River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1915-05-27

and we will ruin his credit
The eyes Of the lawyer flashed fire
as he uttered these last words On
the table before him lay the special
morning edition Of the Courier. In
heavy loaded type was the story of
the insincerity of the city administra-
ton in regard to reform of abuses and
complete list of all the gambling places
and vicious resorts in Bronson as we'll
as the names of the owners of the
property. 1t was 4 terrible exposure.
But it's too late said McCrea, with
groan. The people will be reused
to madness by this mass of stuff, and
they will make a cleanup themselves"
Mr.. Graham was silent for a few
moments and then said confidently:
THE history of these spasmodic eff
forts at so called reform shows that
these ebullitions of popular outcry are
short lived. Let us be patient. With
the Courier in the hands of a safe man
we will have everything Gained down
by election time"
81 hope So" responded McCrea, but
he shook his head dolefully.
I'VE must proceed to business said
Mr.. Graham. II want to go over to
the park and hear DR.. Rutledge give
his grafton. Now we will depose Mel
son right away, and you, ROwlands,
are to take charge. The Office is closed
until o'clock this evening. When
Nelson returns you order him out and
tell him that the officers OF the Courier
Publishing company have discharged
him and have placed you in charge"
Better send a couple of good trusty
policemen up to the Office at 5 o'clock"
said Ned Rowlands. 'That English
man is a tough proposition when he
gets excited"
81 am glad you suggested that said
Mr.. Graham 81 will see that you are
amply protected as the lawful editor"
After some further discussion the lit
tie company separated, Mr.. Graham
walking to the large Bronson park,
where the crowds had already assem-
bled to hear the orator of the day.
At the close of the music Edgar
Prince stepped forward and introduced
Allan Rutledge as the speaker for the
occasion, making a short compliment
tary address. Mr.. Graham started as
he saw the minister stride to the front
of the platform. for he noticed that he
acid in his hands a copy of the indie
Dendence day edition of the Courier.
Allan Rutledge proceeded in earnest
zones: at is the birthday of our ma
ton, this glorous nation which is Gods
last opportunity for the human race.
The history of our country is the his
tory of the rise, progress and victory
of civil and religious liberty" The
speaker then eloQuently reviewed the
leading events which led up to the
signing of the Declaration of Independ-
ence and the principles for which the
fathers fought and bled and died.
The audience was listening with the
closest attention when suddenly the
a full moment. Every eye rested upon
him, wondering what he meant by his
long pause.
But Bronson is unworthy of a place
in this land consecrated by the blood
of our heroes he exclaimed in thun-
der tones. "Why do we celebrate In
dependence day? We have abandoned
the principles of our fathers, and greed
for gain and blasted honor have now
the pre-eminence among u.s."
The crowd was thunderstruck. They
stared at the minister, unable to I'M
derStand his meaning. He held out the
copy Of the Courier which had been in
ais hand during all his speech and
shouted louder than ever: Have you
read tOday's Courier? 1t will tell you
the black story of our infamy and
shame. | well know these vile enemies
Of our country's good cannot stand the
light of day. and your brave editor,
Reginald Nelson, has turned on the
light, and Bronson will yet be clean"
At the mention of the editors name
a mighty cheer went up from the
crowd
The reception which was given to
Reginald Nelson's name made Mr.. Ora
ham scowl darkly as he stood on the
outskirts of the crowd. This is Sc
rious," he said to himself.
The people thronged to the platform
to congratulate the speaker
1--WE are going to change things and
change them soon" said Edgar Prince
loudly as he shook hands with Allan
Rutledge A friend of the manufac~
Lurer heard his words and shouted,
Edgar Prince for our next mayor
There was instant applause by the
company, and a mayoralty candidate
was there and then nominated.
Among the others who made their
way to the minister was Reginald Mel
son himself He had been lost in the
crowd and had listened with profound
interest to the grafton of his friend.
At the mention of his newspaper and
at the cheers which the crowd gave
Then Allan Rutledge spoke his name
the Englishman was strangely moved.
Tears came to his eyes, and in his soul
Il