The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1907-07-24
CHAPTER TX
- HE library was the most impor-
tant room in the Ryder man
sion, for 1t was there that the

tant room In the Ryder man
sion, for it was there that the
Colossus carried through his
most important business deals, and its
busiest hours were those which most
men devote to rest. But John Burkett
Ryder never rested. There could be no
rest for any man who had thousand
millions of dollars to take care Of.
Here the money MolOch held court
like any king, with as much ceremony
and more secrecy, and having for his
courtiers some of the most prominent
men in the political and industrial life
of the nation. Corrupt senators, graft
ing congressman, ambitious railroad
presidents, insolent coal barons who
impudently claimed they administered
the coal lands in trust for the Al
mighty, INSCRIPTIONS princes of finance
and commerce, all visited this room to
receive orders or pay from the head Of
the System" Here were made and
unmade governors Of states, mayors OF
cities, judges, heads of police. cabinet
ministers, even presidents. Here were
turned over to confidential agents mil
lions Of dollars to overturn the peoples
vote in the national elections. Here
were distributed yearly hundreds of
thousands of dollars to grafters, large
and small, who had earned 1t in the
service of the Interests"
Here secretly and unlawfully the
heads of railroads met to agree on
rates which by discriminating against
Ia, 60
ed out competition, raised the cost to
the consumer and put millions in the
pockets Of the trust Here were plan
ned tricky 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 perpetrated
the must heinous crime that can be
committed against a free peOple-the
cOnspiring Of the trusts, abetted by the
railroads, to arbitrarily raise the prices
oil, ice. gas-whOlly without other JUS
tifcation than that Of greed which
with these men was the uncOnquerable,
all absorbing passion. In short, every
thing that INSCRIPTIONS leaders Of or
ganized capital could devise to squeeze
the life blood out of the patient. de-
fenseless tOiler was done within these
four walls
When jefferson entered, his father
was seated at his desk, a long black
cigar between his lips, giving instruc-
tons 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 ac-
customed TO having people enter the
sanctum Of the Colossus 50 unceremO-
niouSly. But when he saw who it was
Mr.. Ryder's stern. set face relaxed,
and he greeted his son amiably.
"Vhy. JEFF. my boy, is that you?
Just "A moment until | get rid Of Bag
ley. and I'll be with you"
jefferson turned to the bOokshelves
and ran over the titles while the tinan-
cier continued his business with the
secretary.
Now Bagley come, quick! What
is it,"
He spoke in a rapid. explosive man
ner Ike man who has only a few
moments to spare before he must rush
10 catch tain. John Ryder had been
catching trains all his life, and he had
seldom missed one
Governor Rice called. He wants an
appointment" said Mr.. Bagley, hold
ing out a card
Il can't see him. Tell him So" came
the answer quick as a flash who
else he demanded. where's your
listf"
Mr. Bagley took from the desk list
Of names and read them over
General Abbey telephoned He says
you promised
Yes, yes" interrupted Ryder i'm
patiently, "but not here Down town.
tomorrow, any time. Next2"
The secretary jotted down a note
against each name and th"n said
4uflt are Npiit BtoplR uON uoldlLa
in the reception room. They are here
by appointment"
THE national committee and Ser
geant Ellison Of the secret service from
Washington" replied Mr.. Bagley.
"Who was here frst2" demanded the
financier.
Sergeant Ellison, sir"
"Then I'll see him first and the com
mittee afterward but let them all wait
until l ring ] wish to speak with my
son"
He waved his hand. and the secre-
tary, knowing we'll from experience
that this was a sign that there must be
no further discussion, bowed respect
fully and left the room. Jefferson
turned and advanced toward his ia
Their, who held out his hand.
"Well, Jefferson" he said kindly,
"did you have a good time abroad"
Eyes, sir, thank you. Such a trip is