The citizen., 1911-09-15
CHAPTER discontinued.

What does it cover?" asked the
mayor.
1T covers pretty much every avail
able route by which we can connect
the ends of the traction company"
How much territory"
"Oh, mile or mile and a half,
should say; but every possible right of
way is included in the franchise"
"And If we don't get it?"
Somebody else will get it, OF
course. He will build the connections,
and hold us up for anything that he
wants."
But it will be no good to anybody
else without what we've got" suggest
ed Van Slyke.
True; but we have got several hun
dred millions involved and can't adopt
a do-nothing policy. Probably ten
millions or even less will cover the
expenses required by rebuilding un-
der the old or new franchise, and that
ten million has US by the throat"
1T should be easy for five hundred
millions to freeze out ten,' said
Rutherford.
Under other circumstances it would
not be at all difficult" answered Hal
dane; but the people are to be con-
sidered In this case. This road was
built as public convenience and,
gentlemen. 1t has to be run"
This is hell of fix for men as
smart as you to git yourselves in!"
said Liffey. "As | take it, we can
secure the franchise or we can make
its future grant the issue of the cam
paign; and If we win. pass it then;
and if we fail. take our medicine"
You've stated it exactly"
For myself, I'm in favor of grab
bing the franchise now" said the
boss. 1T means money Moneys
what we're here for The object of
politics Is money for the crowd that's
In. The aim of the crowd that's out
Is to git in so they can git the
money. With money we can buy
votes; with votes we can get Office;
with Office and money we can get
immunity from the consequences.
Even If we're beaten by the mayor,
well still have the district attorney,
We'll still have the police force. I'll
still be here; so will you. Mr.. Hal
dane. And therefore. rather'n take
any risk, move that the franchise be
renewed as soon as it expires, and
mat the grant be made to the Gotham
Freight Traction company I'd rather
nave something substantial than play
Tor chance any time. | guess we
wouldn't suffer any therefore, no mat
Ter what happened. Besides, all it'd
mean would be wait for four years.
These reform movements always get
tired of themselves, and then one or
tne other of the old parties comes in.
Wen be the one"
am inclined to believe that much
OF Mr.. Liffey's contention is sound"
said Van Slyke at last.
Well, gentlemen" said Haldane,
what do you all think about it?"
Let's get what we can," said the
mayor.
And keep all we've got" added
Connell
very well then." said Haldane, 80
pe IT, We are united upon non
partisan ticket which we can select
presently, with Warren at the head
OF 1t. Mr.. Liffey will see Mr.. Benson
ana induce his cooperation. Mr.. Con-
neil VIII investigate Mr.. Gormly's
career Mr.. Rutherford will arrange
70 nave the franchise renewed as soon
as II Is possible to do so. Mr.. War
ren will at once announce himself as
candidate for reelection. Messrs.
Liney' Habberley, and Connell will
get their forces in line. And l think
that's ALL"
fey.
What else?"
you'll git the barrel open for the
paign?"
.,, Quite So" said Haldane. dryly.
iou may depend upon us to do what
s proper; eh. eentlemen?"
van Slyke and Mcdonald nodded
think we've done pretty good