Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1919-03-15

In the balcony, the uproar was deaf
ening. Around Hardin and Brandon
words were thudding like bullets.
Reclamation Service" ''That's their
game" 'The concessioni" "They
won't get it." Betrayed. We are be-
trayed."
Downstairs, Babcock's gayel raped
unheard. Behind the excited figure
welding the stick, sat Marshall, his
unreadable, sweet smile on his face.
His eyes were on Babcock, who was
vainly clamoring for order. Program
that meeting"
Hollister was trying to make him
self heard to Barton over two rows Of
seats, but his voice was like a child's
rounded by eager anxious men. The
audience had split into circles of
Iharanguing centers. 1t was impossible
to get attention. Hardin could see Mar
shall pull Babcock by the tails of his
coat. Unwillingly, he could see Bab-
cock allow the crowd FIVE minutes by
his consulted watch. Then again, the
gavel danced ON the table. Marshall
was still smiling. Babcock's shrill
voice split the din. "Orderp The
ocean of voices swallowed him again.
1--WE won't let them in," Grace was
believing, "the valley won't stand for
It,"
"Take your medicine" thundered
the big organ of Barton. 81 warned
you, Imperial valley"
Betrayal" groaned the crowd.
Down in the orchestra, Barton was
holding hurry-up meeting of the wa
ter companies. De la Vega had
stepped back and was consulting with
Tod Marshall.
Babcock pulled out his watch, his
gavel calling for attention. This time
he was heard.
De Ia Vega approached the foot
lights, questioning look on his face.
1--WE ask for a little time,' began
Barton. Instantly the house was on
Its feet. "Withdraw the suits. Give
him your answer. Give him our an
swer. We don't want the Service. The
valley don't want the Service. With
i draw the SUITS"
Bartons moon face looked troubled.
I"We can't answer for all the ranchers."'
eyes, you can," screamed Grace.
Jumping up and down like baboon.
IF you don't, I'll answer for them.
Don't you see, it's trick? It's a
trick. see the hand of the O. p. in
this" Friendly hands pulled him down
into his seat.
Thesaudience was chanting. "With-
draw the suits. Take your medicine.
Don't lose the concession.-Lord,
the Service Give them the answer
now"
Barton held up a withered hand.
The undeveloped body was dignlfled
by the splendid head. "Don't with
draw your concession. I think can
say that Mexico will not be sued"
| Again, the shout went up. answer
like man. Think! Good Lord Say
we withdraw the suits!" 4
"We withdraw the claims against
Mexico Barton sat down to a sud
den hush. The first blood had been
let.
Once more Babcock's glasses swept
the house. He raped the table.
"That's not all. We've got more to
say to you. Gentlemen, Mr. Marshall"
Marshall stepped forward to a 81
lence which was variety Of tribute.
He bowed. 81 will be brief. Mr..
Faraday has asked me to take his
place here this afternoon. It's only
fair. If it, were not for my interfcr-
ence, he would not be involved in this
situation. 1 think you will grant that
lit is Mr.. Faraday's company which
can saveSthe valley?"
"To save its own tracks" yelled a
voice from the balcony.
Marshall sent a soft smile heaven
ward Incidentally. And its traffic.
Why don't you say it? We don't deny
that. The Overland Pacific's no altrdsl
list"
There was a jeer which rose into a
chorus. "Altruistl Octopus. That's
what it is"
Marshall's hand went up. 'If you
want to hear me?" He waved away
: Babcock's descending gavel. II was
told it would cost two hundred thou-
sand dollars to close that break Of
yours. Do you want the actual fig
ures? 1t has eaten already million,
and the work is not yet. done. You
know the history Of the undertaking.
The Desert Reclamation company was
in straits. Faraday promised his help
on the conditi@ that the affairs Of
i he Desert Reclamation company
Tould be controlled by his company.
He took the control. He inherited
what? Not good will. Threats, dam
age suits. Do you think that snow
slide OF complaints is going to encour-
age him to go or? This is what / came
here to talk to you about. You ranch
ers don't wantto cut your own throats.
Now, there's good deal going on
about which you are in the dark.
Faraday's got a right to feel he's
chartldnraA ~ III ..~~ 49,