Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-20


binary circumstances | should have no special
ambitions in the political field but now that
the issue has been drawn-you vii! forgive my
plain speech-between honesty and dishonesty,
blackmail and fair dealing, | propose to
tagonize the party in power and the ring that
granted this franchise and delivered the city
into the hands of this corporation, and to drive
it out.
Many men have tried that; none in my
recollection has succeeded"
The more honor in succeeding now, and the
more inspiration to try.
But suppose you did succeed, what then?
How would that affect the Gotham Freight
Traction Company?'
MEANWHILE" said Gorrnly and in this
IVA instance he deliberately laid all his cards
on the table. g propose to take advantage of
the one blunder of the Gotham Freight Traction
Company"
n" And what is that" asked Haldane with in
tense eagerness. There was no longer the
faintest pretense between these two His
cards the table well, though he had
not admitted it.
" In order to make the franchise of the
Gotham Traction Company really of value, to
complete the system without which it begins
and ends in the air, it must have the old
New York Street Car Company franchise
that expires next spring. 1t covers the only
available routes and the only available streets
to connect the two ends of the Gotham enter
prise Somehow or other the astute minds con-
trolling the corporation failed to secure the
renewal of the franchise. 1t has to be voted
upon and passed this spring"
" The present administration was the quick
reply, will be in power until the April cleo
tions. The franchise expires in March. No
regrant of it could be made until then. 1t will
be renewed before new administration could
suppant the old, even if your wild dreams
were successful
That is to be SEEM answered Gornly
coollv
MY dear sir it is self evident
" By no means. am not politician neither
am a Spectator. neither am | tnancler but
| have had dealings with greater masses OF
men and women possibly than any man outside
of the Mayor of the CITY or the Governor OF the
State and know what public opinion IS
think | know also how to arouse and stimulate
it. Public opinion shall be aroused on the queS-
ton of the renewal of the franchise of the New
York Street Car Company, with a clear eX-
PLANTATION of the principles and consequences
involved, to such extent that | do not be-
lieve any administration on earth Will dare to
counter it.
And who will do this arousing:"
Il will
How"
:" BY offering myself as a candidate for Mayor
of New York and by fighting the battle on
that issue. and that alone.
Il might" said Haldane slowly, after
deeply thoughtful moment might secure
the privileges you desire condltloned-
Il don't desire them now, MIR. Haldane,
returned Gormly. " | am in the battle to stay.
ask nothing from the Gotham Freight Trac-
ton Company; it can confer no favors upon
me. | shall take what l entitled to by the
grace of God and the will of the people.
Haldane stared long time at the dark. de-
termined face of his host. "Io on Will make
splendid enemy. Mr.. Gormlv," he said at last.
The battle will be one worth going long dis
tance to see.
Il shall be fighting" returned Gormly. with
more meaning than the other dreamed OF, tor
all that life holds dear"
Is success then SO priceless to you' re-
turned the other We'll | fear YOU are
doomed to deep and bitter disappointment
he continued rising to his feet.
That's as may be" was the answer, as the
merchant also rose; but at least the battle
will be worth while"
Haldane looked fixedly at the younger man.
He acknowledged that in him the Gotham
Freight Traction Company and he himself had
found the worthiest antagonist that the album
dant and brilliant talent of the great metropolis
could produce.
At that instant the tall clock in the hall
struck the hour of twelve.
Il have the honor said Gormly, bowling
formally, " to wish you a very Merry Christmas,
Mr.. Hadane.
CHAPTER vi.
Gormly Announces His Candidacy