Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1909-02-12
IL ! KKOI~KAo ~ w ISG ~
NOvelized from che play by Frederick r. ToOmbs

Langdon nodded ~approvingly, then a
twinkle shone in his eyes.
I'VE don't believe in parties In Mis-
sissippi," he drawled. "We've only
one-the Democratic ~party-and q few
kickers."
Haines grinned broadly at this de-
scription of southern politics.
"What was this you were saying
about national politics?" continued the
Mississippian. Pm a beginner, you
know, and I'm always ready to learn"
This is a new thing-a reporter
teaching a senator politics." laughed
Haines.
Senator Langdon Joined in the merri-
ment.
81 reckon reporters could teach Unit
ed States senators lots OF Fittings, Mr..
Haines, If the senators had sense
enough to go to school. Now, I come
up here on a platform the chief prin-
ciple of which is the naval base for
the gulf. Now, how are we going to
put that through? My state wants It."
you're probably sure it will be a
wonderful thing for the country and
the SOUTH" suggested Haines.
"Of course"
"But why do you think most of the
congressman and senators will vote
for it?'
The southerner took off his hat, lean
ed back and gazed across the lobby
thoughtfully.
Seems to me the benefit to the south
and country would be sufficient reason,
Mr.. Haines." he finally replied.
The newspaper mans brain worked
rapidly. Going over the entire con-
~versation with Langdon and what he
had seen of him, he was certain that
the Mississippian believed what he
said-that. moreover, the belief was
deeply rooted. His long newspaper
training had educated Haines in the
ways of men, their actions and mental
processes what naturally to expect
from a given set Of circumstances He
felt a growing regard, an affection, for
this unassuming old man before him.
who did not know and probably would
be slow to understand the hypocrisy.
the cunning trickery of lawmakers
who unmake laws.
Sufficient reason for you. senator"
Haines added. "You have not been In
politics very long. have your he
queried dryly.
A wry smile wrinkled the MISSISSIPPI
plans face.
'Been III long enough to learn some
unpleasant things l didn't know be-
Afore. SAM
ders.
"Will you allow me to tell you a
few more?" asked Haines.
Langdon inclined his head In ac-
quiescence. Reckon I'd better know
the worst and get through with It,"
"Well, then, senator, somebody from
Nebraska will vote for what you want
in the way of the naval base because
he'll think then you'll help him de-
mand money to dredge some muddy
creek that he has an interest in.
~"Somebody in Pennsylvania will vote
for it because he owes a grudge and
wants to hurt the Philadelphia ship
people.
aYou'Il get the Democrats because
it's for the south, but If your bill was
for the west coast they might fight it
tooth and nail, even with the Japanese
fleet cruising dangerously near.
"And the Republicans may vote for
it because they see a chance to claim
glory and perhaps break the solid
south in the next presidential CAM
paign. You catch the idea?"
"Whatr' exclaimed the astounded
Langdon.
"Well, who in hades will vote for 1t
because it's for the good of the United
States?" he gasped.
81 believe you will. senator" replied
Haines, with ready confidence.