Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1904-01-27

you too that you have been g. marked
man for some months past. If
mistake not, you have suspected the
position of affairs in regard to this
council for long time, and we decided
that one of two things must happen
either that your undoubted ability must
be enlisted on the side of the council,
or else-well-that the council must
be protected from any injury you,
have it in your power to do us. What
the latter alternative would necessitate
need not now, fortunately, be dwelt
upon. You have, believe, been
sounded-carefully, Of course-in re-
gard to your readiness to undertake
the responsibilities of the post. Am
l right in supposing that you do not
come here altogether ignorant of what
these responsibilities mean?"
Il do not" said the candidate
you are aware that once having
Joined us there is no going back, and
that for the man who plays us false
there is only one penalty?"
The fellow nodded.
VERY good. And, on the other hand,
you are probably not unaware that
there are certain advantages accruing
to seat on the council which are
not altogether to be despised?'
Il had surmised as much" said the
candidate, almost insolently, and with
a greedy glitter in his small eyes.
Every good" with an inclination OF
the head. us it your will, brothers,
that this man be elected to the council
in place of Councillor Number Seven,
whose name we have decided to re-
mover"
He looked inquiringly at his six COL
leagues, some of whom responded with
'Yes,' while others merely nodded
assent.
Every we'll. You are elected, and
will be known henceforth as Councillor
Number Seven You may perhaps
think, considering the importance to
yourself, and to us, and to others, of
the post you now occupy, that our
ceremony of election is somewhat in
formal. But we are men, and in ear
nest: not children playing at being con-
spirators. Hence We go through no
melodramatic form of initiation and
who constitute the council, are united
by the strongest of all bonds self-in-
terest. That is a bond which binds
men more closely than any oath. Sit
down, Councillor Number Seven. Now
that you are one of US, it is right that
you should be taken into our conf
dence to some extent. You are no
doubt aware that most of US here are
more or less officially connected with
certain organizations and societies
some of which are secret, and some OF
which are not?'
"Quite aware" was the prompt re-
Spouse.
>"All of which are of a political ma
ture?"
THAT I understand, too
Every well. Just now there is q
big public that is in favor of agita-
ton of every sort-of leagues, asso-
Citations and unions-and we have
practically got the management OF
such matters into our own hands.
Then, as you know, there are some
secret societies which are not un-
generously supported in this coun-
try and in America, and these, too,
We may be said to control. In fact,
if may use such term, we who con-
stitute this council form a sort Of
syndicate for the taking over and
carrying of everything in the way oil
agitation and revolt, from a secret So
ciety for the assassination of crowned
heads and tyrants, down to an agita-
ton against an unpopular landlord, q
political meeting, or a strike. Do !
make myself understood?"
Perfectly"
t'You have perhaps, however, sur
missed that, although we fully approve
the patriotic and commendable senti-
ments which inspire so many thou
sands in England and Azorrica to sub
scribe their money for. the carrying
on Of the work, we ourselves are not
inclined to give our services entirely
ET1tuitously?'' g.. & Il. q . ..5