The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1909-04-09
usual attention:

usual attention:
1T is my unpleasant duty"-Peabody
and Stevens exchanged glances-"to
place a matter before this body that to
me, as a member of this honorable
body, is not only distasteful, but deep
ly to be regretted.
"There has arisen ground to suspect
a member of this body of having en-
deavored to make money at the gov
ernment's expense out of land which
he is alleged to have desired his own
committee to choose as the naval base.
81 therefore offer this resolution pro-
viding for the appointment of an in
vestigating committee to look into these
charges"
Langdon was intensely excited over
this new development. Some one
has learned something about Peabody
or Stevens" be muttered. He feared
that this new complication might in
some way affect the fate of the naval
base-that the south, and Mississippi,
might lose it. He rose slowly in his
btdt, Willie the Sbldtc Will
the murmur of suppressed voices.
Il ask for more definite informa-
tion," he began when recognized and
after the president of the senate had
pounded with the gayel to restore
quiet, $50 that this house can consider
this important matter more intelligent
ly."
Senator Horton rose. He said:
81 will take the liberty of adding
that the senator accused is none other
than the Junior senator from Missis-
sippi"
Langdons eyes blazed. He STROBE
swiftly into the aisle.
"Mr. President" he cried passion
ately, Il know this is not the time or
place for a discussion like this, but
ask that senatorial courtesy permit me
to ask"-then he concluded strongly
before he could be stopped-"what is
the evidence in support of this pre-
posterous Charge?
"This is all out of order" said the
presiding officer after a pause, 'but
in view of the circumstances / will
entertain a motion to suspend the
rules"
This motion passing, Horton replied
to Langdon.
"Your name is signed to a contract
with J. d. Teller, mayor of Gulf City,
Miss, calling for 5000 shares in the
Gulf City Land company, and
Ito N I;op, ouood Iap1dnn
"That official" went ON Horton cool
ly, sis now in Washington. He has
the contract and will swear to con-
versations with you and your secre-
tary. His testimony will be corrobo-
rated by no less parsonage than Con-
gresham Norton of your own district,
who says you asked him to conduct
part of the negotiations"
"And | might add" cried Horton,
"that it is known to more than one
member of this honorable body that
you had drawn up minority report in
favor of Gulf City because of your
anger at the defeat of your plan to
take the naval base away from Alta
coola."
Langdon sank into his chair be-
wildered, even stunned. There was a
against him, but how could
he prove it, The ground seemed crum-
bling from under him-not even a
straw to grasp. Then the old fighting
blood that carried him along in Beau
regards van tugged at the valves of
his heart, revived ms spirit, ran through
his veins. He leaped to his feet.
A sound as of scufiiea body fall
ing heavily-drew all eyes from Lang
don to the rear of the main aisle. An
assistant sergeant at arms was lying
face downward on the carpet Anoth
err was vainly trying to hold back Bud /
Haines, who tearing himself free, /
rushed down TO his chief waving a .
sheet of paper in the senator's eyes.
Read that" gasped the secretary .
and he hurried away up
a side passageway and out to reach
The stairs leading TO the press gallery.
Langdon spread the paper before
him with difficulty with his trembling
hands Slowly his whirling brain gave
him the ability to read. Slowly what
appeared to him as jumbled nothing
resolved into orderly lines and words