The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1908-08-20
the PRINCETON UNION: THURSDAY, AUGUST 90, 1908

OPP
II am looking" returned Bennett.
''1've been looking deeper into it than
you realize. I asked you a question
just now. I'll answer it myself in
one word-'Graftv That is why you
want to give away franchise that is
worth $2,OOO,OOO."
Graft" snorted Horrigan contemptu-
ously. "The same old reformer howl!
What's your idea Of graft anyways"
Graft is unearned increment. Money
to which the recipient has no legal or
moral right. That is'-
$50! Then show me the man who
amt CRATER! A lawyer shows his
client how to evade the law, and he
takes fee for doing it. What's that
but graft? A magazine takes pay for
printing an advertisement it's editors
know is fake. What's that? Graft!
When a congressman votes for an ap-
preparation because another congress-
man has agreed to vote for one of
his, what's that? Graft! When a five
thousand year senator retires at the
end of ten years worth a million, what's
that? Graft! A police captain on ST.
$50 year buys yachts and country
estates. Graft! How about the rail-
road president who gets stock free in
a corporation that ships over his road.
or the insurance man or banker who
gives or takes fat loans on fancy Sc
curities and clears 1000 per cent?
Grafters, all of 'em! Grafters! Every
one CRAFTS who can or who isn't too
stupid. Show me man who doesn't
graft and I'll show you fool. Present
company not excepted"
''That's where you're wrong" return
ed Alywn. ignoring the slur and speak
ing with judicial quiet oddly at con-
trast with the boss vehemence. "The
man who said Honesty is the best pol
ICY knew what he was talking about.
It pays best not only hereafter, but
here as well. Why did Missouri choose
Folk for governor? Because in spite
Of his faults he is honest Why was
La Toilette sent to the senate from
Wisconsin? Because, faults and ALL he
was honest. Why did the people of
this country make Roosevelt their pres
ident? Were they blind to his faults
and foibles? No. but they knew he
was honest! am honest. This bill
isn't. That is why won't sign it."
"You won't, eh?" roared Horrigan.
'Then veto it! Veto it if you dare! I'll
not only smash your political career,
but I'll pass the bill over your veto.
That'll show you pretty we'll how you
and me stand as to power in the city.
I'll make you the laughingstock of the
administration by taking the whole
thing out Of your hands and passing it
in spite of you"
Il doubt it," answered Bennett, pal
ing, but meeting coolly the fiery wrath
in Horrigan's little red eyes. ~ intend
to fight your Borough bill in the alder
manic chamber and outside that coun-
Gil. 10 pass bill over my veto you'll
have to get two-thirds majority. That
means fourteen votes. You have only
your solid thirteen And I'll make it
my business to see you don't get
fourteenth VOTE"
I'll look out for that, all right. all
right" g.
Zone thing more, Mr.. Horrigan. 1
have reason to believe there is bribery
in this matter. I'll ferret out the name
Of every man who gives or takes a
bride in connection with the Borough
franchise bill, and I'll send every one
of them to jail-not only the aldermen,
but the capitalists who are behind the
measure. Receiver and thief shall 20
to Jail together"
"1s that SOP chuckled Horrigan.
"Then, Mr.. Reformer, let me tell you
who is really behind this whole affair,
the man you'll have to jail first of all,
Mr.. Charles Wainwright, uncle of the
girl you're trying to marry"
He leaned back to note the effect of
his revelation, but Benefits face
moved no muscle, gave no hint Of what
lay beneath.
Besides" went on Horrigan, eager
to press his advantage. "every cent