Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1911-08-23
CHAPTER discontinued.

What does it 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?"
ooh, mile or a mile and 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 1t 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-
s1dered In this case. This road was
built az a public convenience and,
gentlemen, 1t has to be rum"
"This Is hell of a fix for men as
smart as you to git yourselves I'M"
said Liffey. "As I take it. we can
secure the franchise or we can make
it's future grant the issue of the cam
paign; and II we win, psss it then;
and If we fail, take ovf medicine"
you've stated it 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 cit 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
We'll 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 1t expires. and
that the grant be made to the Gotham
Freight Traction company. I'd rather
have something substantial than play
Tor chance any time. I guess we
wouldn't suffer any therefore, no mat.
ter what happened. Besides, all it'd
mean would be a wait for four wears
These reform movements always get
tired of themselves, and then one OF
the other Of the old parties comes In
Wen be the one.''
am inclined to believe that much
Of Mr.. Liffey's contention is sound y
said Van Slyke at last.
well, gentlemen" said Haldane
~Hhat do you all think about it?"
Lets get what we can," said the
mayor.
and keep all we've got" added
Conhell
Very we'll then," said Haldane. $50
be it. We are united upon a non.
partisan ticket which we can select
presently, with Warren at the head
1T 1t. Mr.. Liffey will see Mr.. Benson
and induce his cooperation. Mr.. Con
sell will Investigate Mr.. Gormly's
career. Mr.. Rutherford will arrange
to have the franchise renewed as soon
as 1t Is possible to do so. Mr.. War.
rem will at once announce himself as
a candidate for reelection. Messrs
Lffey, Habberley, and Connell will
get their forces in line. And think
that's ALL
Not quite, Mr.. Haldane," said Lii.
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
= proper; eh, gentlemen?'
van Slyke and Mcdonald nodded.
] think we've done pretty rood