The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1907-04-05

Passing rapidly over the interven-
ing years and reserving some ex-
tremely thrilling experiences of Col.
Cheney for future telling. we come to
'95, '96 and 81, the period just ante
dating the Spanish-American war
Some of Cheney's cases had been
for the state department and he stood
very high in the estimation of the
federal government He was a man
mature in years. rich in experience
and as evenly balanced as a perfectly
made machine. He was close and
intense student Of current events and
while he was an ardent partisan in
politics he never intruded his beliefs
to the detriment of his work. His de-
tective service company was all pow
erful and potent factor for good. It's
ramitications were world wide and it's
workings were under the guidance of
the master mind of Cheney. In 1897
he was 81 years old. Few grey hairs
had made their appearance and he
was as forceful and virile as he
always had been. Guthrie, Loner-
gan and others had grown up in
the business and in 1893 he incor-
porated his company and made
these two equal partners with
him. AS he expressed it when he pre-
sented them their stock, "You see, fell
lows, l haven't kith or kin to leave
anything to when I'm gone and I'd
hate to think of this company busting
up, so I've made you both equal part
ners with me. You've both been my
standbys and-why, hang it, I'm near
to tears Which was true. So were
the other men.
Cheney's vision of his younger days
whereby he saw a home had faded
away as years passed on. They were
just dimly apparent now Somehow
visions of men at so are more roseate
than those of 81
Keeping in close touch with affairs
national and otherwise Cheney knew
that sooner or later the United States
was going to invite Spain to leave
the western hemisphere. The invita-
ton would be declined and Spain
would be driven out. AS early as go
the United States began active,
though unknown to the public, prep
arations to do her part. Several deli
cate governmental missions We're en-
trusted to Cheney. Trips to Cuba.
conferences with the members of the
junta, inspections of certain persons
and firms. Cheney was aware what
was going on at all times and when
war did come he knew he would be
appointed chief Of the secret service
of the army.
The government awoke to the fact
that it had been standing still for
years SO far as information as to what
the other powers were doing was con-
cerned. 1t began to send army and
navy men to foreign countries to gath
er and collate matters military but
there were number of things civil
ians could get as we'll as soldiermen
and sailOrmen.
Cheney received note from the
secretary of states private secretary
early in 90 asking him to come to
Washington. Two days later Col.
Cheney walked into the stately old
pile known as the state, war and navy
department. The secretary of state
received him as cordially as his diplo.
matte and official nature would adj
NIT
"Col Cheney" he said, Eve sent
for you because a man is wanted to
do some very delicate work for the
government
"Abroad?" asked Cheney
"YOu anticipate me; yes, abroad"
replied the secretary. There was a
slight touch of asperity in his tone.
Secretaries of state do not like to be
anticipated. Cheney merely smiled
and murmured. pardon me-" He was
not awed one bit by the greatness of
the parsonage in whose presence he
was standing.
The president wants to see you at
two o'clock today. Two o'clock, Col.
Cheney-sharp!"
''The sharp was unnecessary, Mr..
Secretary. l served some time in the
army and promptness has always been
strong point with me- Good morn
ing"
Zone moment, colonel please" The
great personage's tone softened a bit.
He began to realize this calm grey
eyed man was above the ordinary.
'After the president has finished will
you please come back? l will have
your papers ready"
"You are assuming I will go, then?'
"Of course you'll go-because the
president asks it-because you will
be serving your country by so doing
Score one for the secretary. He
struck Cheney fairly and sqdarely. Pa
triotism was Cheney's long suit. Many
time he had drunk the toast, my
country, may she always be right;
but right or wrong-my country" He
smiled and said: y:
Eyes, Mr.. Secretary, I reckon ri
go"
Thank you, colonel -~+7T ::
At two o'clock Cheney appeared at
the White House. Evidently he was
expected because within a moment of
the time his card was taken in a gen.
tlemanly secretary came out and said:
This is Col. Cheney? Cheney
nodded.
"The president will see you in a
moment" Cheney was not oppressed
by the constrained air of officialdom.
A few moments later tiny bell rang
and the secretary led the way down
ri, ~ et~ - H.
of the White House. "Col. Cheney"