Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-27
The Ring and the Man
Continued from page II

you about the mayOralty situation.
am very glad indeed, gentlemen to see
YOU and to hear anything you may have to
say to me.
This was an assumption of independence
that did not promise we'll for the interview.
Fitchett exchanged quick glanCes with the
banker. Munson the boss audiblv snorted
We have continued Poole with lofty Dig
nitv, of course observed your announcement
of your candidacy in the daily papers.
Gormlv bowed Ne have been struck with
your peculiar availability for the office Your
large business interests the fact that
so we'll known to the people of New York your
undoubted probitv. the evidence of good man
agement and ability we see around us, and
er-
The barrel that YOU can tap" suggested
Munson. whercat Fitchett glared at him saw
agely; but as there table to screen the
movement. he unable to nudge him as he
desired.
And in short continued Poole hastily,
striving to cover the unfortunate inter lection.
" all these convince that you are the very
man for whom the party has been looking.
We have come here to protfer you our support.
and to say to you that our convention which
is to be held next week will undoubtedly make
you our candidate and indorse your platform.
In fine want YOU to lead us.
Your convention is composed of deputies
from all the voting precincts of the city. Is 1t
not. who are elected at regularly called pri
marleS9
We'll how can you three gentlemen or
your central committee-whiCh has how many
members?"
"A hundred, replied Fitchett
Exactly. hundred. How you then.
you three gentlemen, or even the whole hun
dred of you. forecast the action of your con-
vention which has not yet assembled?
Its easy to see Mr.. Gormly.' said Mum
son half pityingly, that you don't know any
thing about practical politics. The committee
fIa of
party because the will of the party will be the
will of the committee of hundred and the
committee of hundred will carry out the will
of this committee visiting you because the
will of this committee is the will of the COM
mttee of hundred Ii | say mean IT we
say-that our party wants you for Mayor, you
can bet your last dollar that you're the man
it wants See.
II SEE" said Gormly In that case, why
have any convention at all? Why have
any committee of hundrede Why have any
body but you. Mr.. Munson" he stopped long
enough to make the pause appreciate. and
your coadjutorso Why have any people. as
matter of fact' Why don't you and Mr..
Callahan, who l believe holds a somewhat
analogous position to yours in the other party
get together with two able associates like
those you have brought and settle the ques-
ton what the people are going to have,'
We'll, Mr., Gormly, since you put it that
stronger than | am, if this city wasn't SO hope
lessly in Calahans grasp. that's about what
we'd do Now we think that you've got GER
tain elements of strength with the people that'll
sort of balance things. | don't know whether
you can be elected. I'm speaking frankly now,
gentlemen. and as practical politician; but
believe you re more apt to be elected than any
body else. if we get fair count count
the ballots ourselves, which is more or less
doubtful with Callahan in power, and there
fore we want you for our candidate, because
we think We win.
How very disinterestedl'
Mr.. Munson puts it Enthusiastically, Mr..
Gormy." began Fitchett suavely Naturally
being compelled to care for the rank and file.
he thinks more of the loaves and fishes than
of other matters of equal or greater Importance.
1t takes all kinds of men. you know, to make
up political party. We are here matter
of principle. We believe that the people have
been robbed by the present administration.
Why. everybody in New York knows it !"
said Munson Contemptuously. What are the
people for but to get robbed. anyway? Any
man who's foolish enough to allow himself to
be robbed deserves it.
Mr.. M..n5on." broke in Poole really the
discussion has taken a most extraordinary
turn For myself, | regard it highly desir-
able that the city of New York especially as
groundwork for the next national election for
the presidency should by all means be brought
over to our party. We think if anybody in
the city can win. you are the man, Mr. Gormly,