The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1916-08-03
CHAPTER viii.
Mr.. stubbs and Doctor BILL,

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 no license" For many years Shelf
held, 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 1t 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-Iicense
forces a leader had arisen, a Young
man with an incisive way of think
ing, a lawyer. whose eloquence, not in.
considerable, was matched by cooi
Judgment and practical shrewdness.
DE 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 a clerk brought TO
John Wtllett's desk the card of Amos
X. Stubbs. Willett smiled, directed
the clerk to admit the caller. and also
to bring him his personal checkbook.
Hello. Amos" said he. How goes
the battle?"
Great" said Stubbs.
Glad to hear it. Have a cigar?"
HNO fhQnLa L.
Ing makes me so nervous I've cut it
out"
$50 have l." said willett, "but for a
different reason. Ny boys growing
up, and 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. 4"
he said. IT wish we had twenty men
in Sheffield like you"
Stubbs spoke from the heart! He
was capable OF using fattery where II
would do the most good. but his ap-
probation Of Willett's qualities was so
genuine that his praise came forth un-
bidden. Recognizing the young mans
sincerity, Wlllett felt pleasant glow
of glorification. He smiled his thanks
trifie embarrassed by the outspokep
compliment.
We've got 'em on the rum" went
on Stubbs. They're scared to death
or us. Our wagons just at the ton
Of the hill; a 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. "weH come to
that later. But it's your personality
we need to win this fight"
"But, Stubs, you know I never
have meddled in politics in my life:
besides"
Merely the knowledge that vou
have voted for no-lIcense all these
years has been of great value to us. -
said Stubs eagerly. "How much
more valuable It will be IL you will
take an active"
Listen, my dear Amos" interrupt
ed Willett. even II were willing TO
go into this thing personally, / couldn't
think OF It, Mrs. willett and I sail
for Europe next week"
"Oh." said Stubbs. abashed. That's
too bad" He got up and began pac-
ing the floor restlessly. Couldn't you
reconsider? Couldn't you postpone
your trip7 It's most important, most
important"
"Fm afraid not, Amos. My plans
have all been made. Besides. I'd be OF
no use to you. anyhow I should dis
tiuctly refuse to do any personal work.
I'm not that sort OF a man. can't
see that I would be OF any value TO
you; I'm no speech max"
You don't understand" said Stubbs.
Politics isn't a 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"
Now, Amos. stop right there What's
the use OF your wasting breath7 Let