The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1907-05-17

Robert Daniels, Real Estate, wa
on the sign displayed to the stree,
Robert Daniels. Political Boss
would have been more in accordance
with the truth, For over this grea
city Robert Daniels was boss in politi
cal matters. Occasionally one of tn,
people would rebel against this con
dition, but he was speedily made to re
pent his imprudence. II he was OBJ
streperous he would be reasoned
with" His business would be more
or less obstructed; he would be sub
jected to many petty a%nnoyances; ant
II he continued refractory he would
sooner or later, meet with bodily in
Jury. OF course, Mr.. Daniels-clean
shaven and handsomely-dressed gen
tleman that he was-knew nothing OF
these prosecutions.
An election was coming on, and the
outer apartments Of Mr.. Daniels of,
fee was crowded with politicians.
A small, g~ray-haired lady, dressed
in black, entered. Mr.. Daniels looked
at her closely. There was something
in the kindly old face that reminded
him of his mother, long since dead.
We'll, my dear lady, can assist
you in any way?"
Indeed, you can, Mr.. Daniels" re-
piled his visitor, her face growing
bright in her eagerness. DO you
know my son John Shafton?"
What, the young attorney over on
Twenty-third street,"
yes, sir. Well, he Is a candidate
for nomination as district attorney.
If you will only give him your influ-
ence, Mr.. Daniels, l know that he will
be placed on the ticket"
The face of the Boss clouded.
Il cant do that for you, Mrs. Shat
ton. The place has been promised to
Martin Oswald. Your son has never
rendered any particular service to the
party, while Mr.. Oswald is one of our
best men,
But my John is 30 honest" plead
ed the anxious mother. "He will make
a good officer and do his duty. No
one can buy John off, Or bribe him so
he will not do his duty
The Boss laughed heartily at the
recommendation. The conceit rather
pleased him. He watched the eager
face before him, and looked at the
toil-worn hands as they clasped and
unclasped while she told how John
had worked to get his education, how
she had planned and saved to help
him, and how they would lose their
home unless he succeeded in getting
this Office. Away back in the old
home his own mother had looked
something like this one, and she had
loved and planned for her boy, too.
He was happy and innocent then, but
now-Eould that old mother, If she
could look down and see him, approve
of him now?
Madam" said the Boss grufly, in
terrupting his W thoughts, you can
tell John that he shall have the nom
nation. In the crowd that fill UP the
Offices there shall be one honest man,
anyway. Maybe" he added softly,
my mother will know Of this and be
pleased"
"Oh, thank you. Thank you!" ex.
claimed the excited woman, catching
him by the hand. May God bless
you, Mr.. Daniels!"
God knows l need it," was the curt
reply.
For some time after her departure
the Boss walked the floor in moody
silence. Then he summoned Martin
Oswald.
A little later a portly, w~ell-dressed
came in. His face indicated a
fondness for good dinners and good
liquors.
81 believe. Mr.. Oswald" said the
Boss, 1T has been the understanding
that you should have the nomination
for district attorney" ,
THAT point was positively settled,
Mr.. Daniels"
We'll, | have changed my mind,
and you will have to take some other
place. l have slated young Shafton
as the party nominee for district at.
torney."
THE devil you have? That hypo-
critical Sunday school chap-going to
make him district attorney, are you?
III see about that" sneered Oswald,
face white with anger.
Now, look here, Oswald" and the
eyes of the Boss glinted with a steely
look, you know what opposition to me
means"
And so John Shafton received the
nomination and, in due time, was
His ambition was high. He
his position as a trust from
The people, and believed 1t his bound.
duty to protect them in their
tights and to discover and punish
vrong-doers. His efforts in this direc.
ion produced uneasiness in certain
quarters, and several influential con.
FACTORS and members Of the city
council called to see the Boss about
t.
See here, Daniels, you'd better call
,f that young Shafton," said Alder.