Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-23
The Great Paper Trust.

well, Dixon, what's the news this
morning. Mr.. Lampirthy leant back in
his chair. with a cigar between his lips
and an open newspaper on his knees. The
keen-faced secretary had just entered
the room with a newspaper and some let
tiers in his hand.
"Purl and Stanton have failed, sir. But
! suppose you saw it in the paper
mo. 1 hadn't noticed il, but I knew it
was only a matter of week or two"
They attribute the failure TO the low
price of paper" continued Dixon. Due
to the cutting competition of several large
combines. They will pay two shillings in
the pound"
Several large combines" repeated Mr..
Lampirthy, drily THAT is good. very
good" and he smiled, as though the situa-
tion was full of humor.
THAT is the last of 'em. sir; the last of
any Importance"
Excellent, excellent"
There's a paragraph here 1 thought
might interest you, sir" said Dixon, hold
ing out newspaper. Mr.. Lampirthy
took 1t from his hand and read few
lines marked in blue pencil.
During the past month no fewer than
a hundred new magazines and news
papers have been started I'm the United
Kingdom alone This is undoubtedly due
to the extraordinary cheapness Of paper
at the present time. We cannot help
thinking that the proprietors Of these
new journals would have done we'll TO eX-
anime the causes Of present conditions in
the paper trade. 1t is hardly likely that
the twenty great combines. which practi-
liz, Ia
go on cutting each others Threats for an
indefinite period. The time is ripe for the
amalRamation of the various opposing in
terests and then there will be trouble
That is very true" said Mr.. Lam
pirthy. as he folded up the paper and
handed 1t back to the secretary
A servant entered and handed Mr.. Lam
pirthy piece Of erimy paper folded
once down the middle. The millionaire
glanced at it and nodded.
"Show him up here" he said. with
frown.
Father Francis entered the room and
remained standing. while Mr.. Lampirthy
regarded him with look Of disapproval
II asked you not to call here" said the
millionaire. after pause.
THE time for secrecy has gone by"
said the preacher. sternly: 1.-The hour has
come for an open confession. We must
stand side by side before the world. L
am no longer a friend to be ashamed OF.
/ am. in all humility, the leader of
great cause"
"You must allow me to judge whether
the time for secrecy has gone by replied
Mr.. Lamprthy, coldly. But since you
are here l should like to have a chat with
you. Pray sit down. You look tired
II am tired" Father Francis said,
gently.
He seated himself YEARLY in an arm
chair. and for q moment his attitude sug-
gested a collapse of all physical powers.
His head fell forward on his breast. His
arms hung Imply down by his side.
Three months had passed since Father
Francis had first met Mr.. Lampirthy. and
during that time the mans body had I'M
dergone great change 1t had shrunk
almost to q skeleton. The hands were
nothing but skin and bone. The face
was yellow and haggard: and the eyes.
sunk deep in their sockets. glittered with
unnatural brilliance. He was not strong
enough for the work he had set himself
to do. His healthy existence in. the
desert had given his wasted body a fresh
when the excuses of youth begin to tell
on a mans frame.
You mustn't overdo it, said Mr.. Lam
pirthy. after a pause. You must put
more restraint on yourself. 1 was sorry
to learn that your last great appeal. when
nearly ten thousand people listened to
you. was singularly lacking in restraint
You seem to be setting aside the practi-
cal part of the question and indulging in
violent rhetoric. That can do no cause
any good"
Were you there" asked Father Fran
els. raising his head and looking at the
millionaire with his burning eyes.
mo. l was not there. But / sent
writer, and he reported every