Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1904-08-31
4 ~
/MAJOR HARTSHORN'SV
I CATASTROPHE
BY PHILIPS CARLETON
Copyright. 1904. by Daily Story Pub. Co.
* rs s.

(Copyr1ght 1871, by Daily Story Pub. co.,
T WAS in 1898 that Maj. Hartshorn
l decided to enter politics. 1t must be
said for the major that not ambition
alone moved him to forsake his easy,
comfortable existence for the strenuous
ness of political campaign-although
it must be confessed that visit to the
state capital had suggested the idea to
his mind that he would not be averse to
spending term or two in the legisla-
ture in the dignified position of state
senator. This thought, however, had
not found expression. and had been cher
ished secretly until he met his old army
friend, Col. Bankshead, who was just
completing his first term in the United
States senate and was planning for re-
election. The senator was in great per-
plexity regarding the district in which
the major lived, and after greetings and
an old army story or two, poured forth
his troubles.
''1'm afraid of this man Burke, who is
the only fellow out for the state senator
ship in this district" said he. HE is
friendly enough on the surface, but the
crowd he trains with are not my friends,
and thers's no knowing who he will vote
for whe1t my matter comes up. And the
worst Of 1t is that nobody else in the dis
trict seems to want the nomination.
don't think Burke is very strong man
and if could find the right sort of can
didate believe we could skin him out.
By Jove, major, why don't you get out
for it yourself? You would be just the
fellow"
"Pshaw!" returned the major, in ap-
parent disgust but secretly pleased
What would I do in political cam
paign. I don't know anything about
politics aud I'm too old dog to be taught
new tricks. Besides, why should l
leave my quiet comfort and get mixed
up in lot of hard work? My work is
over. I nm enjoying the fruits of my
labor"
1T woxldn't hurt you bit" replied
tho senator. "You need something to
stir you Up. The honor and dignity of
the Office would not displease you and
you could place your imprint on the
making Ut history, sir. Besides, you
would be doing an old comrade and
friend great service could depend
on you. SO far as not knowing politics
Is concerned, you would be stronger just
for that reason. You stand high in the
community and you are widely known.
Your motives could not be assailed.
You would make an ideal candidate.
The major listened, hesitated, and was
lost. It is one Of the most pathetic chap
tiers in Political history-this plunge of
Maj. Har.shorn from the peaceful life of
dignified and well-to-do gentleman into
the troubled waters of political strife.
The ''boys" were quick to see the posi-
bilittes Of the situation, and the majors
bank account became the objective point
of the primary campaign. New candi-
dates sprang up in all parts of the dis
trict and new complications ensued from
day to day calling for further expendi-
ture of money and new anxieties To
the details of political work the major
WIS an utter stranger. He was depend
eD< wholly upon the workers" and of
course he became "the worked"
His peaceful home was upset and his
regular hours destroyed. Instead of the
well-groomed, round faced, dignified
gentleman who appeared at breakfast
unrufled and sedate at exactly eight
O'Clock and took his morning walk at
exactly 9:45, after perusing the morn
ing papers, partook of lunch at the club
at 1890 exactly and arrived home in
ample time for six o'clock dinner, after
playing exactly nine games Of whist, he
became an irritable and disheveled old
man, appearing at breakfast with great
circles about his eyes and wrinkles in
his face, probably unshaven and care
lessly dressed. His days were spent in |
rushing over the district holding con-
ferences with strange persons who used |
strange 1dioms, In shaking hands with |
a lot Of riff-raff he would have sworn
he could not be induced to speak to be-
fore the campaign began. His nights
were taken up In unexpected conferences |
with his campaign managers who came
to the house at all sorts of hours to tell
him of new situations and new demands
on his head and pocketbook. His daugh-
ter Helen, with whom he had formerly
spent most of his evenings, saw little of
him excepting at hasty meals.
The demand on his purse became so
heavy finally that he became alarmed.
He was in so deep now he could not
stop and he feared his fortune would
be seriously impaired. He found him
self disposing of gilt-edged securities
he had taken long to accumulate. His
face wore haunted look.
Helen was inclined to laugh at him at
first, but his plight alarmed her finally,
and she expostulated
rs it worth the trouble?" she asked
him. z5&
He glared fiercely at her. Worth the
trouble!" he shouted. do you think {
nm q the man to evade the duty owe Ii