The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-07-05

don would read a new story apprOpri-
ate to the occasion. Another was the
fact that the Rev. David NJ Beach, pas
tor OF the First Congregational church
of Denver, was to make a talk on the
ideas advanced in Mr.. SheIdon's story.
Mr.. Beach took Myron Reeds place
as pastor of the Denver Congregational
church when the latter died. He is a
very forcible speaker and has interest
ed himself in many important civic re-
forms, both in Massachusetts, and Den
ver. A year ago he wrote a very en-
tertaining story for the Rams Horn
about a typical Sunday at the Central
Congregational church.
Mr.. Sheldon's story last night was
quite lengthy It required about 45
minutes for reading. It was a strong
piece Of writing When Mr.. Sheldon
finished, the audience applauded en-
Enthusiastically by clapping of hands. It
was rather an unusual demonstration
for prayer meeting, but it expressed
the feelings of the audience.
Mr.. Beach, in his remarks after the
reading, said that he considered the
story one of the most powerful and at
tractive presentations of the question
he had ever heard.
The order of exercises at the meeting
last night was, first, a reception to Dr.
Beach, from z till O'clock: next, the
prayer meeting proper, which consisted
of singing, prayers for municipal i'm
AEOfC4DGnL Dy members OF the COnRTeEa-
ton, a short talk on patriotism by Mr..
Sheldon, the reading OF the story, and
DR.. Beach's remarks.
The story was one involving the ques-
ton of the relations of a newspaper to
municipal politics Mr.. Sheldon had
evidently caught the atmosphere of his
story from the local political situation.
George Bruce was the editor of the
political organ of the municipal ma
chine. The machine was backing one
HenseH for mayor not because of Hen
sells moral qualities. but because he
was the party nominee Mrs Bruce be-
came much interested in the campaign
and tried to dissuade her husband from
coming out editorially in support Of
Hensen. whose election meant the dom
ination Of the saloon politicians
Bruce was much affected by his wife's
earneStness, but was obliged to bow
to the machine, and support Hensell,
who was elected in spite of the opposi-
ton which the women of the town man
ifested.
Mrs. Bruce came to the conclusion
that she could not love a man who
would sacrifice his principles as her hus-
band had done in supporting Henseu.
In great measure she transferred her
affections to her eldest son. who had
just returned from college.
The son, Will Bruce, went to work on
his fathers paper He was a hail-felloW
well met, and because Hensells election
resulted in the opening of all the sa-
looms in town. he became addicted to
the use of liquor. and within a few
months went to the dogs and was shot
In a disreputable resort. His father and
mother came to the place. and Will
died there in his mothers arms.
The story ended with vivid picture
of the wreck wrought by the election of
Hensen The editor became enfeebIed,
both mentally and physically; he had
lost the affection of his wife, and every
thing was left by the author IN a. sad
plight, except the victorious political
machine, which went serenely on its
way, crushing out the existence Of those
who got under its WhseIs.