The new era., 1910-04-21

struggle in his native spot and to go back to
Texas. Before leaving Wathal he made vow
that he would never enter the village again until
he could return to his neighbors United States
senator.
That year in Texas was hard one. Gore
threw himself into politics with passionate en-
ergy. He delegate to the Populist conven
ton at ST. Louis which nominated Mr.. Bryan and
seconded the nomination. In December, 1896, he
and his brother opened law office. 1t was
fierce struggle with the world. His father. moth
er and brother lived with him. Sometimes they
without single dollar.
In April, 1899, Cores fortunes had sunk so
low that he appeared in the street with frayed
clothing. broken shoes and visage white with
deprivation. One day 1t seemed as though he had
come face to face with actual starvation, when an
old negro woman paid 50 which she owed him
and that saved the situation.
When Mr.. Bryan nominated Kansas
City in 1900 Gore found his way to the crowd that
crat
1t might help him his way to the senate
II he could make speeches in the neighborhood
of national convention.
Hurryng to South Dakota-he had only 81
left when he got therefore went to the state
convention and secured an engagement to speak
in the state during the presidential campaign. In
this way he picked up $1,000. Then he went back
to Texas and married beautiful girl. 1T was
love at first sight" he said. laughngly.
After the presidential campaign was over
Cores 81 900. earned in the South Dakota tour,
soon melted away, and little money came In to
take its place. In 1901 things went SO badly with
him and his senatorial prospects seemed SO dim,
that when an advertisement Of an auction of land
lots in the newly opened Kiowa Comanche and
Apache reservation in Oklahoma appeared in the
newspapers he decided to leave Texas and pur-
sue his great ambition in the country
AS first step the elder Gore now white
haired man. went to Oklahoma and became
notary public in the hope of earning fees from
the land-crazy crowds. In July. 1901, the blind
lawyer and his brother went to the new land.
driving 45 miles in wagon to Fort Sill. Here
Gore lived in tent with his father and brother
in the midst of an excited crowd. His father sat
inside a notary, while he, attred in an alpaca
coat, colored shirt and slouch hat, walked up and
down before the tent. waving his hand and shout
ing, Here's where you get your papers out!
Here's the right place to get your land papers!"
In the daytime he entreated the crowd at night
he slept on the ground
Failing to draw land claim. the Cores moved
out four miles to Lawton. encampment the
open prairie Here $4,000 persons were living in
tents where the wild bluestem grass waist
high. 1t was Babylon of gamblers faRirs farm
ers and business men, all waiting for the open
ing of the land on August G. There were grocery
and hardware stores in tents; gambling tables
and shows in tents; churches and saloons in
tents. Even newspapers were printed in tents.
Poor men. rich men, preachers thieves were
mixed up in that picturesque. dramatic hurly-
burly of mules, wagons, women and children. Men
killed. children were born robberies were
committed
Three days after the lots sold and while
Lawton still tented camp, there
other political mass meeting. this time in the big
tent of Dick Russell. saloon keeper. Gore was
there and offered resolution favoring the ad
mission of Oklahoma and Indian territory to the
Union single state.
A few days later and the men of Lawton or.
ganized citizens committee to get a charter
and organize city government. OF course Gore
there and of course he the committee
Then commercial club was organized by the
tent dwellers and Gore was the committee to
draft bylaws. He missed opportunity that
might lead to the senate.
Presently he bought small lot for s155 and
started to build cottage through the help of a
building and loan agency. When his wife reached