Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1911-08-24
CHAPTER discontinued.

What does 1t Govern" 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 a mile and half,
should say; but every possible right of
way is included in the franchise"
And II we don't get it?"
Somebody else win get 1t. 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
do-nothing policy. Probably ten
millions or even less will cover the
expenses required by rebuilding I'M
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 II 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 a public convenience and,
gentlemen. 1t has to be rum"
This is a hell of fix for men as
smart as you to git yourselves In"
said Liffey. "As ! take 1t, we can
secure the franchise or we can make
its future grant the issue of the cam
paign; and II we win. pass 1t then;
and II we fail. take our medicine"
You've stated 1t exactly"
For myself. I'm In favor Of grab
bling 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 II we're beaten by the mayor,
Wen still have the district attorney,
wen 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 II expires, and
that the grant be made to the Gotham
Freight Traction company. I'd rather
have something substantial than play
for chance any time. I 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
the other of the old parties comes in.
Well be the one"
Il am inclined to believe that much
Of Mr.. Liffey's contention is sound"
said Van slyke at last.
We'll. gentlemen" said Haldane.
what do you all think about it?"
Lets get what we can" said the
mayor
Anu nccP al we've got, added
Cornell.
Very well then" said Haldane, $50
be It, We are united upon a non
partisan ticket which we can select
presently. with Warren at the head
Of 1t. Mr.. Liffey viii see Mr.. Benson
and induce his cooperation. Mr.. Con-
nell will investigate Mr.. Gormly's
career. Mr.. Rutherford win arrange
to have the franchise renewed as soon
as 1t is possible to do so. Mr.. War
rem will at once announce himself as
candidate for reelection. Messrs.
Liffey. Habberley, and Cornell will
get their forces In line. And think
that's ALL"
Not quite. Mr.. Haldane." said Lif-
fey.
What else?"
You'll git the barrel open for the
necessary expenses OF the cam
paign?"
"Quite So" said Haldane, dryly.
"You may depend upon US to do what
is proper; Ell. gentlemen"
Van Slyke and Mcdonald nodded.
4 think we've done pretty good