The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1910-12-26

Header who was always ready and
able to thrash any recalcitrant. AS
boss of the most populous ward in
the city he was consulted by his
party leaders and came to have a
decided voice in municipal affairs
at large. This in turn helped him
in the management of his ward.
A choice handful of payroll plums
was turned over to him, and with
these he reinforced his organiza-
ton. 1t was popularity believed
that Haggin was physically and
politically invincible.
Hence the amazement which
greeted the news that Bob Nc
Adoo had inaugurated a fight
against the "old man" When
Haggin heard of it, he laughed.
Jaw, hell! what can that kid
do?" he grunted disdainfully.
Fortunately for Bob, his fight
was cast among people who took
their politics as they took their
whisky; straight. During cam
lpaign time they ate, drank, moved
and dreamed in an atmosphere
charged with political electricity.
And they loved a fight, with all
the sturdy, brave, pugnacious
Isouls of them. Moreover, the
odds were against him. Now the
average American-especially the
| Observation-Disclosures fair play
and has a sneaking admiration for
the under dog. Then Bob already
had a certain personal following
which nucleus he began systemat-
lically to augment.
There were in this campaign no
great mass meeting, no resound-
ing oratory, no gorgeous process
lsions with transparencies and
banners. Haggin was too old a
hand at the game not to know the
worthlessness of these features in
his community, and Bob had no
taste for such 'grandstand plays"
But there were gatherings in sun
Idry upper and rear rooms, where
the cup passed unrestrictedly and
the proceedings developed into
Ibacchanalian orgies that would
have done cerdit to the ancients.
And what money Bob could scrape
together was turned over to the
Squire to use where it would do
the most good" Most effective
of all, there was organization, sci
entific distribution of the Nc
Adoo forces; it was Bob's name
and personality that gave the
fight significance. There was first
the executive committee, consist
ing of Bob, Patrick and Mehaffey.
Then each precinct had its cap
tain, and he his lieutenants, whose
duties were to canvass their re-
lspective territories and make re-
port thereon to headquarters.
And soon Bob's fight assumed
formidable proportions and the
fame of 1t spread abroad through
out the city.
This young McAdoo of the
Fourth is a corker," said the great
Macpherson. "Of course, Hag-
gin II beat him; the old CRATER
has too strong a grip on his ward
to lose this time. But the young
ster will bear watching in the
future"
by God this is a fight" Hag-
gin exclaimed, when reports be-
gan to come in to him.
But the fight came to a most
unexpected ending.
Bob not only directed the ma
neuvers of his little army, but
himself took an active part on the
skirmish line. 1t was his nightly
habit to go around to the saloons
where, after setting 'em up" he
would say: Boys, I want you to-
vote for the Squire" And few
there we're who dared other than
give the desired promise. In many
cases, of course, the promise was
given with no intention of fulfill
ment. Nevertheless many firm
adherent was thu gained.