The Washington times., 1910-11-09

Now. when a very little boy gets his
politics and his Sunday school lesson
mixed. it's funny; and l. makes a bet
ter election story than a. which
grown folks can fabTicate, and then tell
with perfectly straight faces, as if it
really and truly happened.
William Buckingham Olmstead, known
TO his small comrades on the Mt. Pleas
ant playground, where he spends most
Of his rollicling Young days. as '9Biny,"
is the hero Of the best election story
going the rOunds-so his proud father
thinks. Secretary James r. West thinks
It is a fine story, because the proud
father dropped in to tell It to him to-
day, and incidentally handed lin a
crisp s. bill for the playground fund.
You see If everybody whose little boy
or little girl is made happy by tIe nlay-
grounds were 10 contribute five dollars.
or even one dollar. to the fund. nc one
need lie awake at night wondering how
the Fairgrounds are to be kept open
foc the thousands OF ehnSren who need
them 50.
Election Worried Him.
But the story O. which William Buck
ingham Olmstead is the hsgO-It hap
pened this morning at the breakfast
table, when Billy, apparently absorbed
in his oatmeal and cream, was really
trying to figure out Just what effect all
this excitement about elections was go
ing 10 have on what he considers the
one vital public issue OF the day, the
playground question.
l.
tween two generous mOuthfuls Of Oat-
meal
But his father was absorbed in the
morning paper. and being e good Re
publican, was saying things softly Il
der his braeth.
'Sav. favver." persisted Billie. beating
tattoo on the tableclcth with his
yes. son. came the distracted an
Swer
who got elected, the 'Publicans or
the Sinners" inquired Billie. with
shake his two chubby fists IN The face
Of his big brother, who gave a Sort Of
war whOoD when he heard the question.
The SINNERS" Elected.
THE Sinners got elected. my son,
meaning the Democrats was the SOL
emn answer given him BY lis father.
while the family insulted Blly's intelli-
gence with shrieEs Of laughter.
Then they amt a-goin' 70 give M.
West anv money, so as we can play on
the Fairgrounds next YEAR" announced
Billy, dejectedly, and with deep convic-
ton.
The knowledge OF what dreadful peo-
pie sinners are had been impressed on
him by his mother and Sunday school
teacher since his earliest days OF re-
spCnsibility. And with sinners running
everything, how was there any hope
for the children and the Fairgrounds,
and all other righteous ceuses2
7 tell YOU, SIR said the proud father
10 Secretary West, lit was Just too
good TO keep Nv wife said. William,
10 right by Mr. Vests Offices, tell him
how bright Billy IS, and give him $ for
the Fairgrounds.
Which Mr.. West agreed was an excel
lent idea, q most excellent idea.
And unless other parents call upon o.
write the secretary Of the Playground
Association by Saturday. Billy is not
the only small boy whose cup Of sOr-
row VIII be filled TO OverfiowinE next
week.
May Close on Saturday.
For II the half Of the 5000 needed in
order 10 keep the Fairgrounds open IS
not forthcoming by Saturday, when
the executive committee meets, the
gates viii be closed on that day. They
kill close upon some 5000 OF more boys
and girls, eager for the games and
Tomps and laughter which are theirs 50
long as play places are provided for
them They viii shut out from the
happy Kingdom Of childhood a whole
host Of little ones whose right il is TO
play.
SO think it over, and send your
money 70 Secretary West. II q dollar