The Washington herald., 1907-02-03

sure that il would continue to the end,
but I must confess that this confidence of
ours was shaken a little to-day trust
that I am not hurting your feelings"
oh no, not at all. l also have state
ment TO make" said Jimmy GraysOn, in
genuously. But 7 shall be glad 10 hear
yours first
The big men were somewhat discon-
certed, and Mr.. Crayon spoke up briskly:
Great issues at stake In such emer-
gencies Presidential nominees must hear
advice"
You are right, said Jimmy Grayson.
gravely. "A Presidential nominee ought
always to listen to advice
Mr.. Goodnight's face cleared.
I'VE feel that We are in a position 10
speak plainly. Mr.. Grayson." he said.
We are elderly men, used to the han
ding Of large affairs. and-and this can
ndt be said Of all others in our party We
noticed to-day how you skirted danger
ously upon the tariff question. which we
think-in fact. which we know-should be
avoided. 1t is a dangerous thing. and
we trust 1t is only an jndiscretion that
will not be repeated; or. perhaps, it
might be little sop to these people out
here. who really DO not count"
Harley glanced at Jimmy GraysOn, who
was distinctly in the position of one re-
ceiying a lecture from his elders. and
therefore, from those who knew more
than he But the face Of the candidate
expressed nothing save gravity and at
tention.
THAT is quite true. he said
Il am glad that you recognize our
need said Mr.. Goodnight. Il do not
know how YOU feel personally upon this
great question. but. as I take IT, politics
and ones private opinion are different
things"
Jimmy Grayson raised his head as II
he were going 10 speak but ne let it
drop without saying anything, and the
great manufacturer continued:
1T is often necessary TO submerge the
lesser IN the greater. and never was there
a more obvious instance Of # than this
We and by We I mean the great finan-
cial interests of the party, are interested
in the tariff, and believe that Il Is best
as 1t is We do not know how you stand
personally, but there is no question how
you should stand politically. We men
OF finance may be in minority within
the party in the matter Of votes, but
perhaps we may constitute majority in
other and more important respects"
"All wings of the party are entitled TO
True. but the opinion Of one wing may
be worth more than the opinion Of an
other wing continued Mr. Goodnight:
and for that reason we who stand at
the ccnters from which the affairs Of
America are conducted are here. We see
the Unwisdom Of approaching such a
subject. and, above all the destruction
that would be caused if you were TO speak
fully upon 1t. It is "a topic that must be
Harley saw a quick glitter appear in
the eyes of Jimmy Grayson. and then it
was shut out by the lowered lids.
But if this IS an issue. and if I am
10 judge from the overwhelming testi-
mony of the press. il is an issue" said
Afr. Grayson, gently, ought 7 not in
duty both TO my party and myself. de-
clare how I stand upon IL? I freely con-
fess 10 You that the matter looks some
what troublesome, and, therefore. am
glad that we can consult with one an
other"
Why Troublesome exclaimed Mr.
GrayOD, shortly. Seems 10 me- Mr
Grayson. that your shrewd political eve
would see point at once. Above all things
must avoid split in the party Campaign
viii soon close. you are here in far West
nothing can force you to speak. you avoid
issue to the last; clever politics, seems
TO me
And 1ir. Crayou rubbed his smooth
chin, his eve lighting up with a satisfied
smile. Harley glanced again at Jimmy
GraysOn, and saw a frowu pass over his
face, but II was 1eeting and when he
spoke once more his voice was unemU-
.ionaL
Clever politics is phrase hard 20 de-
fine, he said. One does not always know
just where Clcverness lies. have not
said anything definite upon this issue,
but it doubtless occurs 10 you gentlemen
that I may have opinions"
The committee stirred. and Mr.. Crayon
and MI Goodnight looked at each other.
il was evident TO them that they had not
taken the candidate in hand TOO soon,
Harley felt no abatement Of interest
THAT is just the point said M Good
night, and SO we have come West We
felt that we must act
Harley expected to see flame Of wrath
appear on Jimmy Grayson's face, but the
candidate was unmoyed
"Of course you know what would hap
pen IL you were TO declare for reduction,
said Mr. Goodnight. They seemed to take
It for granted that If he declared at all
Il would be for reduction.
But I do" said Mr. Goodnight. with
emphasis. THE wealthy, the important
wing of the party. would be bound TO
iisown YOU
"Ahr' said Jimmy Grayson.
Harley felt a thrill Of anger. but he did
not move
The silent members Of the committee, !
who were sitting. stirred IN their chairs, |
and their clothes Tustled Importantly |
They felt that equivocatiOn and indlrec- /
ton were thrust aside, and the law was |
now being laid down
Then / am to understand that silence
)n this question is a requisite" said Mr. |
5rayson, mildly.
Undoubtedly" replied Mr.. Goodnight. /
with growing emphasis. We are quite |
convinced OF its necessity, and il is the /
demand that we make. "A Presidential |
candidate must always listen to advice 20 /
But sometimes it has seemed to me- /
said Mr.. GraysOn. musingly, that in a /
Presidential campaign the public is en-
titled to certain privileges, or, rather, |
hat 1t has certain rights, and the chief /
lmong these is 20 know just how its /
candidate stands on any important IS /
sue"
1T would never do, II would never do /
exclaimed Mr.. Goodnight, hastily, and /
With some temper, We cannot allow it." /
Harley glanced again at Jimmy Gray /
son. but the candidates lids were lower /
ed. and no fash came from his eye.
II put it forward in a tentative way" 1
be said, in the same mild and musing /
one. "Of course, / may be mistaken /
nave received many kilograms from I'M /
lortant people asking how I stand, and / 1
notice that the press is discussing the 4
,Gme question very actively
They can be waved aside" said Mr. /
Crayon, loftily. kilograms can go un- /
answered, and why bother about a FOOL /
sh press?
Still. said Jimmy GTayson. mildly. but /
enaciousIy. the public has certain |