Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-02-11

slightly built, rather aristocratic look
ing man. carefully dressed. Gordon
had seen him on public occasions, but
had never before met him personally.
"You are the son of the late Rufus
Gordon, eh? Yes. Knew your father
quite we'll. He was stanch supporter
of the party and man to be depended
upon. Sorry to know Of his financial
losses just before his death"
The mayor was soft, easy spoken
man. with slight hesitation at the
end of his sentences that gave listen
er the idea Of mental indecision, not
borne out by his political career.
What can do for your" he said
suddenly. Gordon was not prepared
for it., The tone was suddenly hard.
brisk. buslnesslike.
"A good deal. Mr.. Mayor, If 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
tone Of resignation that struck Gordon
as unusually impersonal.
"Yes. sir; | did come to get some:
thing, and l have no apologies to offer
for it. because it Is something that any
good citizen ought to get. and that Is
justice"
"Be specific. Justice is not delivered
here In wholesale lots"
"Is It delivered at all?" Gordon burst
out. The mayor coolly eyed him.
THAT depends. State your errand,
young man. Others are waiting"
do you know Tommy RandallT"
The mayor raised his eyebrows.
81 know a part Of him. Nobody
knows all Of Tommy"
"He Is one of the biggest rascals In
this city"
This Is not news" The mayor looked
resigned.
"Yes. Mr.. Mayor; 1t 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. yet he Dictates
"Be specific. Others are waiting.
State your errand. young man." The
words came hard. incisive, like the bit
Ing Of cold steel on steel. Gordon sud-
denly pulled up. and in five seconds he
was as cool and clear headed as the
impassive political figure sitting there
at his desk.
In swift, forceful manner that
characterized him when driven to it by
hostile listener he pictured Randall's
proposed violation Of the building ordi-
nance. the long, heartbreaking fight
for childhood that Miss Andrews had
been making. the gift of the settlement
and Randall's contemptuous defiance Of
all humanity In his plan Of restoring the
regular causes of the peoples misery.
He must have stated it wonderfully
we'll, for the mayor was really inter-
ested. Once he interrupted.
"Say that again about the window
space required in proportion to floor
area. Do you mean to tell me there are
5000 dark bedrooms in the Waterside
districtT
"Three thousand two hundred and
seventeen, sir. And children rot In
them like
Go on" the mayor said in low
tone.
When Gordon was through, the may
or was contemplatively silent.
you've come to the wrong place,
Mr.. Gordon. l can't do anything to
Tommy Randall. What you want to do
is to lay complaint before the city
building department. The whole busi'
ness is under their jurisdiction and
properly should come before them. I
regret exceedingly to hear what you
say about the tenements. had no idea
matters were so bad. OF course the
housing problem Is vexed question In
all large centers Of population, and all
reformers, l believe, are agreed that no
problem presents so many
"Do you claim. Mr.. Mayor" Gordon
interrupted, but his blood always boiled
up in him when a man lied to him,
that you do not know about the tene
ment house conditions in Waterside
district? Has Miss Andrews told it so
badly that you have forgotten it,"
The 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 errand"
"It is" replied Gordon. and he rose,
turned his back OH his honor the mayor
and without another word walked out
of the office. Gordon had such supreme
contempt for 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
ment."
"It's the regular routine. After that
the state board of health, then the state
factory and tenement house inspectors.
them
She spoke with her usual deliberate
patience, and Gordon colored.
81 know. l am simply following
better person than myself, but
But you are man." she said wistful-
ly. You may succeed with some OF
them"
John Gordon looked doubtful. But In
the ..fternoon he went down to the city
hall again, and after long and vexa-
tious delay he managed to get hear
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