The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-10-15
BY 90.
WILL N.
HARDEN
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y,
work buyin' all the timber land he
could lay his hands on. Then, when he
had more'n he could tote an was about
to go under, he give this gentleman a.
option on it. Well, so fur so good; but,
gentlemen, what have we got to do
with this trade? Nothin' as kin see.
But we are expected to yell an boiler
an deed 'em a free right of way
through our property SO they kin ship
the timber straight through to the
north an turn it into cold Yankee coin.
We don't count in this shuttle, gentle
men. We git our pay fer our land in
bein' glad an heerin' car bells an
steam whistles in the middle O. the
night when we want to sleep. The en-
gynes will kill our hogs, cattle an
hosses an now an then break the
heck O some chap that wasn't hit in
the war, but we mustn't forget to be
glad an bend the knee O. gratitude. Of
course we all know the law kin compel
us to give the right of way, but it pro-
vldes fer just and sufficient payment
fer the property used; an, gentlemen,
I'm agin donations. I'm agin 'em tooth
en- toe nail"
There was thunderous and ominous
applause when Bartell sat down. Will
son sat flushed and embarrassed,
tWlrling his gloves in his hands. He
had expected anything but this per-
sonal fusillade. He stared at Miller in
surprise over that gentleman's easy,
half amused smile as he stood up.
"Gentlemen," he began, land ladies'"
he added, with bow to the right and
left. CAS- many of you know, I pre-
tend to practice law little, and I want
to say now that I'm glad Mr.. Bartell
amt in the profession. A lawyer with
his keen wit and eloquence could con-
Wet an innocent mother before a Jury
of her own children. [Laughter.] And
that's the point, gentlemen. We are
innocent Of the charges against us. I
am speaking now of my clients, the
Bishops. They are deeply interested
in the development of this section. The
elder Bishop does hold his head high,
and in this case he has held it high
enough to smell coming prosperity in
the air. He believed it would come.
and that is why he bought timber lands
extensively. AS for the accused gen.
tlenan from the Hub of the universe,
1 must say that have known him for
several years and have never heard
word against his character. He is not
farmer, but business man, and it
would be unfair to judge him by any
other standard. He is not only a bust
ness man, but a big one He handles
big things. This railroad is going to
be big thing for you and your chill
dren. Yes Wilson is all right. He
didn't fight in the late unpleasantness.
He tells the women he was too young.
Wilson is here to build a railroad for
your good and prosperity, and he can't
build one where there is nothing to
haul out. If he buys up timber for his
company, it is the only way to get
them to back him in the enterprise
Now, gentlemen of the opposition, if
there are any here today, don't let the
thought of Wilson's possible profit rob
you of this golden opportunity. 1 live
at barley, but, as many of you know,
this is my fathers native county, and
l want to see it bloom in progress and
blossom like the rose of prosperity L
want to see the vast mineral wealth
buried in these mountains dug out for
the benefit of mankind wherever Gods
sunlight falls"
Miller sat down amid much applause,
faint part of which came even from
the ranks of Bartelrs faction. After
this pause ensued in which no one
seemed willing to speak. Colonel Bar
clay rose and came to Miller.
"That was good TALK he Wits.
pered. "You understand how to touch