Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-08-13

made. And few would have had suf-
ficient moral courage to do it. The
election, Of course, rested absolutely
in your hands. When you decided
that the troops should not be used to
intimidate our voters at the polls,
when you named a non-partisan re-
turning board and declared that every
vote honestly cast should be honest
ly counted, you elected your political
opponent and deliberately defeated
yourself. No general upon the field
of battle ever won greater victory"
The Carpetbagger made no reply.
He gazed fixedly out Of the window,
though he saw nothing there.
Major Reynolds" she went on,
ALREADY is elected. There can be no
question on that point. The ballot
ing will be merely the ratification Of
result already kown. Governor, l
am anxious that the case against Old
Mr.. Reynolds should be settled while
you still remain in office. You can
readily understand why, I am sure
Yes, Mrs. Fairburn," quietly re-
piled the Governor, II think do.
The legal vindication Of Old Mr.. Rey-
nolds at this time would remove a
stain, however undeserved, from the
name of my successor. My detectives
already have instructions to do every
thing in their power to clear this
matter up at once. I am more than
willing to do this; I want to do 1t.
You may rest assured that I shall do
everything l can for Major Reynolds,
for l know that what 1 do for him 1
do for you"
The widow started slightly and a
faint suggestion Of blush glowed
upon her cheeks.
I-I-am afraid I don't quite un-
derstand you," she said.
The Governor faced her squarely.
"Oh, yes you do" he responded firm
ly. Il know that the election of Ma
jor Reynolds will bring him a far
greater honor than the governorship
of this state. l understand that; and
it's all right"
1t was now Mrs. Fairburn's turn to
remain silent. She nervously finger
ed some letters upon the desk before
her. but made no attempt to speak.
Mrs. Fairburn," continued the Car
petbagger, after an awkward pause,
though this is not the last time, I
hope, that 1 shall see you, it may be
the last opportunity 1 shall have to
say something to you that I must say
before I go back to Chicago. Through
out the city, even now, you will meet
little bands of marchers celebrating
the election of Major Reynolds in ad-
vance of the returns You will hear
them shout for home rule and hon
esty in elections and you will hear
them hoot at the Carpetbag regime.
There speaks Mississippi. And want
you to know that If the state is bene-
fitted by my overthrow, she Is your
debtor to that extent, for you did it"
mo, no." hastily interposed the
widow. You must not say that"
"Why not? It's the truth; and
want you to know it. During all the
weary months l have been here only
one woman in the whole state or
Mississippi has ever spoken to me In
kindness-just one. Only one has
ever held out to me any incentive to
do better, any thought Of RESPONSE
bility or any hope for the future. This
is your work Madam. The credit for
it is yours, not mine.
He arose and strobe moodily up
Suddenly he stopped before her. do
you see that face upon the wall?" he
demanded, pointing to an old oil por-
trait of Andrew Jackson. DO you
know the platform upon which he
stood? He was Southerner; do you
know what he taught us of the
North? To the victors,' he said, be-
long the spoils.' That was his polit-
ical creed; when 1 came here, 1 made
it mine, and for me 'spoils' meant
'plunder' Don't tell me that this
was wrong. l know it now. But I
didn't know ii then and 1 might new
er have known it at all but for you"
Mrs. Fairburn evidently was moved.
Il can't let you talk like that" she
said. you are the one who deserves
all credit for what has been done and
this is particularly true because l
know you have been actuated by no
thought of yourself, no hope of re-
ward"
mo: you're wrong" interposed
the Governor. "All our acts, think,
a e based on selfishness. I have hop
ID for a reward, Mrs. Fairburn.
want your esteem"
Esteem is no just reward, Gov