Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1909-02-12

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, it was poor
business, yet there were able business
men In the senate. Not n of them
would, for instance, think of buying q
site for a 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
diligently; that was imperative. he
must have advice, help. To whom was
: he 10 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 a secretary, but he must
be one with knowledge of political OPP
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 mar of the nee
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 enaeavoring to
thrust outdoors a t~hreadbare old man.
The victims flowing white hair, white
mustache and military bearing receiv-
ed 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 jerked the old man
toward the door.
The Mississippian's fighting blood
was instantly aroused at such treat
ment Of a respectable old white man
by negroes. His lips tightly compress
ed as he hurried to the rescue. He
cried sharply.
"Take your hands off that gentle
man! What do you mean by touching
a friend of mine"
The negroes stepped back amazed.
"Scuse me, senator. Is this gent'man
a friend of yours" the head porter
gasped alphabetically.
Langdon looked at him.
"You heard what l said" he drawled
in the slow way natural to ONE men
Of the south when trouble threatens.
"Id like to have you down In Missis-
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 a friend of de senator's?
I'll teach yo' to be putting yoh nose in
where it amt got no business"
The old man, astonished at the turn
of events, came forward hesitatingly
to Langdon.
'I'm very much obliged to you, sir"
he said. 'I'm Colonel Stoneman, an
old soldier"
The Mississippian stretched forth his
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