The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1912-01-25
BY HENRY RUSSELL MILLER
BOBBS rERPILL &C
VA nr l I'm ~.

OaAar I'm ~.
THE ROAD TO POWER.
ITHE lure OF politics had caught
Bob. From the night of his
fight with Haggin he began
to take the game seriously,
devoting much time and work to the
perfection OF his organization. A few
months later the new field suddenly
opened wider before him. An era of
| reform" was impending.
Now, the Steel City was ruled by
what was popularity and appropriately
denominated the hog combine a
group of gentlemen headed and herd
ed, by Steele and Harmon. voluntarily
associated to relieve the public of the
burden OF government.
While Steele, born political strate-
gist and a man of magnetic personali
ty, the heart and brains of the organ
ization, lived the machine found
smooth sailing. But the combine"
fell upon hard times. Steele died. and
the leadership devolved upon Harmon
Harmon possessed none of the per-
sOnal magnetism that had made
Steele's critics love the man while
they hated his misdeeds; also he lack
ed the sagacity and caution Of the
dead leader So the machine was al
never would have permitted. The
Tenderloin ran openly and tlagrantly
A big boodling escapade in the halls
Of the city fathers came to light. Ger
tain public contracts were let with
such incautious unfairness that muir
murs of discomfort began to be heard.
All this might have had no important
results of itself. But to cap the climax
Harmon. to satisfy a long cherished
dislike, dismissed MACPHERSON from
the directorate Of public works.
Macpherson was Ratchet faced.
saturnine votary Of Mammon; also
there was enough Of the Indian in him
to make revenge for all ahfronts ne
cessity. he accepted his dismissal
with apparent equanimity and institut-
ed campaign to destroy his enemy.
A sturdy little band of reformers that
|
throw Steele's defenses suddenly and
mysterously took a new lease on life.
Macpherson bought a morning and
an evening newspaper Sensational ex-
posures followed startling revelations
with great effect. The city began to
stir uneasily. One day Macpherson
called a few men into his office.
Gentlemen" said he, let us reform
the city"
And thereupou the "Citizens' party"
was formed
So it happened that one evening Bob
received a call from Robbins, Mac
Pherson henchman who had the repu-
tation OF knowing how to deal with all
sorts of men.
"McAdoo." Robbins greeted him,
''without beating round the bush I'll
tell you what I'm after. l come from
Mac We want you with US In our
fight against Harmon and
"AlI right" Bob interrupted care
lessly Tell Macpherson I'll talk to
him any time he says"
But ! have authority
II don't talk to middlemen," Bob
said CURLY Good night"
"AIl right. Robbins laughed,
~You're the doctor"
The next evening Bob was BY ap-
pointment shown into MacPherson's
downtown Office. Besides the prospec-
i've boss there were in the Office Rob-
bins and Graham. the independents
candidate for mayor. Mr.. Graham was
an elderly gentleman with q pretty
complexion. white mutton chop whisk
ers and shapely. beautifully manicurec
hands. He thought lie was reformei
and gentleman of the old school.
GLOW are you. McAdooy" MacPher
son greeted the newcomer with cor
diality cleveriy toned down to fit tht
man be saluted. Shake hands witt
believe. Mr.. Graham. this Is the
young leader OF the Fourth whom
we're hoping to have with u.s."
Bob maIiciously caught Graham 5
ladylike hand in his own iron grasl
and squeezed it until the little mans
eyeballs rolled in agony.
you have d strong grip. Mr.. Nc
Adoo, an abnor1nally strong grip, if
may say so. sir. But he recalled the
effusirely patronizing manner that b.
thought so highly politic"l am glat
to meet you, my dear sir. very glat
indeed I am, glad tn meat all thus,f