
John Criggle was beaten for the United
States senate He was "sore" His politi-
cal career was completed and sealed and
delivered. Despite the Boss admonitions.
Criggle had thrown his head high in the
air, and those he did not snub he insulted.
The men who had supported him ne pass
ed without noticing. The men who had
voted against him, he condemned to their
faces.
He had occasion to do this on the after
noon after the senatorial election.
His friend Baritz came to him and shook
his hand.
"Wen. old man." said Baritz, I'm sorry
for YOU
Sorry doesn't count" said Crisgle gloom
lily.
II suppose you feel pretty bad. old man.
don't you?"
Did you expect me to be happy?"
you're pretty gruff. Criggle. is seems
to me-
''Who wouldn't be-"
you'll feel better in the morning
Criggle wished the man would go away.
He hated to see him, much less to talk to
him.
I'VE made gallant fight. anyway. didn't
we?" Baritz insisted.
Criggie did not answer. Baritz Redeemed
and went away indignant.
Wayne. the Boss, was soon apprised Of
his candidates actions. Such conduct would
reflect on him and he decided to get Crig-
gle out Of the crowd and did.
In Wayne's room Criggle sat down in q
chair collapsed.
Come, cheer up said Wayne.
Don't Wayne" said Criggie. For Gods
sake let me alone and don't blow me up
with hollow cheerfulness.''
''Criggler' cried the Boss sharply.
Criggle looked up.
You are a damned fool" said the Boss
simply.
Criggle turned to Miss Boiling, the steno-
He said rather brusquely. Take
a dictation to my wife"
Her pencil and tab were ready.
''You needn't direct IT," said Criggle
hoarsely. II am beaten. The state has
gone to the dogs. 1t is under the heel of
the corporations and in the hands of thieves
will be home tomorrow and take my place
l. VI.
children. The papers will tell you of my
defeat before this reaches you. This is TO
confirm it. send you my love. Your hus-
band. Leave blank for my name
Wayne overheard the letter What was
be to do with this man? He must get him
out of town Yes And he must get him
out of the Office. Woods. the successful
ispirant, would in all probability call on |
a ha CriO
insult him in his present state |
If mind lit would get into the papers and Of |
END Woods as much at Wayne himself a. |
It Criggle. This Wayne could not permit. |
lie must become Woods friend.
He paced the floor uneasily. He couldn't |
rider Criggle out of the room He had lust |
,rought him there.
Just then the door opened. Was there a |
sympathy between the stenogra-
,her and the Boss?
Woods, the successful candidate walked |
Quick as fash Miss Boiling called to
-rigsle:
''Mr. Crisgle. a minute, please"
Criggle went over to the desk, his back
o the door.
Did you say here the state was under
he heel of thieves?"
did I say what?''
did you say the state Is under the heels
4 thieves?'''
Il said nothing Of the kind How does
he connection go?''
Woods was all aglow with victory i've
MY minute, Wayne" he said. But 7
want to shake hands. Well be good friends.
anything can do for you 1 will"
Il said" declared Criggle to the steno-
.rapher. Under the heel or the corpora.
IONS"
But. I am sure. Mr.. Criggle. you said
hieves."
''No, no. no. did not say that Now read
again"
The stenographer read from her notes
The state is under the heel of thieves"
"Put it corporations" snapped Criggie
And here Mr.. Crigsle. Did you say I'll
e home day after tomorrow. Here, Right
erep'
What's the matter with you anyhow"
sked Criggle. II said tomorrow"
Il am quite sure. Me- Criggle. you said
ay after tomorrow
Say" said Criggle. Where did you learn
! said tomorrow"
OH
where's Criggle?" asked Woods.
"Over there" said Wayne. "As mad az q
ornet. He don't know you're here"
Poor fellow" said Woods Hell get |
yer it. Now Wayne. count me your friend.
must be of. Goodbye, old man. feel
roud over beating you. III see Criggle
'hen he cools of"
But 1 am quite sure Mr.. Criggle, you
aid Don't tell the children" Miss Boil
lg. the stenographer, was insisting when
riggle turned around and saw a man DIS