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

wise to say what you are going to do until you are
ready to do it; that it is much better' in fact to
substitute doing for saying.
AN excellent MAXIM returned the other with
we'll simulated Indifference "All of your fellow
citizens however. will be deeply interested in the
outcome of the affair. l older man than
you are, Mr.. Gormly, and may therefore take the
liberty, not of advising you to the conduct of
your business, but of saying in friendly way one
business man know that this publicity is more or
less distasteful to you. that it will be to
the Gotham Freight Traction Company, which, l
believe is very worthy concern, DESTROYS of mind
ing it's business and exploiting its proper
ties l think myself viewing the situation impair
TALLY, that you have been hardly dealt with. I
don't want to see the affair advance any further,
for the credit of the community. | think have
some little influence. my name and connections
er-my family and He hesitated and then
stopped; aous., ., +ha ;,,,ror+,noo 81 na
that you may say, from your own personal reputa-
ton. Mr. Haldane, from the means at your disposal,
and from the position your family has occupied in
the community. 1t is only necessary to mention
those things"
Thank you" replied the other. We'll, what
meant to say this: You have built up great
it. You are, believe of the institutions of the
city l shall, if you will permit me, my influence
with certain of my acquaintance IN the traction
company to-ah-modifv their demands Sup
pose we say three hundred thousand dollars for the
connections, and nothing more to appear about it
in the public press?'
Is this burst out Gormly quickly. He had in
L tended to say "a bribe': but realized that if he
did so he would affront Haldane, of the nature of
whose interest in the matter he was desiring to adj
Just he not yet aware, and so he changed his
mind and said, Is this compromise you offer
ing?
Il am offering nothing" said Hadane. Il am
not in position to offer anything. l have right
to do So no desire. AS | stated to you, simply
a citizen who wants to this unpleasant matter
removed from the papers, where such things are dis
cussed by incorporate writer's without any real COM
prehenson of the issues involved; and offer the
friend of my friends and if l may call myself,
your friend, to bring you two together.
You are not empowered to make such propo-
sition?"
Certainly not" was the specious answer Il
simply take advantage &c t1c fortunate chance that
gives me the privilege of your acquaintance to do
what conceive to be public service.
And you have no personal interest In the
matter?"
Il have already assured you to that"
Under the circumstances, then, shall have no
hesitation in acting according to the dictates OF my
judgment; my conscience WELL | might add.
You would do that in any event.
Certainly; but if it matter of personal in
terest you sir, might be inclined, in view of the
good will you have manifested toward me, to give
you another answer from that which l now to
deliver"
And what is that?''
Il will not accept any such offer if it should be
made me by authority. | will not pay single cent
and above the actual cost of building the
switches and proper and reasonable amount for
the privilege of the connection
"Of course you must make your own decision.
In that case however, fear you will never get the
Switches
have not only the switches but Gormly paused
and looked his companion hard and directly in the
face.
but WHAT" said Haldane, Ticking the ashes
from his cigar dantily and speculatively watching
the blue curl of smoke that langudly from its
end in the air The air very STILL though it was