The Irish standard., 1910-10-29

| for silence. Gormly assisted him in
/ quelling the tumult- The mayor
stepped to the extreme edge of the
portico; but before he could begin his
speech. the same burly voiced man who
had been such useful adjunct TO
Gormly interrupted him.
We don't want to hear any speech
from you tonight. Mr.. Gormly," he
roared, his great voice compelling at
tention, and as he spoke he sprang up
on the steps Of the automobile and
faced the crowd, I'VE want you to ask
the mayor Of this city II he's going to
sign the bill granting the franchise
But before you do that we want you
to tell him what we citizens of New
York think Of the proposition"
Through the crowd at this moment
came charging platoon OF police at
the head Of which was the chief HIM
self. The men handling their sticks
shouldered their way roughly through
the people groanlng. raging, swearing,
about them. Cornell laid his hand on
the speaker and sought to drag him
from the automobile. The man struck
back violently: clubs flashed in the
air. The multitude in another instant
would have been a mob. Gormly it
was who came again to the rescue.
These" he promptly interposed.
raising his voice. ARE peaceable citi-
zens discussing a great public ques-
ton. I appeal to you as mayor OF
this city to call Off the police. Take
your hand of that mans collar, Con-
NELL, he shouted, "or by the living
God III turn this mob upon you and
there won't be rag left of you and
your bluecoats!"
He stepped down to the body of the
car as he spoke; and before the chief
realized what he was about he seized
MIN by the collar and threw him back
ward. 1t was magnificent exhibition
of strength and nerve and courage.
Call them Off," he shouted to the
mayor "or ! won't be answerable for
the consequences"
AS soon as he stopped, the roar of
the mob began. Some were there who
thought they had never heard "A sound
80 terrible and SO menacing. The
mayor not without good sense, came
to the rescue.
$50 long" he said in his powerful,
finely modulated voice, as these peo-
pie do nothing. they shall not be inter-
fered with. March your officers up
here to the steps OF the city hall,
chief" he cried.
There was nothing for Cornell but
obedience. shaking his baton fierce
ly at Gormly, he gave an order to his
men, and, followed by the curses and
groans of the multitude, they marched
up the steps Of the city hall and
grouped themselves about the mayor
II want to tell you." cried Gormly,
mounting to the seat again and now
thoroughly aroused, his voice ringing
like a trumpet that you have no
need of police protection in the pres
snce Of the people of New York"
Let me speak," said the mayor.
mol" Numbered the crowd. I'VE
don't want to hear you speak,"
Mr.. Mayor" said Gormly. these
people want to express an opinion to
in favor of indorsing the action OF
the council in granting the franchise
to the Gotham Freight Traction com
pany will say aye"
Every hencllman, every follower,
every ally. every official present, cried,
"Aye!"
1t made brave showing until tho
negative was put, when such a roar
of disapproval arose that It was like
the breath of the gods and fairly
shook the ancient stones OF the hall.
Now. sir said Gormly. you see
what our masters the people think.
They wish me to put to you ques-
ton. II such measure comes be-
fore you, will you veto it or will you
not?"
The mayor was IN dilemma, a
fearful one. Ike was quick enough to
see that his whole political future,
the future of his party, practically de-
pended upon his action If he did not
declare his purpose to veto the bill he
and his party were doomed. II he
took some other course. they would
still have fighting chance. The
mayor rose to the occasion.
Gentlemen" he said my action
shall be dictated by yourselves"
Answer! Answer! No speech"
roared the crowd.
Every man is entitled to his
chance said Gormly. "and beg you
to hear"
II will pledge you my word" con
tinued the mayor, that so far as
have power the issuance OF this fran
chise shall be determined by the cleo
ton. If l am so fortunate as to re-
ceive a majority, I shall take it as a
sign that you indorse the policy which
with an eye single to the public inter
est, believes that 1t demands the
granting OF this franchise to the
Gotham Freight Traction company
which has already served you so we'll
n on the contrary, my distinguished
opponent shall prevail. the matter will
be left for his determination
You won't sign the bill If It. comes