Wallowa County chieftain. [volume] (Enterprise, Or.) 1909-1911, 1909-06-03


they were anxious that Altacoola
should have the naval base regardless
Of the claims or merits of any other
section. That was unusual, puzzling
to Langdon, Moreover, 1t was poor
business. yet there were able business
men In the senate. Not one Of them
would, for instance, think Of buying
site for factory until he had investi-
gated many possible locations and then
selected the most favorable one. Why
was it, he pondered, that the business
of the great United States Of America
was not conducted on business lines?
He must study the whole question in
telligently; that was imperative. He
must have advice, help. To whom was
he to go for it? Stevens? Yes, his old
friend, who knew all ''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 a strong one too. But
Senator Langdon had not yet learned
of the many founts from which polit-
ical strength and political leadership
may be gained,
What he finally decided on was the
engaging of secretary, but he must
be one with knowledge of political op-
erations, 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 a man of the nec-
essary qualifications who was not al
ready employed, but in the meantime
Langdon would watch the playing of
the game himself and make his own
deductions as best he could.
The senator started toward the hotel
desk to ask regarding the whereabouts
of his son Randolph when his atten'
ton was caught by the sight Of three
powerful negro porters endeavoring to
thrust outdoors a threadbare old man
The victims flowing white hair, white
mustache and military bearing receiv'
ed short shrift.
"Come along, colonel! Yo' can't sii
heah all day. Them chairs is for the
guests in the hotel" the head porter
was urging as he jerked the old mar
toward the door.
The Mississippian's fighting blood
was instantly aroused at such treat
ment of a respectable old white maj
by negroes. His lips tightly compress
ed as he hurried to the rescue. Ht
cried sharply.
Take your hands of that gentle
man! What do you mean by touching
friend Of mine"
The negroes stepped back amazed.
"Scuse me, senator. Is this gent'mal
friend Of yours" the head portel
gasped apologetically.
Langdon looked at him.
"You heard what said" he drawlet
In the slow way natural to some mel
of the south when trouble threatens
"I'd like to have you down in Missis
sippi for about ten minutes"
The head porter turned quickly OF
his assistants and drove them away
shouting at the top Of his voice:
"Get about yo' wuk. How dare 20
lntehfere wild friend Of de senator's
I'll teach yo' to be putting yoh nose IL
where 1t amt got no business"
The old man, astonished at the turn
of events, came forward hesitatingll
! to Langdon.
"Im very much obliged to you, sir.
he said. I'm Colonel Stoneman, al
old soldier"
The MIssissippian stretched forth hii
hand.
"My name is Langdon. sir-Senatol
Langdon Of Mississippi. am an ole
soldier too"
"Delighted, senator" exclaimed thu
seedy looking old man, taking the OF
fered baud gratefully.