The Huttig news., 1909-06-05


 the face of the young man opposite him. He wondered why he hadn't taken more particular notice of the cleft chin and the blue-gray eyes. Had he made a mistake9 Was the young fellows honesty greater than his an bition? McDermott returned the la. per without comment.
 ''Is that proof enough?" Neweol ,b asked, bit of raillery in his tones
 You should have told me of u is long ago"
 'I hadn't the remotest idea that Murphy's name would turn up. Yw can very well understand that I canT ot consider this mans name as an .p pointee."
 "Why hasn't it been turned over Q the district attorney?"
 "'rhe plaintiff is a patient man. He left 1t to me. It is a good sword, and may have to hold it over Mr. Murrhy's neck"
 McDermott smiled
 The Democratic party in this conn ty needs strong tonic in the nature of clean bill. I want my appointees men of high standing; want them honest; l want them not for what they have done, but what they may do.'
 McDermott smiled again '1 have made a mistake in not coming to you earlier. There is great future for man of your kidney, Newcomb. You have genuine talent for politics You possess something that only dozen men in hundred thousand possess, tone. Words are empty things unless they are backed by tone Tone holds the auditor, convinces him, directs him if by chance he is wavering. You are born orator. Miller retfres from congress next year. His usefulness in Washington has passed. How would you like to succeed him?''
 Insidious honeyi Newcomb looked out of the window. Washington: A seat among the Seats of the Mighty! torchlight procession was passing through the street below, and the noise of the fife and drum rose The worlds applause; the beating of hands. the yells of triumph, the iauda- tion of the press-the world holds no greater thrill than this. Art and liter. ature stand pale beside 1t. But 8 worm gnawed at the heart of this rose canker ate into the laurel. Newcomh turned. He was by no means guile. less.
 When l accepted this nomination, did so because I believed that the party was in danger, and that, if elect ed. l might benefit the people. have remained silent; I have spoken but lit tie of my plans; I have made few promises. MT. McDermott, I am de termined, first and foremost to be mayor In all the meaning of the word I refuse to be fgurehead. I have crossed out Murphy's name because he Is a dishonest citizen. Yes, I am ambitious but I would ferego Wash ington rather than reach 1t by shak- ing Murphy's hand" The blood of the old war-governor tingled in his veins at that moment.
 Tt must be replaced quietly. 'In face of that document?"
 "In spite of it.
 q refuse."
 Listen to reason, my boy you are young. and you have to learn that in politics there's always bitter pill with the sweet To elect you have given my word to Murphy that he shall have the office
 You may send Mir Murphy to me-" said Newcomb curtly 'I'll take all the blame
 This Is final?s
 'It is. And I am surprised that you should request this of me-
 "He will defeat you"
 "So be it.
 McDermott was exceedingly angry, but he could not help admiring the young mans resoluteness and direct honesty
 You are making a fatal mistake. shall make an enemy of the man. and I shall not be able to help you. have great deal at stake. If we lose the eighth. we lose everything, and for years to come. ''
 Perhaps One dishonest step leads to another, and if I should sanction this man. I should not hesitate at greater dishonesty. My honesty is my bread and butter and my con science
 Corporations have no souls; poli- tics has no conscience. Will Hard
 My name is Newcomb," abruptly "In matter of this kind I cannot per init myself to be subjected to com parisons. You brought about my pres ent position in municipal affairs"
 "We had need of you. and still need you confessed the other reluctantly. "The party needs new blood"
 You are a clever man. MT McDer- mott; you are leader; let me appeal to your better judgment. Murphy is a blackguard, and he would be in any party in any country In forcing him on me. you rob me of my self-respect." McDermott shrugged Tn this case he Is a necessary evil. The success of