The midland journal., 1916-07-28
CHAPTER VII.
Mr.. stubbs and Doctor Billy.

In the early spring of every year the
city OF Sheffield elected a new mayor
and council. Under the law Of the
state, too, the cities decided for the en-
suing year the question of license"
or mo license" For many years Shelf
field, an Industrial town, had voted to
permit liquor selling under a system
of high license. But of late the no.
license element had gained ground
Now it appeared that. after years Of
struggle. public opinion had SO far
swung to the cold-water side that the,
saloon-brewery- -distillery faction would
have difficulty in holding its majority
of votes
From the ranks Of the no-license
forces a leader had arisen, young
man with an incisive way of think
ing, lawyer, whose eloquence, not in
considerable, was matched by cooi
judgment and practical shrewdness.
He was astute, resourceful. adroit.
Some of his own followers were in
clined to squirm at his exceedingly
practical methods, but they had to ad-
NIT that he got results.
Early in January clerk brought to
John Willett's desk the card of Amos
K. Stubbs. Willett smiled. directed
the clerk to admit the caller, and also
to bring him his personal checkbook.
'Hello. Amos" said he. "Hbw goes
the battle?'
"Great," said Stubbs.
.Glad to hear 1t. Have cigar?'
"No, thanks, Mr.. Willett. Smok
out"
80 have IT, said Willett, ''but for a
different reason. My boys growing
up, and I don't want him to say the
old man sets him the example,"
The young politician viewed John
Willett with an admiring eye. ''You
certainly are fine man, Mr.. Willett, "
he said. 81 wish we had twenty men
in Sheffield like you"
Stubbs spoke from. the heart. He
was capable of using fiattery where 1t
would do the most good, but his ap-
probation Of Wil1ett's qualities was SO
genuine that his praise came forth un-
hidden. Recognizing the young mans
sincerity, Willett felt pleasant glow
Of glorification. He smiled his thanks,
a tri1e embarrassed by the outspoken
compliment.
E We've got 'em on the run" went
on Stubbs. They're scared to death
of US. Our wagons just at the top
Of the hill: good. strong push. and
she's nicely over. That's what came
to see you about"
Willett reached for his checkbook.
"How much this time, Amos?''
Stubbs held up hand. That's all
very nice" he said. "We'll come to
that later. But it's your personality
we need to win this fight
"But, Stubs. you know never
have meddled In politics In my life:
besides
Merely the knowledge that you
have voted for no-license all these
years has been Of great value to us"
said Stubbs eagerly. "How much
more valuable it will be If you will
take an active"
Listen, my dear Amos" interrupt
ed Willett. Even If were willing to
go into this thing personally. couldn't
think of it. Mrs. Willett and | sail
for Europe next week."
"Oh." said Stubbs. abashed '4That's
too bad" He got up and began pac-
ing the floor restIessly. Couldn't you
reconsider? Couldn't yon postpone
your trip2 It's most important, most
important"
"I'm afraid not, Amos. My plans
have all been made. Besides. I'd be of
no use to you. anyhow. should dis
tinctly refuse to do any personal work
I'm not that sort of man. can't
see that would be of any value to
you; I'm no speech max"
.sYou don't understand" said Stubbs.
Politics isn't game of Oratory any
more. Politicians make speeches. OF
course: that's for effect for publicity
The real work is done by more telling
and practical methods. If you would
stay home until after election"
Nov. Amos, stop right there. What's
the use of your wasting breath? Let
me-"
aAcNMnrnnn0an0 n01aononnnceooc