Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1901-03-16
THE WOMAN'S VOTE !
How Rupert Ashley Won
a Girl and the Election
at the Same Time.


Its no good, Miss Thorold," said Ru.
pert Ashley dcspairingly. "Thc fight lies
between Strong and tombstone, and
haven't an earthly chance of n look in"
a battle is never lost till the last shot
has been fired, Mr. Ashley" said Doris
Thoroid gently as she gazcd with just a
suspicion of kindness in her eyes at the
very smart and youthful candidate whom
the Conservatives had seen fit to send
down to contest the triangular battle at
Blackton-lc-M Moor.
THAT crowd of Gcordics who occupy
Walkers Rents and the lot at No Man
Land, the other end of the town, will
turn the balance against me. | am
afraid, Miss ThoroId," he continued,
that I'm bit too much of a boy for
this job When l go about canvassng,
the women ask the men whether Eve
called for the vote for my father, and
they won't believe me when | tell them
that am the candidate. And I've had to
lick two pit lads already. They objected
in a practical manner to boy of my
age wearing a black coat"
Il am afraid our people are little
bit rough" said Miss ThoroId doubtfully.
'Anyhow, Miss Thorold," continued
Rupert, lifting his eyes from the ground
and blushing bccomingy. whether |
get in or not, | shall always thank the
Conservatives for sending me down to
Blackton-le-Moor to gain two such
friends as your father and yourself"
I'VE are very glad. too, Mr.. Ashley"
Doris Thorold replied hurricdly, "and-
and how did YOU get that bruisc on your
face?" she added. evidently DESTROYS of
changing the trend of the conversation.
ooh. that's nothing" he replied light
ly. "Some one heavcd q stone through
the carriage window last night as | was
driving home. Political feeling runs a
little bit higher up here than it does i'll
the home counties. you know"
but why should they try to hurt
your asked Doris, her gray eyes open
ing wide in wonder.
II am not very much liked in this part
of the world. My father was Il very bad
man, and | remember that as a boy |
received a thrashing for giving assistance
to the wife of one of the strikers"
'Rut ! am sure you're not hard or ur-
kind. Why should they try to hurt your
""The sins of the fathers you know"
quoted Rupert as he shook hands. Good
by, Miss Thorold Won't you wish me
luck for tomorrow"
Il do indeed, Mr.. Ashlcyw replied
Doris.
"Thcn, with luck, | shall come in just
about 1C0 votes behind Ben tombstone
and about $50 behind John Strong Good
by"
With a fine sweep of his tall hat he
bowed and left Doris with the idea that
her hand had been held in his about two
seconds longer than was absolutely nee
essary to formal leave taking. AS she
made her way hOmeward toward the
rectory the rattle of cloggcd feet fol
lowed close behind her. With a woman'S
quick ear she caught the voices of the
two mill girls who followed in her steps.
''Tha-at's the PARSONS gel"' explain
ed one voice. "A rare good lass she is
too! When t ovid mother was sick wi
the scarlet fever in the time O the ippy-
demmic, she COON to ours, an she riddcd
'oop the room an coddlcd the old 'ooman
oop wi beef teas an jellies till she was
brave an well ag'in"
"Happrn she's soft on that young
chap Ashley. She was talkin wi him."
specialized the first speakers companion.
leymint, they do say"
He won't be no member o. parley-
mint" said the first speaker. 1.-THE .Jol-
ly Miners Benefit club are all goin to
slash oop his mcctin tonight, an daddy
says they're all goin to vote ag'in him to-
morrow, an there's three hoondred on
'em'
Dyer think they'll hurt him." asked
har
gradely la-ad."
side street, and Doris hurried on, trem-
bling.
Grim tales Doris had heard of the
brutalities of past elections fitted
through her brain.
She was still trembling when she was
brought to Il standstill by shrill fcmi-
nine call from the door of a small, grimy
cottage.
Ere, Miss Doris, / wants yerr'
There was no installing the cOckncy
accent of Mrs. Acroyd, the stalwart
mistress of the cottage.
She was lady of southern birth and
regarded by most of the inhabitants of
Backton-le-M Moor as a ''furriner." New
ertheless her social influence in the town
was immense, for was she not the spouse
and considerably the ''bettcr half of
Bully Acroyd, the champion heavyweight
of the whole district and n footballcr
coveted by all the surrounding counties
Come in, an let me dust chair for
yer. Miss Doris" said Mrs. Acroyd.
"My Bill, e amt come home from work
yet or ed be that proud to see yer as yer
wouldn't believe"
Doris took the proffered seat.
"Well, Mrs. Acroyd, what can / do for
Vou?" she asked.
"lt's not about me that l wanted to
see yer. Miss Doris. It's about yer
self" replied Mrs. Acroyd as she folded
a massive pair of arms with an air of
decision.
"Have I offended any OF the mothers
in the sewing circle?" asked Doris, look
ing little disturbed.
, mo, no, my lamb" replied Mrs.
Acroyd rcassuringIy. "Just as II yer
would offend them! just want straight
answer to a straight question" Here the
speaker paused doubtfully.
"Now, Miss Doris. there's no offense
intended. but amt yer bit gone on that
ladi-da young toff from Lunnon - yer
know. the conservative jointF
1.-THE conservative joint?" gasped
Doris