Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-10-22


course we all know the law kin compel
us TO give the right of way, but it pro-
vides fer just and sufficient payment
fer the property used; an, gentlemen.
LIN agin donations. I'm agin 'cm tooth
an toe nail"
There was thunderous and ominuus
| applause when Bartell sat down. Will
! son sat flushed and embarrassed,
twirling 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 a bow to the right and
| left. "As many of you know, I pre-
tend to practice law little, and want
to say now that I'm glad Mr.. Bartell
amt in the profession. A lawyer with
his keen wit and cloquence could con
vict an innocent mother before jury
of her own children. Laughter. And
that's the point gentlemen. We are
! innocent of the charges against u.s. 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
tleman from the Hub of the universe,
/ must say that have known him for
several years and have never heard a
word against his character. He is not
a farmer, but a business man. and it
would be unfair to judge him by any
other standard. He is not only bust
ness man. but big one. He handles
big things. This railroad is going to
be a big thing for you and your chill
dren. Yes. Wilson is all right He
didn't fight in the late npleasantness.
He tells the women he was too young.
Wilson is here to build 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. l live
at barley, but. as many of you know,
this is my fathers native county. and
l want to see 1t bloom in progress and
blossom like the rose of prosperity. |
want to see the vast mineral wealth
buried in these mountains dug out for
the benefit Of mankind wherever Gods
sunlight falls
HITLER sat down amid much applause,
a faint part Of which came even from
the ranks Of Bartclrs faction. After
this pause ensued in which no one
seemed willing to speak Colonel Bar
clay rose and came to Miller.
THAT was a good talk" he yhis-
pered. You understand how to ;ouch
'em up. You set them 10 laughing;
that's the thing. | wonder if it would
Go any good for me 20 try n; hand"
do they know you lave any timber
land over here?" asked Miller.
ooh, yes; | guess they do" replied
the colonel.
Then don't believe I'd chip in ad-
vised Miller. "Bartell would throw II
up to YOU
Il reckon you are right" said Bar
clay, but for the Lords sake do some
thing. 1t never will do to let this
thing fall through"
I've done all can" said Miller de-
jectedly. "Rartell'S got the whole
gang hoodooed, the blasted bockhead.
Wouldn't he make hne representative
In the legislaturet"
The colonel went back to his seat,
and Wilson came to Miller just as
Alan approached.
Its going 70 FALL 1Atter rhan a pan
cake said wilson. My company
simply cannot afford to buy the right
Of way Can't you chr Ike chat illiterate
fellow over there or--or buy him off?"
NE amt that sort" said Miller dis
oSnsolately.
Alan glanced at his father and moth
Or. On their wrinkled faces lay ample
evidences of detection. The oii man
seemed scarcely TO breathe. Up to
Bartell's speech he had seemed buoy
antiy hopeful. but his horizon had
changed. He looked as if he were
wondering why he had treated himself
to such bright view of a thing which
had no foundation AT all.
At this juncture Abner raniel lose
from his seat near the stove and slow
ly walked forward till he stood fac
ing he audience. Immediately quiet
reigned. for ne was man VAC WIS ill.,
variably listened to.
"Gentlemcn an ladies'" he began.
clearing his throat and wiping his
mouth with his long hand. This amt
no put in o. mine, gracious knows. I
haint got nothin', an | don't expect TO
lose or gain by what is done in this
matter, but ! want to do what l kin
fer what l think is right an proper
Fer my part. | don't think we kin do
without a railroad much longer. Folks
is apokin' fun at us, tell you. It's
Gods truth T'other day | was over
at barley a.walkin' along the railroad
nigh the turnin' table, whar they flirt
engines round like children on flynn
| jimmy, when all at once a big strappin'
Teller with a red flag in his hand run
up an knocked me off'n the track kerr
whallop in a ditch. 1t was Just in
time to keep me from bein run over by
switch engine. He was as mad as
| Tucker. Looky' heer' ses he. did you
think that thing was playn' tag with
| you an nd tap you on the shoulder