The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-08-01

he must have an impressive figure for head of the
ticket, if possible with some reform faint but
not enough to hurt as, for instance, Charley
Belshaw. A story is related of Sir Horace Punkett,
the Irish statesman, about a fast horse that flung
him far into the next field over his first fence.
Having calmly reviewed the cause and effect of it,
he insisted on much faster horse explaining, If
this animal had not been so slow I couldn't have
moved suddenly ahead of him; I must have
horse that can arrive under me at the far side OF
fence
That is what happened to Curry. He has got
ahead of his horses and thinks he wants something
faster .Whoal
Frank Jordan is another good fellow who
invites the surages OF his fellow citizens for state
Office He would not for the world poach on Char
ley Curry's preserve, for he is gifted with fine
sense Of political etiquette, but he would like to
take a iease~of Curry's abandoned farm Frank Jor-
dan has been in more crooked political deals-not
as principal any man living in California AS
secretary to the late Henry Vrooman he could
tale unfold that would harrow up the
sidewalk spellbnder and for him conversation is an
article OF commerce; He touched his highest point
on that historic day when he broke Mr. Hcrrin's
slate. It was in the Sacramento convention that
nominated Gage, | think, for governor AT any
rate Jordan was outside the breastworks that year.
but he wanted to be clerk of the supreme court
The nomination came late in the afternoon of
sizzling day and the delegates were weary of being
ordered around by the boss. Having taken pro-
gram all the way down the slate they were ready
for frolc at the tail end and Jordan caught
their fancy.
When Jordan was county clerk OF Alameda I
met a man one day who complained OF the diff
Guilty he had in collecting debt that Jordan owed
him asked him if he had gone after his money.
Did try to collect it did T.. he came back
with Indignation. Last week went down to his
office and he called me into his private room Sit
down, he said warmly, shaking me by both hands
Sit down and make yourself at home. Put your
-fcct on the desk Take a cigar. That money
Why, of course, you ought to have it. was think
ing of you Wednesday, OF course you ought to
have your money After while he said, Let's go
TO lunch and we went out to Barnums Frank
ordered Tony around as if he owned the whole
place. Oh, yes, we had fine lunch, wine and
cigars and all that, but money. Who paid for
the lunch Why, paid for it, of course Never
again!'
Thought of him o Wednesday! That was
genius. OF. course, it was only temporary embar-
rassnlent. Jordan pays his debts, although not
perhaps with enthusiasm. AS an example of the
face to face jolly it could not have been outdone
by my imperfecty lamented friend, Soapy Smith,
who died in his boots at Skagway in the full flush
and bloom of his persuasive powers.
We have all seen Rip Van Winkle He is not
quite respectable, but we like him. Do you remen-
Der the time when honest Professor Lennon.
simple minded botanist, was found secluded at
Frank Jordans ranch in the Sierra? The professor
was an announcement member of the Oakland city
council, and his absence at critical period was