Putnam patriot., 1909-05-07

1OTLU0 the presiding officers eve
 T ask unanimous consent to effes a resolution"
 Hearing no objection he continued in i manner that instantly attracted un. usual attention.
 1t is my unpleasant dnty"-Peaeody and stevens e<ehaaged g,anees-"to place matter before this body that to me. as memher of this honora bic hodv. Is not only distasteful but deep lv to be regretted.
 There has arisen ground te suspect a member of this body of having en. deavored 10 make money at the gov ernment's expense out of land whieh he is alleged to have desired his own committee to choose as the naval base
 "f therefore offer this resolution pro- viding for the appointment of an in- ,estigating committee te look into these charges
 Iansaion was intensely excited over this new development. some one has learned something about Peabody or Stevens" he muttered He feared that this new complication might in some way affect the fate of tue naval base-that the south. and Mississippi, might lose 1t. He rose slowly in his seat, while the senate hummed with the murmur of suppressed voices.
 '.I ask for more definite inferma- tion." he began when recognized and after the president of the senate had pounded with the gavel to restore quiet. ..so that this house can consider this important matter more intelligent ly.e
 Senator Horton rose. He said:
 "l will take the liberty of adding that the senator accused is none other than the junior senator from Missis sippi."
 Langdon's eyes blazed. He strode swiftly into the aisle.
 ~Mr President" he cried passion ateiy. T know this is not the time or place for discussion like this, but ask that senatorial courtesy permit me to ask"-then he concluded strongly before he could be stopped-"what is the evidence in support of this pre- posterous charger
 This is Ill out of order,' said the presiding officer after pause, but in view of the circumstances l will entertain motion to suspend the rules
 This motion passing. Horton replied to Langdon.
 .Your name Is signed to contract with J. D. Teller. mayor of Gulf City, Miss. calling for 5000 shares in the Gulf City Land company, and'-
 "A lie. a lle. screamed Langdon.
 'sThat official" went on Horton cool. ly. "is now in Washington. He has the contract and will swear to con yersations with you and your secre- tary. His testimony will be corrobo- rated by no less a parsonage than Con- gressman Norton of your own district, who says you asked him to conduct part of the negotiations.
 And 1 might add." cried Horton, "that il is known to more than one member of this honorable body that you had drawn up minority report in favor of Gulf City because of your anger at the defeat of your plan to take the naval base away from Alta. eoola.
 Langdon sank into his chair. be- wildered, even stunned. There WIS a conspiracy against him. but how could he prove It? The ground seemed crum. bling from under him-not even a straw to grasp. Then the old fighting blood that carried him along in Beau regards van tugged at the valves of his heart, revived his spirit. ran through his veins He leaped to his feet.
 A sound as of scuffie-a body fall ing heavily-drew all eyes from Lang don to the rear of the main aisle. An assistant sergeant at arms was lying face downward on the carpet. Anoth- CT was valniy trying to hold back Bud Haines. who. tearing himself free, rushed down to his chief waving q sheet of paper in the senator's eyes.
 Read that gasped the secretary breathlessly, and he hurried away up . side passageway and out to reach the stairs leading to the press gallery.
 Langdon spread the paper before him with difficulty with his trembling hands. Slowly his whirling brain gave him the ability to read. Slowly what appeared to him as jumbled nothing resolved into orderly lines and words.