cent franchise to save
me from the local political sharks."

By this time, however, the newspapers had become as subtle and powerful
as the politicians themselves. Under the great dome of the capitol at
Springfield, in the halls and conference chambers of the senate and
house, in the hotels, and in the rural districts wherever any least
information was to be gathered, were their representatives--to see, to
listen, to pry. Out of this contest they were gaining prestige and
cash. By them were the reform aldermen persuaded to call mass-meetings
in their respective districts. Property-owners were urged to organize;
a committee of one hundred prominent citizens led by Hand and Schryhart
was formed. It was not long before the halls, chambers, and
committee-rooms of the capitol at Springfield and the corridors of the
one principal hotel were being tramped over almost daily by rampant
delegations of ministers, reform aldermen, and civil committeemen, who
arrived speechifying, threatening, and haranguing, and departed, only
to make room for another relay.

"Say, what do you think of these delegations, Senator?" inquired a
certain Representative Greenough of Senator George Christian, of
Grundy, one morning, the while a group of Chicago clergymen accompanied
by the mayor and several distinguished private citizens passed through
the rotunda on their way to the committee on railroads, where the house
bill was privily being discussed. "Don't you think they speak well for
our civic pride and moral upbringing?" He raised his eyes and crossed
his fingers over his waistcoat in the most sanctimonious and
reverential attitude.

"Yes, dear Pastor," replied the irreverent Christian, without the
shadow of a smile. He was a little sallow, wiry man with eyes like a
ferret, a small mustache and goatee ornamenting his face. "But do not
forget that the Lord has called us also to this work."

"Even so," acquiesced Greenough. "We must not weary in well doing. The
harvest is truly plenteous and the laborers are few."

"Tut, tut, Pastor. Don't overdo it. You might make me larf," replied
Christian; and the twain parted with knowing and yet weary smiles.

Yet how little did the accommodating attitude of these gentlemen avail
in silencing the newspapers. The damnable newspapers! They were here,
there, and everywhere reporting each least fragment of rumor,
conversation, or imaginary programme. Never did the citizens of
Chicago receive so