Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1909-03-11

particle.
But how about these afidayits-sworn
statements before a notary? How are
you going to explain them away3',
One after another Of the returned spen-
Ger delegates everred that the signatures
were OF men having no standing in their
communities, who could be hired to sign
anything for q dollar. Annis merely
shrugged his shoulders.
Il anticipated that kind of talk. Here.
gentlemen, look at these. You'll find
the credibility Of every witness sustained
by at least three other witnesses to his
veracity." He produced another big
handful OF sfidavits.
The Spencer men stood dumbfounded
and Annis smiled serenely. 1t was ap-
parent they had been tricked.
The committee asked for closed doors
to prepare its report.
The story Of the hearing leaped from
mouth to mouth. One side denounced
phi" Annis as q trickster seeking 10
subvert the will of the party as fairly ex-
pressed. The other faction exchanged
winks.
hollin Spencer, new and unlettered in
such wiles as were here revealed, felt the
ground slipping under him. Should he
send bis delegates into the convention
and meet anticipated defeat, accom-
plished by such means, or should he di-
rect them not to enter7 They came to
him in droves for orders. They stormed
furiously and declared they would never
own allegiance to Prentiss Granger, il
nominated i'm such a way.
But "Php Annis had not yet shown
the measure Of bis astuteness. Not only
did he intend to nominate Granger. but
to elect him, as we'll, and that without q
bolt in the party. He craved an imme-
date audience with the committee still
considering the contests. It was grant
ed.
"Gentlemen, l have q proposition to
make. assume that you will seat the
contesting delegations in view OF the pre-
ponderance Of evidence. / don't want to
be, or seem to be, unfair. II the Spencer
people are satisfied, and it will relieve you
any from an embarrassing situation,
propose that we divide the contested
seats between us, each side taking half. "
The committee quickly caught up the
suggestion and sent for two or three OF
the Spencer leaders, who presented the
case to their chief at once.
"I'll have no part in it," said Rollin,
decidedly. 81 will not compromise with
the rascal that way. Don't you see his
purpose7
''But, Spencer, we can win with hall
those votes Concede something to
US who have fought hard for you. Wen
pull you through yet II you'u leave it
with u.s."
Rollin hesitated. He hated to yield,
but on the other hand here were men in
sisting who had done battle nobly for
him. He had no wish to offend them by
obstinacy. After moments thought he
said,
"Well, boys, can't consent to this, for
it has bad look and puts us in a false
position. However, / yield my objec-
lions to your solicitation and will leave
the matter in your hands.
So il happened that seven towns in the
convention had double representation,
half Granger and half Spencer, each dele
gate casting half q vote. And it further
happened that when "Phi" Annis went
upstairs to take bracer from his private
flask before going to the convention hall
he slapped the Hon. Prentiss Granger on
the back and said, "Old chap, get ready
to fire OF that speech you've been practis-
in. You're goin' in-by the skin Of
your teeth"