Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1909-03-12

lOcu EttIlIS " NE you IL tllc SoEt VI
man I'm looking for"
The other smilingIy shook his head
Il wouldn't dare fix up United
States senator with set Of views" he
said. II only mean that think what
man Is Is important. I've been do
Ing Washington for number Of years
I've had an exceptional opportunity to
see how politics work. don't be-
lieve In party politics. don't believe
in parties. but l do believe In men"
Langdon nodded approvingly. then q
twinkle shone In his eyes
I'VE don't believe In parties In Mis-
sissippi" he drnwled. We've only
one-thc Democratic party-and n few
kickers"
Haines grinned broadly Mt this de-
scription Of southern politics.
"What was this you were saying
about national politics?' continued the
Mississippian. 'rm a beginner. you
know. and I'm always ready to learn"
This Is a new thing-a reporter
teaching senator politics." laughed
Haines.
Senator Langdon Joined In the merri
ment.
Il reckon reporters could teach Unit
ed States senators lots Of things, Mr.
Haines. II the senators had sense
enough to go to school. Now. l come
up here on platform the chief prin-
ciple Of which Is the naval base for
the gulf. Now, how are we going to
put that through? My state wants It,"
You're probably sure 1t will be a
wonderful thing for the country and
the south" suggested Haines.
"Of course"
But why do you think most Of the
congressman and senators will vote
for it,"
The southerner took OF his hat, lean
cd back and gazed across the lobby
thOughtfully.
Seems to me the benefit to the south
and country would be sufficient reason,
Mr.. Haines." he finally replied.
The newspaper mans brain worked
rapidly. Going over the entire con.
versation with Langdon and what he
had seen OF him, he was certain that
the Mississippian believed what he
said-that. moreover. the belief was
deeply rooted. His long newspaper
training had educated Haines in the
ways Of men. their actions and mental
processes - what naturally to expect
from given set Of circumstances He
felt a growing regard. an affection, for
this unassuming old man before him.
who did not know and probably would
be slow to understand the hypocrisy.
the cunning trickery Of lawmakers
who unmake laws.
"Sufhcient reason for you, senator.
Haines added. You have not been In
politics very long. have your" he
queried dryly.
A wry smile wrinkled the Mississip-
plans face.
Been In long enough to learn some
unpleasant things l didn't know be.
fore" lie remembered Martin San
ders.
"Wil you allow me to tell you a
few more" asked IIaines.
l.angdOn inclined his head In &c.
quiescence. Reckon Id better know
the worst and get through with It,"
We'll then. senator. somebody from
Nebraska will vote for what you want
In the way Of the naval base because
he'll think then you'll help him de.
mand money to dredge some muddy
creek that he has an interest in.
Somebody In Pennsylvania Will vote
FOR 1t because he owes grudge and
wants to hurt the Philadelphia ship
people.
You'll get the Democrats because
It's for the south. but II your bill was
for the west coast they might fight II
tooth and nail. even with the japanese
feet cruising dangerously near.
And the Republicans may vote for
It because they see a chance to claim
glory and perhaps break the solid
south in the next presidential cam.
paign. You catch the idea|"
What exclaimed the astounded
LAngdOn.
well, who in hades will vote for II
because it's fer the good Of the United
States" he gasped.
Il believe you will. SENATOR" replied
Hain0s, with ready confidence.