Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1910-11-11

ton o. my own We are discussing
the issues and preparing to hold
meetings and send out speakers all
over the city"
who's managing the amer
'ope Of my assistant meyers IN
the store M. Watson"
whats he kpow about noliticsg"
His experience compared with
your own he's been little. but on dif-
teTsnt lines. He is learning rapidly,
however. and | think before you get
through, you will and aim worthy
Of even your own steel, Mr. Benson"
That's all very we'll" said the boss.
greatly taken aback over the situa-
ton. 1T does seem as If somebody's
got head on his shoulders around
here
1t might be concluded that had
myself" said Gormly genially; but
we'll PASS that by"
But in spite OF all these things,
you'll be beaten as sure as fate, ! tell
you, you've got to fight the devil with
fire. OF course, while | agree with
these gentlemen here that purity in
politics, which has been called an
iridescent dream, whatever that
means. is to be desired. aud ii we
could win without money and without
resortin' TO the lodges that have made
the party In power infamous, we'd be
glad OF it.
But as it is, 1t can't be done Now.
every man is supposed to be in poll
tics for what there is in it, What
you're in 1t for, we don't quite know,
but admitting that you're more or less
disinterested. so are we. Amt that
so, gentlemen"
Certainly. certainly, to be sure"
And therefore we offer you our as
sistance."
Il accept your offer, as | cannot per-
nit myself to be allied with any POI
litical party. or to be known specifical-
ly as the nominee of that party"
mfr. Gormly," said Benson after a
long pause. what's to prevent us from
nominatin' you anyway. and maxim
you the nominee Of our party"
Nothing that | know Of can pre-
vent your doing such a thing; but
nothing can force me to accept your
nomination.
"But Mr., Gormly--" began the
banker
MIR. Poole, excuse me: it is quite
useless to talk to me any more on
this line. My mind is made up, and
nothing you can say. or anyone can
say, will change it."
MIR. Gormly," said Benson, rising,
contempt and resentment striving for
the mastery of his voice, lin some
ways you're a mighty smart man.
You have begun this movement brill
liantly, but the position you're takin'
now makes me regard you as, you'll
forgive the language, a damned fool"
mfr. Benson" said Gormly, thank
you for your compliment. Your opin-
ion does me honor, at least the last
part of it. Let me say that l have
been considered by politicians of your
stamp as damned fools who have done
the good work of the world Mr.
Poole, Mr.. Fitchett, wish you good
afternoon"
The disguised delegation tramped
out. The three men had to run the
gauntlet of reporters outside the bust
ness Office. They communicated
nothing whatsoever Of the results OF
their interview to these assiduous
young men.
Gormly. however, was more amen
able to their appeals for an interview.
One resolution Gormly had taken; to
give the people the fullest informa-
ton all the time about what he pro
posed. He was willing to discuss any
public question at any time with any
one, and he had no objections to his
opinions being quoted.
Gentlemen" said Gormly to the
group of newspaper men, "as has al
ready appeared in the press of the
city, these gentlemen who have just
left came to offer me the nomination
of the minority party for the office for
which ! have proposed myself.
thanked them for the honor that they