Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-30

served with sundry other dishes which
made up a frugal, but wholesome and
appetizing meal, says the New York
Herald. In other words, an act OF
kindeess he performed to certain in
dividual resulted in his being invited
to unique dinner, which he himself
declares that he will ever treasure up
as one of the happiest occasions in his
life.
And who do you suppose that indi-
vidual was? Who do you suppose was
the giver of this notable feast?
No less person that Master Thomas
Martin, a 7-year-old newsboy. And
here is the story. Two years ago, or
when Tommy was a 5-year-old toddler,
he began the work Of selling news
papers, In order to help support his
mother, who is widow.
Tommy lives in the city Of Topeka,
which, as you know, is the capital OF
Kansas. When the legislature was in
session there the members were al
ways eager to get the evening papers
as soon as they came out. So all the
newsboys congregated around the
newspaper offices to get copies as soon
as they were ready. The moment they
were supplied there was breakaway
and a race for the state house. Now
all the newsboys were older and bigger
and had longer stronger legs than lit
tie Thomas. So he always came in
breathless at the end of the line, to
find that nearly all the senators and
congressman had been supplied.
| 1t happened one rainy afternoon that
Mr.. Leedy, who was then not governor,
but a senator, was walking toward the
state house, when he saw the gather
ing of boys, the sudden break and the
unequal race in which Tommy came
out a bad last. He followed and over
took the child, just as he had reached
the state house. Thomas was out of
breath and the other boys were out of
sight.
Where did the other boys go?'
asked the senator.
"They beat me-" said Thomas, with
smile, for though beaten he could
keep up stout heart. Don't you
want to buy a paper?"
yves, but what made you let the
boys run away from your
'"Well, l guess my legs weren't long
enough" piped Thomas. still smiling.
'"All right" replied the senator,
NOW If you won't make any noice I'll
take you up in the senate chamber and
we'll see if we can't sell the rest of
your papers. That will make your legs
as long as the big boys legs. They
can't get in there"
THANK you, SIR"
isn't this a pretty bad day for you
to be out?'
"Oh, a business man can't stop for
weather" cried Tiny Tim boldly.
Thomas readily disposed of his
papers when he was ushered into the
senate chamber. Then he came round
to where Senator Leedy sat and thank
ed him again for his kindness.
"Now, see here" said the senator, "if
you will be as quiet as you were today
and move about with as little noise l
will see if can't get you in here every
day."
In fact, Mr.. Leedy made 1t his bust
ness to 60 around among his fellow
senators and ask their consent to the
new arrangement. He explained that,
Eas a rule, he would object to the ad-
mission oof newsboys into the senate
chamber. But as the other boys were
all 80 much bigger than Thomas and
all possessed legs of superior length
the best way to stretch Thomas legs
to the right size was to let him in every
day II he promised to go quietly about
his business OF selling papers.
Ho found no difficulty in winning
over all the senator So heleft a pass
for Thomas with the doorkeeper and
every afternoon the little lad appeared,
fresh and rosy and found no difficulty
In disposing of his entire stock of
newspapers. Meanwhile the older
lads had to confine themselves, as
formerly, to the halls and Hobbies of the
state house.
Last summer Senator Leedy was
nominated for governor and in the fall
he was elected. He took his seat on
Jan. l.
Both on the occasion OF his nominal
ton and election one Of the first let
ters of congratulation to reach him
was from little Tommy.
When, on the Goth of last December,
Mr.. Leedy came down to Topeka to
make arrangements for his Inaugural
ton, he was naturally the most sought
after man in the city. The outer room
Of his temporary Office was crowded
with people who wanted to see the gov
ernor "just for minute" Some OF
them were, seeking Offices for them
selves. others were seeking them for
their friends.
A light rap on the door sounded
above the confused din.
Come in said the governors see
retary. And in walked Master Thorn
as Martin.
us Gov. Leedy in?" he asked.
YES" replied the secretary, who
recognized the lad at once Take a
seat and wait few minutes"