Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-05-06

selected the most favorable one. Why
was 1t, he pondcrcd, that the business
Of the great United States of America
was not conducted on business lines?
He must study the whole question In
diligently; that was imperative. He
must have advice, help. To whom was
he TO go for It? Stevens? Yes, his old
friend, who knew all 1.-THE ropes" Yet
even Stevens seemed different in Wash
ington than Stevens in Mississippi
Here he played second fiddle" He
was even obsequious, Langdon had OBJ
served, to Peabody. In Mississippi he
was a leader, and n strong one too. But
Senator Langdon had not yet learned
OF the many founts from which polt-
ical strength and political leadership
may be gained.
What he finally decided on was the
engaging Of secretary, but lie must
be one with knowledge Of political op-
crations, one who combined wisdom
with honesty. Such an aid could pre-
vent Langdon from making the many
mistakes that invariably mark the new
man in politics, and he could point out
the most effective modes Of procedure
under given circumstances. 1t might
prove difficult to find man Of the nee
essary qualifications who was not al
ready employed, but in the meantime
Langdon would watch the playing of
the game himseE and make his own
deductions as best he could.
The senator started toward the hotel
desk to ask regarding the whcrea bouts
of his son Randolph when his atten-
ton was caught by the sight Of three
powerful negro portcrs cndcavoring to
! thrust outdoors a threadbarc old man.
The victims flowing white hair, white
mustache and military bearing recciv.
cd short shrift.
Come along. colonel! Yo' can't sit
heah all day. Them chairs is for the
guests in the hotel" the head porter
was urging as he jcrked the old man
toward the door.
The Nlississippian's fighting blood
was instantly aroused Mt such treat
ment of Il respectable old white man
by negroes. His lips tightly compress
cried sharply.
Take your hands of that gentle.
man. What do you mean by touching
4 friend Of mine"
The negroes stepped back amazed.
"Scuse me. senator, Is this gent imam
friend OF yours" the head porter
gasped alphabetically.
Langdon looked at him.
You heard what I said" he drawled
in the slow way-natural to some men
OF the south when trouble threatens.
ard like to have you down in Miss!s.
sippi for about ten minutes
The head porter turned quickly on
his assistants and drove them away,
shouting at the top Of his voice:
Get about yo' wuk. How dare yo'
interfere wild friend of de senator's?
III teach yo' to be putting yoh nose in
where it amt got no business"
The old man. astonlshed at the turn
of events, came forward hesitatingly
to Lansdon.
I'm very much obliged to you. SIR"
he said. I'm Colonel Stoneman, an
old soldier"
The Mississippian stretched forth his
hand.
my name is Langdon. sir-Senator
Langdon Of Mississippi. l am an old
soldier too."S
"Delightcd. senator" exclaimed the
seedy looking old man, taking the Of
fered hand gratefully.
I.angdon's easy method Of making
clapped his new companion on the
back. Everybody he met was the Mis-
slssippinn's friend until he had proved
himself the contrary. That had been
his rule through life.
Come right over. colonel; have a
cigar, SIR" Then. as they lighted
their cigars. he inquired. what army
corps were you with. colonel:'
II was under Grant along the Ten
nessee." replied the old G. A. r. man
Familiarity with senator was
something new for him. and already
he was Strengthening up and becom-
ing more Of man every moment
Langdon was thoroughly interested.
81 was along the Tennessee under
Beauregard." he said.
Great generals. sir! Great gener-
ais" exclaimed Colonel Stoncman.
And great fighting. reckon ech-
| oed the Confederate. You remember
! the battle Of era wfordsville?"
The old Federal smiled with joyous
recollection.
do /? Well. should say did.
Were you there. SENATOR"
"Was there? Why. ! remember
every shot that was fired. was un-
der Kirby. who turned your left wing"
The attitude of the northern soldier
changed instantly. He drew himself
w with cold dignity. Plainly he felt
that he had the honor Of his army to
sustain.
"Our left wing was never turned,
sir" he exclaimed with dignity.
LanGdon stared at him with amaze
ment, This was point Of view the
Confederate had never heard before.
Never turned" he gasped. Don't
tell me that! was there. and. besides.
I've fought this battle on an average
of twice a week ever since '65 down In
Mississippi and in all these years !
never heard such foolish statement"
what rank were you, sir?" asked
the Union soldier haughtly.
| 81 was q CAPTAIN that morning." con-