Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-02-23

presidents, insolent coal barons who
fmpudently claimed they administered
the coal lands in trust for the Almigh-
ty. INSCRIPTIONS princes of finance and
commerce, all visited this room to re-.
cefve orders or pay from the head of
the System" Here were made and I'M
mada governors OF states, mayors of
cities. Judges, heads of police. cabinet
ministers, even presidents. Here were
turned ovel to confidential agents
millions of dollars to overturn the peo-
pies vote in the National elections:
here were distributed yearly hundreds
of thousands of dollars to grafters,
large and small, who had earned it in
the service of the interests"
Here, secretly and unlawfully, the
heads of railroads met to agree on
rates which by discriminating against
one locality in favour of another crush
| ed out competition, raised the cost to
the consumer, and put millions in the
pockets OF the Trust. Here were plan
ned trickey financial operations, with
deliberate intent to mislead and de-
ceive the investing public, operations
which would send stocks soaring one
day, only a week later to put Wall
Street on the verge of panic Half a
dozen suicides might result from the
coup, but twice as many millions of
profits had gone into the Golfers of
the System" Here, too. was perpe-
trated the most heinolls crime that can
be committed against free people,
the conspiring of the Trusts abetted by
the railroads, to arbitrary raise the
prices of the necessaries of life-meat.
coal. oil, ice, gas-wholly without
other justification than that of greed
which, with these men, was the I'M
conquerable, all-absorbing passion. In
short, everything that INSCRIPTIONS
leaders of organized capital could de-
wise 10 squeeze the life blood out of
the patient, defenceless toiler was done
within these four walls.
1t was a handsome room noble inpro
portions and abundantly lighted by
three large and deeply recessed null
lioned windows, one in the middle of
the room and one at either end. The
lofty ceiling was a imarvellously fine
example of panelled oak of Gothic
design, decorated with gold, and the
shelves for books which lined the walls
were like wise of oak. richly carved
In the center of the wall facing the
windows was a massive and elaborate
ly designed oak chimney piece, reach
ing UP to the ceiling, and ahving in the
middle panel over the mantel a fine
three-quarter length portrait of George
Washington. The room was furnishedl
sumptuously yet quietly, and fully in
keeping with the rich collection of
classic and modern authors that filled
the bookcases, and in corners here and
there stood pedestals with marble
busts of Shakespeare, Goethe and
Voltaire. 1t was the retreat OF a
scholar rather than man of affairs.
When Jefferson entered, his father
was seated at his desk. a long black
cigar between his lips, giving in.
structions to Mr.. Bagley. Mr.. Ryder
looked up quickly as the door opened
and the secretary made movement
forward as if to eject the intruder, no
matter who he might be. They were
not accustomed to having people enter
the 5anctum of the Colossus SO I'M
tremendously. But when he saw who
it was, Mr.. Ryder's stern, set face re-
Taxed and he greeted his son amiably |
why, jeff, my boy, is that you? Just
a moment, until get rid of Bagley, |
and I'll be with you
and ran over the titles while the fin
ancier continued his business with the |
secretary.
Nov, Bagley. Come, quick. What
is it?"
He spoke in rapid. explosive man.
ner, like a man who has only few
to catch train. John Ryder had been
fro oil n Sc !,
had seldom missed one.
Governor Rice called He wants an
appointment" said Mr.. Bagley, holding
out card.
"I can't see him. Tell him So" came
the answer, quick as a flash. "Who
else?" ne demanded. where's your
list?"
Mr.. Bagley took from the desk list
of names and read them over
General Abbey telephoned He says
you promised"
Eyes, yes interrupted Ryder i'm
patiently, "b not here. Down town,
Tomorrow. al y time. Next"
The secretary jotted down a note
against each name and then said:
There are some people downstairs
in the reception room. They are here
ny SHppAAASAA1SAie. 4
Who are they?"
3'The National Republican Committed
and Sergeant Ellison of the Secret
Service from Washington" replied Mr..
Bagley.
Who was here first?" demanded the
financier.
Sergeant Ellison, sir"
Then I'll see him first, and the
ON of rI NJ lo&
all wait until | ring. | wish to speak
with my son."
He waved his hand and the secretary
knowing well from experience that this
was a sign that there must be no
further discussion. bowed respectfully
and left the room. Jefferson turned
and advanced towards his father, who
held out his hand.
Well Jefferson" he said kindly,
did you kave good time abroad?"
yes, sir, thank you. Such trip
Is a liberal education in ITSELF"
Ready for work again. Ell? I'm glad