The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-12-27
!; J. |. ,I |. ] ;. 5,
AND
STORM-CENTERS...

Ia.
district, was the first one called on. FIe
licked his lip and smiled as he grabbed
the lapels OF his coat and addressed the
committee: s,.5
"Gentlemen: So far as my dlstrlct Is
concerned, ~ am proud to give an ern-
phatic denial to the strange and alarming
srumors that have become current as TO
the condition Of the party. You may rely
upon the old Second District to roll up
her usual majority for the party. She has
never failed yet, and with the splendid
candidate and platform with which We
go before the people, l regard tho baltic
practically Won.'
A general smile passed round the long
table as snlvely sat down and the lawyer
from tho Third was called on to give
his testimony There were several large
manufacturing towns In his district and
only once in the history Of the State
had 1t gone Democrat tic. He was spoken
of as bright maj" and a good talker."
"Friends,' he said. as he slipped the
fingers OF his right hand In their ac-
customed place, between tho second and
third buttons of his Prince Albert coat,
~ have searched tho Third District from
Coon Greek to Scrub Oaks Hills, and from
Prairie Center to Cottonwood Corners,
looking for storm-center. There isn't
one in the district, unless It's In the Ice
houses on Clear Lake" This brought
n round Of laughter and the witty lawyer
continues: Down In our part or the
State, 1t has never been necessary TO
cry Wolf! Wolf! in order to get out
the vote We follow the even tenor Of our
way, and come up with solid front for
the party when tho polls open. This time
will be no exception, The substantial n1~1l
OF the marty, the leaders OF public opinion.
arc enthusiastic for the candidates and
tho principles with which we appeal to
the voters"
yours don't think then, that the free
silver heresny has made any lnroads into
the party ranks In your baillwlcki" meek
ly inquired Little Doc.
mo, emphntically, no." responded thu
lawyer with smiling dignity.
Then the national committeeman turned
to Snively and asked you don't feel that
tho people OF your district are sitting
UP nights to worry about the crime OF
1882"
II should say not" he answered. Ca
lnmity howlers nre scarce down our way,
We haven't gone stark crazy If III
III have" Interrupted the 1Attle Doc
well: gentleman, I'm going to make
few statements right here II you &c
home and any of you Lind things dllfer-
ent than what ] sny--then ybu can have
my resignation from both tho committees
on which am serving. Right In NICK
Snivelys district there are three Silver
Republican clubs ono has 300 members
another 2ls and another 100. Every mem
/ Der is pledged to vote for Bryan and free
+, silver, OF course, they're secret organlzn-
lions. but I'll give Mr.. snlveley u list Of
their meeting places and all tn" other
| vital statistics so that he can check ms
| up ard get my resignation"
Their the Little Doc turned to Lawyer
Pratt and said: "You don't seem to have
an eye for storm-centers. Just go over YOU
district with this list and you'll find sever
good sized oncs-and they're GROWING
steadily They're moro Silver Republican
clubs--ands II you don't bet buster tha T
boy killing snakes, they'll make your
election returns look lko the report troEI