Meade County news. [volume] (Meade, Kan.) 1900-1918, 1911-08-24

which even Gormly for the moment
was helpless to control.
Now Hon. Peter D. Warren was In
the city hall. He had heard all that
had been said, and witnessed all that
had been done. Although he was a
briber and a corruptionist, he was
not without courage. 1t seemed to
him that the psychological moment
for his advent had arrived. Therefore.
he hastily made his way through the
aldermen, and boldly appeared IN the
outside steps back of Gormly. He
was recognized at once. The mayor
stood quietly. little pale, but appar-
emily undaunted. He waved his hands
for silence. Gormly assisted him in
quelling the tumult. The mayor
stepped to the extreme edge of the
portico; but before he could begin his
speech, the same burly voiced man who
had been such a useful adjunct to
Gormly interrupted him.
1--WE don't want to hear any speech
from you tonight Mr.. Gormly," he
roared, his great voice compelling at
tention, and as he spoke he sprang up
on the steps of the automobile and
faced the crowd, I'VE want you to ask
the mayor of this city If he's going to
sign the bill granting the franchise.
But before you do that we want you
to tell him. what we citizens of New
York think of the proposition"
Through the crowd at this moment
came charging platoon Of police, at
the head of which was the chief him
self. The men handling their sticks
shouldered their way roughly through
the people grooming raging, swearing,
about them. Cornell laid his hand on
the speaker and sought to drag him
from the automobile. The man struck
back violently; clubs flashed in the
air. The multitude in another instant
would have been a mob. Gormly it
was who came again to the rescue.
These" he promptly interposed,
raising his voice, ARE peaceable citi-
zens discussing great public ques-
ton. | appeal to you as mayor of
this city to call off the police. Take
your hand off that mans collar, Con-
nell" he shouted, "or by the living
God I'll turn this mob upon you and
there won't be rag left of you and
your bluecoats!"
He stepped down to the body of the
car as he spoke; and before the chief
realized what he was about he seized
him by the collar and threw him back
ward. 1t was a magnificent exhibition
of strength and nerve and courage.
Call them off," he shouted to the
mayor, "or l won't be answerable for
the consequences"
AS soon as he stopped, the roar of
the mob began. Some were there who
thought they had never heard a sound
so terrible and so menacing. The
mayor, not without good sense, came
to the rescue.
$50 long" he said in his powerful,
finely modulated voice, "as these peo-
pie do nothing, they shall not be inter-
fered with. March your officers up
here to the steps of the city hall,
ShlCl' hO CllSu.
There was nothing for Cornell but
obedience. Shaking his baton fierce
ly at Gormly, he gave an order to his
men, and, followed by the curses and
groans of the multitude, they marched
up the steps Of the city hall and
grouped themselves about the mayor.
Il want to tell you" cried Gormly,
mounting to the seat again and now
thoroughly aroused, his voice ringing
like trumpet, that you have no
need Of police protection in the pres
ence Of the people of New York"
Let me speak," said the mayor.
mol" Numbered the crowd. I'VE
don't want to hear you speak,"
"Mr. Mayor" said Gormly, these
people want to express an opinion to
you. Fellow citizens, those who are
in favor of indorsing the action Of
the council In granting the franchise
to the Gotham Freight Traction COM
pany will say aye"
Every henchman, every follower,
every ally, every official present, cried.
"Aye!"
1t made brave. showing until the
negative was put, when such a roar
Of disapproval arose that 1t was like
the breath Of the gods and fairly
shook the ancient stones Of the hall.
tTO BE CONTINUED)