The Sauk Centre herald., 1909-05-13

"Why Hasn't II Been Turned Over to
the District Attorney"
'The plaintiff is a patient man. He
left it to me. 1t is good sword, and
may have to hold it over Mr.. Murphy's
neck"
McDermott smiled.
'The Democratic party in this coun-
ty needs a strong tonic in the nature
Of . clean bill. I want my appointees
men of high standing; I want them
honest; want them not for what they
have done, but what they may do"
McDermott smiled again. Il have
made mistake in not coming to you
earlier. There is a great future for
man Of your kidney, Newcomb. You
have a genuine talent for politics. You
possess something that only dozen
men in hundred thousand possess, q
tone. Words are empty things unless
they are backed by tone. Tone holds
the auditor, convinces him, directs
him II by chance he is wavering. You
are born orator. Miller retires from
congress next year. His usefulness in
Washington has passed. How would
you like to succeed him"
Insidious honey! Newcomb looked
out Of the window. Washington! A
seat among the Seats of the Mighty!
A torchlight procession was passing
through the street below, and the
noise Of the fife and drum rose. The
worlds applause; the beating of
hands, the yells of triumph, the lauda-
tion Of the press-the world holds no
greater thrill than this. Art and liter
ature stand pale beside 1t. But
worm gnawed at the heart of this rose,
turned. He was by no means guile
less.
When l accepted this nomination,
I did SO because / believed that the
party was in danger, and that, if elect
ed, might benefit the people. have
remained silent; have spoken but lit
tie of my plans; / have made few
promises. Mr.. McDermott, l am de-
termined, first and foremost, to be
mayor in all the meaning of the word.
I refuse to be figurehead. l have
crossed out Murphy's name because
he is dishonest citizen. Yes, I am
ambitious; but / would forego Wash
ington rather than reach it by shak-
ing Murphy's hand" The blood of the
old war-governor tingled in his veins
at that moment
ut must be replaced" quietly.
: "In face of that document?'
"In spite of it,
Il refuse!"
Listen to reason, my boy; you are
young, and you have to learn that in
politics there's always a bitter pill
with the sweet. To elect you have
given my word to Murphy that he
shall have the Office"
You may send Mr. Murphy to me-"
said Newcomb curtly. I'LL take all
the blame"
This is final?"
1T is. And l am surprised that you
should request this of me-"
He will defeat you"
so be it,
McDermott was exceedingly angry,
but he could not help admiring the
young mans resoluteness and direct
honesty.
You are making fatal mistake. l
shall make an enemy of the man, and
l shall not be able to help you.
have q great deal at stake. II we
lose the eighth, We lose everything,
and for years to come"
perhaps. One dishonest step leads
to another, and If / should sanction
this man, 1 should not hesitate at
greater dishonesty. My honesty is my
bread and butter and my con-
science"
Corporations have no souls; poll
tics has no conscience. VIII
my name is Newcomb,' abruptly
"In matter of this kind 1 cannot per-
NIT myself to be subjected to COM
parsons. You brought about my pres
ent position in municipal affairs"
1--WE had need of you, and still need
you," confessed the other reluctantly.
"The party needs new blood" t
"You are a clever man, Mr.. McDer-
mott; you are leader; let me appeal
to your better judgment. Murphy is
q blackguard, and he would be in any
party, in any country. In forcing him
on me, you rob me Of my self-respect."
McDermott shrugged. I'm this case
he is a necessary evil. The success Of