Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1911-05-05

open handed old cattle king wading
into the muddy stream Of politics to
crafty an ambition that wasn't his
own-a woman's ambition. In order
that the woman might mix and min
gle in Washington society for a brief
minute or two he got himself elected
to fill out an unexpired term Of two
months In the United States senate
bought 1t, some said. That was three
years ago. wasn't it? But Washing
ton hasn't forgotten. When l was
down there last winter the o'clock
tea people were still recalling Mrs.
Biount's gowns and the wild western
naivete Of the Hon. Senator Sage
brush"
Gantry was chuckling softly.
Land Of love, Evan" he said,
you're an educated man, all right,
but you've got lot to learn yet
about the senator and his politics, I
mean. Great snipes. man. he isn't In
1t for the social frills and furbelows!
He never was. Let me intimate few
things. Politically speaking. David
BlOunt is the biggest man in his state
today. He can have anything he
wants, from the head Of the ticket
down. You spoke rather sneeringly
just now Of his two months In the
senate. He might have gone back If
he had wanted to, and he actually did
a much more difficult thing-named his
successor. can tell you the situa-
ton out in the greasewood country II
you want to know it."
Make it simple" was Blount's con.
Gition.
The outlook for US is precisely what
1t is in a dozen other states this year
everything promising renewal Of the
bullheaded legislative fight on the rail-
roads," said Gantry. There is only
one issue before the people. and that
is the Transconinental railway. The
reformers. as they call themselves,
would like to legislate N out Of exist
cncs. We shall beat the tomtom and
do our best to stay on earth"
Naturally" said Blount. And my
father-how does he stand?"
1.-THE idea of your having to ask
mel" exclaimed Gantry. But really
I wish l could tell you. There are a
sood many people in our neck Of
woods who would like to know. It
will make all the difference In the
world when 1t comes to a showdown"
why will IT."
Because. apart from the railroad
and the anti;railroad factions, there is
a very complete and smooth running
machine organization"
"And my father is identified with
the machineT
Again Gantry choked over the sim
gular lack Of information discovering
itself in Blount's question.
Land Of gloryw he calculated.
Where have you been burying your
self. Evan? Didn't just tell you that
he is the biggest man in the state?
Oh, no"-with heavy irony-"he isn't
identified with the machine; he merely
owns it and runs it."
"Ah," said Blount, and a little
later. THANK you. Dick: 1 am pretty
badly out Of touch, as you've discov.
cred" Then he changed the subject
abruptly. How long will your traffic
meeting last"
I'VE practically finished today. An
hour or two on Monday Will settle it."
AFTER which you'll 60 westr
by the Monday noon train, II can
make it."
Silence for time until Blount broke
In upon Gantry's tapping of the dance
music rhythm with: III can get
ready may so with you, Dick. Would
you mindr
Yes; / would mind so much that
I'd willingly miss train and worry out
a few more Of the chilly Boston hours
rather than lose the chance Of having
you along. Ever meet your fathers
er-the present Mrs. Blount, EvanT
he asked suddenly.
NO"
"She is fine woman" Gantry ven.
tured.
SO ] have understood" This time
blounts reply was ley. But now Gan.
try's eyes were twinkling, and he
pressed his advantage.
You'll have to reckon With her IL
you go to the greasewood country.
Ivan. Next TO your father. she Is the
court OF last resort. Indeed. there are
good many who say that she Is the
court"