Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-01-22

suddenly. Gordon was not prepared
for it. The tone was suddenly hard
brisk, busincsslikc.
"a good DEAL Mr. Mayor, IL you
will"
That's the usual statement, Mr..
Gordon. That's what they all say. OF
course you've come to get something.
They all do" The mayor spoke with II
tone of resignation that struck Gordon
as unusually impcrsonal.
Yes. sir; did come TO get some
thing, and have no apologies to offer
for it. because it is something that any
good citizen ought to get, and that is
Justice
"Bc specific. Justice is not delivered
here in wholesale lots"
as it delivered ut all?" Gordon burst
out. The mayor Coolly eyed him.
THAT depends. state your GRAND,
young man. Others are waiting"
DO You know Tommy Randall:"
The mayor raised his eyebrows.
Il know Il part of him. Nobody
knows all of Tommy
'IIc is one of the biggest rascals in
this city"
This is not news" The mayor looked
resigned.
Yes, Mr.. Mayor; it is news to this
administration. What is this man.
Tommy Randall? He is not an officer
Of the city. he is not authorized TO take
part in its affairs vet he Dictates
BE specific. Others are waiting.
State your errand, young man The
words came hard, incsivc, like the bit
ing of cold steel on steel. Gordon sud
denly pulled up. and in five seconds he
was rs cool and clear headed as the
impressive political figure sitting there
at his desk.
In swift. forceful manner that
characterized him when driven to il by
Il hostile listener he pictured RandallS
proposed violation of the huildiu" Ordi-
nance, the long, heartbreakinG fight
for childhood that Miss Andrews had
been making. the gift of the settlement
and Randal's coutcmptuous defiance OF
all humanity in his plan of restoring the
regular causes of the peoples misery.
He must have stated it wonderfully
well, for the mayor was really inter-
csted. Once he interrupted.
SAY that again about the window
space required in proportion 10 floor
area. DO you mean to tell me here are
5000 dark bedrooms in the Waterside
dstrict:'
Three thousand two hundred and
seventeen, sir. And children rot in
them like
"Go on" the mayor said in a low
tone.
When Gordon was through, the may
or was contemplatyely silent.
"Yuu'yc come 10 the wrong place.
Mr.. Gordon. can't do anything to
Tommy Randall. What you want to do
is To lay a complaint before The city
building department. The whole bust
ness is under their jurisdiction and
properly should come before them.
regret exceedingly to hear what You
say about the tencmeutS. | had no idea
muttors were so bad. OF course the
housing proolem is a veXed question in
all large ccntcrs of population, and all
rcforncrs. believe, are agreed that no
problem presents so many
DO YOU claim. Mr.. Mayor Gordon
Interrupted our his blood always boiled
up in him when II man, lied to him.
that YOU do not know about the tene.
mcnt house conditions in Watcrside
district: Has Miss Andrews told it SO
badly that you have forgotten it,
Tie mayors face was dark, He
raised his eyes to Gordon, but lowered
them again.
You have come To the wrong place
to prefer your complaint. Sir. Go to the
city building department, Is that all
your crral.l?'
1T is" replied Gordon. and he rose,
turned his back on his honor the mayor
and without another word walked out
of the office Gordon had such supreme
contempt for a deliberate liar that he
used to say it choked him to breathe
the same air with him in the same
room
At the noon meal he told the story of
his interview with the mayor
Miss Andrews looked at him quietly.
"The same old story. And now
"Now for the city building DEPART
mont."
IT'S the regular routine. After that
the state board OF health, then the state
foctorv and tenement houso ineucctors