Part 29 (2/2)

”I suppose you wouldn't consider yourself so important, Langdon, if you knew that we now find we can get another member of the naval affairs committee over to our side for Altacoola?” began Peabody.

”That gives us a majority of the committee without your vote.”

”That wouldn't prevent me from making a minority report for Gulf City and explaining why I made that report, would it?” the Mississippian asked, blandly.

Peabody and Stevens both knew that it wouldn't. Stevens exchanged glances with ”the boss of the Senate,” and in low voice began making to Langdon a proposition to which Peabody's a.s.sent had been gained.

”Langdon, we would like to be alone,” and he nodded toward Haines.

”Sorry can't oblige, Senator,” Langdon replied. ”Bud and I together make up the Senator from Mississippi.”

”All right. What I want to say is this: The President is appointing a commission to investigate the condition of the unemployed. The members are to go to Europe, five or six countries, and look into conditions there, leisurely, of course, so as to formulate a piece of legislation that will solve the existing problems in this country. A most generous expense account will be allowed by the Government. A member can take his family. A son, for instance, could act as financial secretary under liberal pay.”

”I've heard of that commission,” said Langdon.

”Well, Senator Peabody has the naming of two Senators who will go on that commission, and I suggested that your character and ability would make you--”

”Good glory!” exclaimed Langdon. ”You mean that my character and ability would make me something or other if I kept my mouth shut in the Senate this afternoon! Stevens, I've been surprised so many times since I came to the capital that it doesn't affect me any more. I'm just amused at your offer or Senator Peabody's.

”I want to tell you two Senators that there's only one thing that I want in Was.h.i.+ngton--and you haven't offered it to me yet. When you do I'll do business with you.”

”What's that? Speak out, man!” said Peabody, quickly.

”A square deal for the people of the United States.”

”Good Lord!” exclaimed ”the boss of the Senate. Is this Was.h.i.+ngton or is it heaven?”

”It is not heaven, Senator,” put in Haines.

”Man alive!” cried Peabody, ”I've been in Was.h.i.+ngton so long that--”

”So long that you've forgotten that the American people really exist,”

retorted Langdon; ”and there are more like you in the Senate, all because the voters have no chance to choose their own Senators. The public in most States have to take the kind of a Senator that the Legislature, made up mostly of politicians, feels like making them take. You, Peabody, wouldn't be in the Senate to-day if the voters had anything to say about it.”

The Pennsylvanian shrugged his shoulders.

”And now I'll tell you honorable Senators,” went on Langdon, thoroughly aroused, ”something to surprise you. I have discovered that you were not working for yourselves alone in the Altacoola deal, but that you intend to turn your land over to the Standard Steel Company at a big profit as soon as this naval base bill is pa.s.sed. Then that company will squeeze the Government for the best part of the hundred millions that are to be spent.”

The Senator sank back in his chair and gazed at his two opponents.

Those two statesmen jumped to their feet.

”Come, Stevens, let him do what he will. We cannot stay here to be insulted by the ravings of a madman,” cried the Pennsylvanian. But he brought his a.s.sociate to a standstill midway to the door. ”By the way, Langdon, what is it you are going to do in the Senate this afternoon?”

he asked, ”You said you were going to make us honest against our will.

You know you can't do anything.”

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