The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-09-18

merged into laughter and jeers of such
volume and strength that could NOT
even hear myself. Still. should have
persisted had not a sudden and dra-
matte silence distracted me, and, turn
Ing to follow the surprised glances Of
the audience, / saw Frances rise from
her seat and approach the front of the
platform with hand uplifted and eyes
blazing. Out Of the silence which was
now as striking as the tumult had
been, her voice rose clear and deter
mined. Il am the daughter of the late
Jack Lacquerre, who was a leader here
when you dogs had gentleman for
leader. Do you remember him? DID
he ever fear you?" I was as dunn.
founded as the other hearers, for there
was absolutely no response other than
the breath of low, excited questionings
You know me- she continued You
recognize lady. Why do you not recog-
nlze gentleman when you are so fortu-
nate as to see one. You. are. ignorant. yet
when this gentleman comes to instruct
you you act like cowardly beasts wish
L were a mani" AT this point there were
interruptions, and to my surprise dill of a
nature which showed that Frances, in
stead of offending the men by her words.
had pleased them nightly.
Go it, lady.' they cried. s'You are the
real thing. What's the matter with Jack
Lacquerre's girl? She's all right. You
write Reubens speech and we'll listen."
l was quite overwhelmed with conflict
ing emotions. Here / was protected in
effect by a slender girl. unable tercontrot
mob she QEelled with ease. I felt my
throat swell. so that for, an instant
though l tried, l could not speak. My
slow wrath was rising. and began to see
red as they say of those insane with rage
/ ta6 al r. x-a,,f
upon and it was given to meDe While
nearly every man in the hall was cheer
ing and encouraging Frances little
group near the stage Showed that the beer
they had imbibed, had made them sullen
Unsteady of joyous. One of this group
shouted at Frances I've don't want no
swell rag like you to come. here and lee
ture us. To Newport with the other
monkeys for yours. = $50
Then lost. control of myself I jumped
from the stage and had that ruffians
throat in my hands almost before landed
on my feet. A man of my temperament
needs much shock of opposition before he
is physically aroused. / was struck in the
face by one of the mans companions and
then for the first time in my life l ex-
erted all my strength. struck out nlady
and soon had a cleared space about me.
and at my feet lay my assailants.
Others came in to assail. but ahead OF
them was Hogan, with some companions
and they fought for me. There was few
minutes uproar, and then Hogan an
nounced that [ would continue my re-
marks unless there were any more gentle
men who needed attention. Although 1
was conscious that had acted most un
wisely to my surprise 1 was now fran
tically cheered and encouraged to go on.
However, 1 abandoned my prepared
speech, and in my passion talked
fiercely about the rights of free speech and
was soon as enthusiastically cheered as
had been jeered. At the conclusion of my
remarks looked about for my party. and
found them gone. Hogan explained that
aunt and cousin Historically demanded to
be taken away and he had escorted them
to my carriage. with Miss Laequerre and
sent them home. the latter protesting
that she wanted to see the finish and go
ing reluctantly.
1 supposed that 1 had, made an utter
and dismal failure of my entrance int
politics, but to my surprise I was visited
today by a committee consisting of Hogan
and the men I had thrashed, and they an
swered me that had made genuine hit
and could get the support of every man
in the district for anything l. wanted
Hogan as good as confessed that he had
started in to confidence me out of what
money he could, but now he really saw
a future for me.
.Ah. then" said I, ''my' remarks on
imperialism made an effect. after all
NO boss replied Hogan What
makes you strong with my gang is that
the man you first choked last night-this
gent with his throat tied up-has been
the champion and unlocked middleweight
of the district"
That's right. boss boarseIy whisper
ed the man with his throat tied up.
1t was comprehensive enough that I
had made a good effect upon such men
by a display of physical courage and
strength, but what am 1 to judge of the
world Uncle Silas. now that have this
minute received this astonishing note:
Dear Mr.. Larkmead: That really was
a very stupid speech you tried to make
last night. but the way you thrashed
those ruffians was quite too beautiful.
Mamma is dying to hear all about it, SO
you may come to tea at 5. Sincerely.
Frances Lacauerre."
Really, Uncle Silas. have all my studies
been labor in vain? Do know nothing OF
manor woman? Affectionately,
Reuben