The Dillon herald. [volume] (Dillon, S.C.) 1894-????, 1919-04-03

his need. "a mutual bereavement. II
did not occur to us to accuse you OF
our troubles. Your damage suits pained
and astonished us. But they gave us
also a suggestion"
The rustling and the murmurs sud.
denly ceased. A president hush walt
ed on De la Vega. @You have been ad.
vised to sue us. To sue Us for giving
you that concession Therefore, the
only answer is for US to withdraw that
concession! You accuse US, for CIV.
ing it to you. That concession is val.
liable. What else can we doY Before
your damage suits were fled, we were
approached by others for the same
privilege. If you do not withdraw
your suits, my nation sends word to
you that you may not take water from
the Colorado river through Mexican
soil. You will not be without water
probably long; have said that con-
cession is valuable! Other arrange
ments will probably be made so that
the valley will be given water. I weuld
like to take your answer to my govern
ment."
It was several seconds before the
house got its breath. The import OF
the diplomats words was astounding.
Barton got to his feet, yelling with his
great bass voice, Betrayed" His
shrunken finger indicated youth with
ar. So in black letters on bis collar.
'aThe valley has been betrayed"
In the balcony, the uproar was deaf
ening. Around Hardin and Brandon
words we're thudding like bullets.
Exclamation Service" "That's their
game" "The concessionp 'They
won't get it." Betrayed. We are be-
trayed,"
Downstairs, Babcock's gavel 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 chiId's
on an ocean beach. Barton was sur
rounded by eager anxious men. The
audience, had split into circles, Of
harangufng centers. 1t was impossible
to get attention. Hardin could see Mar
shall pull Babcock by the tails Of his
coat. Unwillingly, he could see Bah
cock allow the crowd five minutes by
his consulted watch. Then again, the
gavsl danced on the table. Marshall
was still smiling. Babcock's shrill
voice split the din. "Order." The
ocean of voices swallowed him again.
eve won't let them in," Grace was
believing, @the valley won't stand for.
it."
'Take your medicine" thundered
the big organ Of Barton. II warned
you. Imperial valley"
Betrayal" groaned the crowd.
Down in the orchestra, Barton was
holding a hurry-up meeting Of the wa
ter companies, De la Vega had
stepped back aud was consulting with
Tod Marshall.
Babcock pulled out his watch, his
gayel calling for attention. This time
he was heard.
De la Vega, approached the foot
lights, a questioning look on his face.
"We ask for 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,
draw the suits"
Barton's moon face looked troubled.
1--WE can't answer for all the ranchers."
eyes, you can" screamed Grace,
jumping up and down like baboon.
eff you don't, I'll answer for them.
Don't you see, it's a trick? It's
trick. I see the hand of the o. P. In
this" Friendly hands pulled him down
into his seat.
Lie WAC Nhohtih6. WIZ
draw the suits. Take your medicine.
Don't lose the concession.-Lord,
the Service Give them the answer
now"
Barton held up a withercd hand.
The undeveloped body was dignifled
by the splendid head. ''Don't with
draw your concession. 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!"
eve withdraw the claims against
Mexico" Barton sat down to a sud-
den hush The first blood had been
let.
Once more Babcoek'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.