Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-02-23

OF q lying newspaper StOTy 1lld1lN
time, year ago, when | started to
leave my house and saw the reporters camped
on my doorstep, | longed for the seclusion
of some such spot as this. On the night
when Mr. kendrick and | climbed Baldpate
Mountain, remarked as much to him. And
so it occurred to me that if found any need
of explaining my presence here, the blond
incident would do very well. 1t was only-
a white lie.
"a blond one," corrected NIagee. al for
give YOU, Professor And I'm mighty glad
the incident really happened, despite the
pain it caused you; for it in way condones
nv own offense-and it makes you human
too"
"If to err is human, it does" agreed Pro-
fessor Bolton. ITO begin with, am men,
Der of the faculty of the University of Reu
ton, situated, as you no doubt know, in the
city of the same name. For long time
have taken quiet interest in our municipal
politics. have been up in arms linguistic
arms-against this odd character Cargan,
who came from the slums to rule us with
rod of iron. Everyone knows he is corrupt,
that he is wealthy through the sale Of prlvi-
lege, that there is actually a fixed schedule
of prices for favors in the way of city Ordl-
nances. | have often denounced him to my
friends. Since | have met him-well, it is
remarkable, is it not, the effect of personality
on ones opinions? | expected to face devil,
with the usual appurtenances. Instead |
have found a human, rather hkable man.
can we'll understand now why it IS that the
mob follows him like sheep. However, that
is neither here nor there. He is a crook, and
must be punished though | do like
him immensely"
Magee smiled over to where the great bulk
eli m a
old scout" he remarked.
EVEN so" replied the professor, "his high
Il handed career of graft in Reuton must
come to a speedy close. He is of type fast
vanishing through the awakening public
conscience And his career will end, assure
you, despite the fact that you, Mr.. Magee,
have seen fit to send our evidence scurrying
through the night at the behest of a chit of
girl. | beg your pardon-I will continue.
Young DraytOn, the new county prosecutor,
was several years back taVOr1te pupil OF
mine After he left law school he fell under
the spell of the picturesque Mayor OF Reu-
ton Cargan liked him, and he rose rapidly.
Drayton had no thought of ever turning
against his benefactor when he accepted the
first favors; but later the open selling of
mems souls began to disgust him. When
Cargan offered him the place of prosecutor
few months ago, Drayton assured him that
he would keep his oath of office. The Mayor
laughed. Drayton insisted. Cargan had
not yet met the man he could not handle.
He gave Drayton the place.
The old man leaned forward, and tapped
Magee on the knee.
at was in me, remember he went on,
"that Drayton confided his resolve to serve
the public l was delighted at the news.
A few weeks ago he informed me his first OPP
portunity was at hand. Through one of the
men in his office he had learned that Hayden
of the Suburban Electric was seeking to con-
solidate that road-which had fallen into
partial dsrepute under his management
during the illness of Thornhill, the pres
dent-with the Civic. The consolidation
would raise the value of the Suburban
nearly two million dollars-at the public's
expense. Hayden had seen Cargan. Cargan
had drafted Ordinance Number As, and in
formed Hayden that his price for passing it
through the Council would be the sum you
have juggled in your possession on Baldpate
Mountain two hundred thousand dollars"
"A mere trife," remarked Magee sarcas-
tically.
$50 Cargan made Hayden see. Through
long experience in these matters the Mayor
has become careless. He is the thing above