The Wahpeton times. [volume] (Wahpeton, Richland County, Dakota [N.D.]) 1879-1919, 1911-05-25


about public opinion. When you are
as old as am, you will understand
that there is only one thing which
counts in this world-money. The
man who has it possesses power over
the man who has it not, and power is
what the ambitious man loves most"
He stopped to pick up book. 1t
was "The American Octopus" Turn
ing again. to his son, he went on:
do you see this book? 1t Is the lit
erary sensation Of the year. Why?
Because 1t attacks me, the richest man
in the world. 1t holds me up as mon
ster, tyrant, man without soul,
honor or conscience. caring only for
one thing-money: having but one pas
sion-the love Of power and hating at
nothing, not even at crime, to secure 1t.
That is the portrait they draw of your
father"
Jefferson said nothing. He was Won
dering If his sire had a suspicion who
wrote it and was leading up to that.
But Ryder senior continued:
"Do I care? The more they attack
me the more like it. Their puny pen
pricks have about the same effect as
mosquito bites on the pachyderm.
What l am, the conditions of my time
made ME. When started in business
a humble clerk, forty years ago, had
but one goal-success; had but one
aim-to get rich.~ was lucky. I made
little money, and l soon discovered
that could make more money by out
whiting my competitors in the oil fields.
Railroad conditions helped me. The
whole country was money mad. A
wave of commercial prosperity swept
over the land, and was carried along
on its crest. l grew enormously rich,
my millions increasing by leaps and
bounds. I branched out into other in
terests. successful always, until my
holdings grew to what they are today
the wonder Of the twentieth century.
What do I care for the worlds respect
when my money makes the world my
slave? What respect can I have for a
people that cringe before money and
let 1t rule them? Are you aware that
not factory wheel turns, not vote
is counted, not Judge is appointed.
/ not legislator seated, not president
elected without my consent? am the
real ruler of the United Statesmen
the so. called government at Washing
ton. They are my puppets and this is
my executive chamber. This power
will be yours one day, boy, but you
must know how to use it when It
, comes"
II never want it, father" said JEFF
ferson firmly. ITO me your words
SAVIOR Of treason. I couldn't imagine
that American talking that way" He
pointed to the mantel, at u picture Of
! George Washington.
Ryder senior laughed. He could not
help it If his son was an idealist.
There was no use getting angry, so he
merely shrugged his shoulders and
said:
"All right, Jen. Well discuss the
matter later when you've cut your wis
dom teeth. Just at present you're In
the clouds. But you spoke Of my do.
ing you an injustice. How can my
love Of power do you an injusticeT'
Because" replied Jefferson, 'you ex-
ert that power over your family as
well as over your business associates.
You think and will for everybody in
the house, for everyone who comes in
contact with you. Yours is an infiu-
ence no one seems able to resist. You
robbed me of my right to think. Ever
since was old enough to think you
have thought for me; ever since was
old enough to choose you have chosen
for me. You have chosen that should
marry Kate Roberts. That is the one
thing wished to speak to you about.
The marriage Is impossible"
Ryder senior half sprang from his
seat.
49," he said sternly, "this is your
latest act Of rebellion, is It? You are
going to welsh on your word? You
, are going to jilt the grip
II never gave my word" answered
Jefferson hotly. "Nor did Kate under
stand that an engagement existed.
f, You can't expect me to marry a girl I
don't care straw about. It would not
be fair to her"
Don't be fool, JEFF. l don't want
to think for you or to choose for you or
to marry for you. I did not interfere
when you threw up the position I
made for you in the Trading company
and took that studio. I realized that
you were restless under the harness,
so gave you plenty of rein. But
know so much better than you what IL
best for you. Believe me do. Don't
don't be obstinate. This marriage
means great deal to my interests
to your interests. Kate's father Is all
powerful in the senate. He'll never
forgive this disappointment. Hang II
all, you liked the girl once, and made
sure that
He stopped suddenly, and the expires.
sion on his face changed as q new
light dawned upon him.
ut isn't that Rossmore girl, is IT." he
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