Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1911-09-28
CHAPTER X.-Continued.

"T offer $10,OO0,O00 for this fran
chise. II 1t be granted me, I shall
guarantee to operate the road in the
interests of the people, and turn over
all the profits above six per cent. on
my investment, to the people them
selves. Lest there should be any
doubt of my ability to make good,
continued the merchant, 81 beg to say
that I have IN my hand a forfeiture
check for one-fourth of the amount in
question, which is certified to by the
City of Gotham National bank"
The gentleman is out Of order"
remarked the presiding officer as soon
as he could recover his equipOise.
I'VE are not auctioning off public
franchises to the highest bidder We
are granting this one in the interests
of the public to the company which
has already served the people so well
and has assumed the burden of the
great system of which this is the nee
essary connecting link"
"Sir!" cried Gormly, amid a chorus
Of groans, Kisses and cheers, Il pro-
test against"
ANY other Interruptions from the
speaker" came quickly from the chair,
''and any further expressions of ap-
prevail or disapproval from the spec
tators, will result in the clearing of
the room by the sergeant at arms"
I call" said one of the aldermen.
s'for a vote on the resolution"
Those in favor of the granting of
the franchise will say aye" immediate
ly said the chairman.
There was a furious chorus Of
"Shamel shame!" from a great num-
Der Of spectators in which the feeble
ayes" were scarcely heard.
Chose opposed" went on the voice
of the chairman, trembling with ex-
element, will signify it by saying
no"
A laundering shout of Noes" rang
through the hall, the few in opposi-
ton making up by their vociferation
for their small numbers.
THE ayes have it." said the chair
man, hammering on the desk with his
gavel!
Division! Division!" clamored the
opposition.
Those in favor" continued the
chairman, disguised at being com
PEELED to put the administration thus
on record, but powerless to prevent
it will stand up"
Amid shouts and cries and disorder
never before eQualed, the members Of
the administration got to their feet
The whip that had been cracked over
their heads had been used to effect.
Some Of them were mere ignorant
tools; others were able to understand
what they were doing. They all voted
alike. A score of alert reporters from
carefully prepared lists were checking
of the votes.
The ayes have it; the ordinance is
passed" cried the chairman trium-
phantly, after the noes had been called
to their feet and counted.
Il move" said Alderman Hellman,
that we do now adjourn"
The motion was carried with a rush,
and instantly the spectators began a
wild scramble from the hall. Among
the first to leave was Gormly The
corridor and stairs were packed with
people who had been unable to gain
admittance to the chamber, but had
learned what was toward
When Gormly's well-known figure
was seen In the doorway, a great
shout Of acclaim rose from the multi
tude.
Gormly had not intended to speak:
but the opportunity was too good to be
lost. AS he descended the steps. the
cheering changed into a demand for a
speech from him. No hastings had
been prepared but by the curbstone
stood big. high-powered automobile.
It was Tiled with people Livingstone
Ealdane sat in the chauffeur's seat.
The place reside him was vacant.
up here. Mr.. Gormlyi" he cried.
pointing Without observing who was
in the tonneau, Gormly clambered up
to the seat and stood on it. He was