The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-11-05

IeoiIiSOH TepuQldIed the Invitation
with infinite scorn, and, carefully clos
ing the carriage door on his carewori
friend, mounted to the box with tn,
driver. During the drive he acquired
much interesting information. HI
learned that the drivers name wa.
James Billings, better known to hi.
lntimates as Badly Billings, for obvi
Gus reasons. He learned further thai
the nigh boss had SPAWN, and thai
there wasn't no money in ownin' youl
own outfit no more, nohow. Also
that the Cab Drivers union was hold
ing an informal beer and smoker
that evening to talk over matters Of
Importance. and that he, Badly, was
unable to be present, as it was his
night on, and his employers were OBJ
durate. Rollison automatically Sc
cured invitations for Brownlee and
himself to attend the beer and smoker
promptly retained Mr.. Billings and
ms carriage by the hour until further
orders, and urged precipitancy in
reaching the hall. for fear the beer
Charles Chester was difficult to
arouse. His first Ineligible noise in
response to shakings and proddings
was: "Whassamarrer?" But when
thoroughly awakened he was as a
giant refreshed. Immediately after
their introduction to the members of
the union, he proceeded to make him
self useful. The skill with which he
drew solid" glass of beer for him
self and "Coney Island" for Rollison,
from one of the three kegs convenient
In corner of the room, filled the cab
drivers with admiration. Baldy's
guests were first made welcome for
his sake, but soon were doubly vel
come for their own. Within 80 min
utes after their appearance the hall
resounded with ayes as they were
unanimously elected to honorary men,
pershlp in the union. Shortly after
this Charles Chester was in his shirt
sleeves, towel pinned about his
waist. and had assumed charge of the
liquid refreshments.
RolisOn entered feelingly into the
questions under discussion, and earn
estly advocated a stand for fewer
hours and more pay. He said:
AS a consist'nt, frequ'nt. an remoo
-moo-remooner'tive patr'n We the
members f this organ-organ'zashu
INSIST on more hours m fewer pay"
Charles Chester handed him fresh
beer, patted him encouragingly on the
shoulder, and said with admiration:
"keepitup, OIL man, Tha' s swell
speech you re maxim"
While Badly Billings was discussing
the passing of the Independent cab
driver and his absorption by the
larger establishments, Richard Ran.
dali Rollison sat alternately wrapped
IN thought and busy with a lead pen
Gil. AT the conclusion of Mr.. Billings
remarks, he took the floor and begged
leave to present resolution. which
he had fearfully and wonderfully writ.
ten on wedding invitation.
"Misser Presiden' an gen'lmen in
view of the fac that funrals form
vast source income to our members, I
aesire to present fo..owin' resol- -reso-
lnshrn N move rs 'doption.
Resolved, That we view with 'larm
increasin' ten'ncy to 'stablish down
town cremtories as bcin' inim-inimi
cal to bes' interests this organ organ
this body" he concluded.
wall-eyed party in the rear rose
to remark that he couldn't see no
sense in that He didn't object to
them crematories, as his wife fire.
Guently dror! ed in there for ice cream
OF an evening Charles Chester
pressed him down in his seat. and !
placed fresh glass of beer i'm his
hand, as being easier than entering
INTO explanations, while the resolution
went through with a hurrah
But finally came time when
Charles Chester was out of a lob for
want of material The beer was out.
the kegs We're empty. the play was
over T was time to ring down the
curtain and depart. And il was then
that Richard Randall paved the way
for an early departure for Sumatra
Rising to his feet, he secured recopni.
ton from the chair, and spoke long
and feelingly regarding capital and
labor, finally narrowing his remarks
TO a consideration of the financial af.
fairs of the Cab Drivers union. He
had been informed by his friend. Mr..
Dugan. the popular and efficient secre-
-ary OF the -organ-body-t
bloated, plutocratic landlord charged
-hree dollars per evening as rental
tor the hall in which they met, He
iesired to call the attention of those
present to the fact that three dollars
would buy keg of beer. and was
helr money 10 go TO doubly enrich
'ordid bondholder while the men,
'ers of this organ body-were suffer.
ng for beer? No, by heaven, And
gain, no. Not while Richard Randall
tollison had apartments in which
hey might meet.
An so. Misser President. | move
hat in future all meetin's Z this or. :
organ zashun-I knew |
ould do ia gratified aside to
held in my rooms at
he Alamo PARTNER house.
The motion was seconded nv
'harles Chester. and carried amidst
he widest enthusiasm.
And that was why when the faith.
I'll gathered at five O'Clock the follow. =
ng afternoon, they found Rollison !,
eep In preparations for hasty but ).
Ntended trip to the far east. And
hat was why the popular and efficient "