The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-08-28


CHAPTER LIv.
Bill Porter was already a celebrity in
New YORK. He wat o. Henry, the man
endeared to a million hearts for his
stories In The -Four Million" "The
Voice Of the City" and four other
equally famous collections. The thought
OF visiting this glorified Bill thrilled me.
But | had another motive In making
the trip, was going to make a stop
over in Washington. I decided to call
on Theodore Roosevelt at the White
House, wanted a full and free pardon.
l wanted to be restored to citizenship.
No triumph In the courtroom had ever
Quilted my pride on this score, Every
time passed an election booth and
saw other men casting their ballots |
was stung with humiliation.
since my release from Leavenworth /
had worked necessarily toward regain
Ing my rights. The biggest Republicans
In Oklahoma had spoken for me. ! de-
cided to make my plea personally to the
greatest Of them all, Sheer gall won
me that audience-unbiased fairness on
the part OF the president made the mis-
sion a succeaa.
Hunter Captures T. R.
John Alternately was United States
marshal in Oklahoma, He was a hunter.
When Roosevelt had come 10 the state
Ahernathy was his wolf catcher. Be-
tween the two men there was o deep,
sincere affection. Alternately was a
friend Of mine, He agreed TO make the
trip and present my case to Roose-
welt.
We had managed to get ourselves into
the cabinet room. Five or six men were
standing around filling UP the moments
Of waiting with lusty chatter, Only one
o. them recognized--Joe Cannon,
Alternately and ] stood In one corner,
as futile and helpless as two little but
termilk calves trying TO find shelter
from the rain.
I kept my glance fastened on a door.
He'll come through that one," |
thought. But when the door shot open
with q vigorous push and the great
man came swinging, In, the shock Of
excited emotion hewildered me.
Rooseyelt's presence seemed to TIM
| gle through the room as though q vivid
current OF electricity were suddenly
conducted from one to another, 1t was
the first time ! had ever seen him. He
looked as though he had come up from
q stimulating swim, as though every
drop of blood throhbed with eager
health.
Roosevelt Recognizes Marshal
The quivering exuberance of youth
in the Astounding personality standing
In the middle OF the cabinet room He
saw every man at a glance. He ignored
| practically all but Alternately.
"Ho. John" The tense hand reached
How are the wolves down in
ok'ahoma?' He swent around. Roose-
velt didn't walk or step; there was too
much spontaneity, too much vitality In
every gesture for such prosy motions.
This, gentlemen, is my United States
marshal, John Alternately, OF Okla
homa."
MIR President, this Is my friend, Al
Jennings" the wolf catcher replied,
R~oosevelts quick. boring ayes turned
on me, I'm glad TO see you, sir. I
know what you want, I'm a very busy
man: IN have to see you later"
pulled out Of my mouth. oT rims never rae set
! n here again. My business ia more
important to me than your cabinet
meeting want to be a citizen OF the
United States again"
Cabinet to Wait.
The swapping light of humor came
into the eyes, and at once Roosevelt
seemed TO me to have the shrewdest,
ktndest, most tolerant expression I had
ever seen. He seemed to be taking q
wnimsicaily measured appraisement Of
me.
Il think you're right, sir" He turned
TO the man. Gentlemen, excuse me
q moment. You'll have to wait"
In the private room where the cabi-
net met Roosevelt sat on the edge OF
the desk, Il want to know he shot
out abruptly II YOU are guilty OF the
NO. sir"
You we're not there them
Il was there, | held ~ the train
n robbed the passengers" The re-
lentiessly honest eyes never TOOK their
glance from mine, But I did not rob
] the United States mail. and that's what
was convicted for"
That's a distinction without a dil-