Smyrna times., 1916-06-21
Jane AND POLITICS
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BY ELSIE SEE.

ture opened. IL was the nrst time III
her life she had registered at hotel.
She saw groups Of men and over
heard enough of their conversation |
70 learn that many Of them were |
offceseekers. like herself. She began
10 wish she had not let Amy Mason
persuade her TO run for senate filing |
clerk in order to make some easy
money.
Jane noticed that these men looked
over the register and buttonholed all
the legislators who entered the lobby.
Next morning the lobby of the hotel,
long the headquarters for legislators,
lobbyists and ofiice-seekers, was
crowded with many kinds Of men.
Across the lobby in the center OF
group Of deferential men, Jane saw
dainty pink-and-white girl chaperoned
by a handsome matron. Later, she
found that the girl was Miss Mayo
her opponent, who was running for
reelection. When Jane saw how well
the senators seemed TO know her fair
opponent and how well the opponent
seemed to know the ropes" she felt
that her chances were like those Of a
poor. unknown gray dove against a
brilliant bird Of paradise.
She regretted having allowed Amy
TO persuade her to get Judge Morton's
support for the position. She now felt
more frightened than when she had
walked timidly into his Office. But
his cordial assurance Of support had
put her at ease there. He had told
her that in order 10 be elected filing
clerk she would have to secure the
vote Of a majority Of the Republican
senators. Of whom there were twen-
ty-two. AS she was acquainted with
only one senator, Amy's uncle, the
prospect did not look bright, but Judge
Morton spoke encouragingly and told
her many preliminary steps to take
by securing Endorsements from promi-
nent men who had been her fathers
friends.
Through Il all Jane kept thinking
that Judge Morton seemed so much
younger than she had thought him, for
when he had helped administer her ia.
TIERS estate she was fifteen, and as a
man Of thirty he had seemed an old
bachelor to her. But twenty-five and
forty did not seem so far apart.
All the experience Of that visit tc
Judge Morton's office passed through
James troubled mind as she looked al
the swarming group Of men in that
smoky lobby and realized that she
must appeal to twenty-five Of them e
vote for her. Just as she was begin
ming to plan some way to escape the
whole dreadful situation, a senator
approached her.
Miss Gray" he began. I'm not ye
in a position to pledge my support ei
ther to you or to your opponent. but
do want to tell you that you're usinl
the right methods. Don't nag the sen
ators-thats what your opponents dc
ing"
Jane had not realized that she pos
sessed any methods, but It encourage
her to hear that she did. When Judg
Morton arrived on Tuesday the fgh
had waxed warm, and every senate
had a string Of candidates and thei
supporters after him. Hardly a sent
tor would commit himself TO a prom
Use for fear Of losing a vote for on
Of his own wards. When Wednesda
afternoon came Jane had three definit
promises, three favorable prospect
and the rest in awful uncertaint!
She must have twelve votes to VII
The thought Of II sickened her.
You'll be expected to go to Ii
statehouse to hear the result Of II
vote" said Judge Morton. And don
run away II you lose. for wen tai
care Of you with something else."
AS they walked together toward u
statehouse she found 1t awkward
talk 20 him. She feared he was di
gusted with all this vote begging: an
she felt angry with herself for gettiI
him into such a muddle. She WI
tired and discouraged and poisoned I
the smoky air Of the hotel lobby. II
warm dampness outside did not 7
fresh her. She did not dream tn
Judge Morton was noticing her uni
he abruptly asked her what was q
matter.
Try as she would. she could n
speak a word in reply. Her thro
seemed closed tight. Then two b
tears rolled down her cheeks. B
Providence came to the rescue. for
drops OF rain began 70 fall. Thick
and thicker they came and VIII
Judge Morton said no more, the W
he almost lifted Jane along the wa
: and up the broad steps gave her su
a reassured feeling that she did
care whether she won the old positi
or not.
There was an hour TO wait. Ma
people we're about and her oppons
was smiling on everybody. But I
smiles did not keep her from steali
many an anxious glance toward I
door Of the caucus chamber where
vote was being taken. James ov
wrought nerves were near collar
when the senator from her distr