California Sketches, Second Series by O. P. Fitzgerald
page 71 of 202 (35%)
page 71 of 202 (35%)
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convictions and impulses, and I am a Southern Methodist in principle.
But you see, sir, I am a candidate for United States Senator, and sectional feeling is likely to enter into the contest, and if it were known that my name was on your list of subscribers, it might endanger my election." He squeezed my arm, told me he loved me and my Church, said he would be happy to see me often, and so forth--but he did not give me his name. I left him, saying in my heart, Here is a politician. Going on together, in the corridor we met Gwin. Solomon introduced me, and told him my business. "I am glad to know that you are going to start a Southern Methodist newspaper. No Church can do without its organ. Put me down on your list, and come with me, and I will make all these fellows subscribe. There is not much religion among them, I fear, but we will make them take the paper." This was said in a hearty and pleasant way, and he took me from man to man, until I had gotten more than a dozen names, among them two or three of his most active political opponents. This incident exhibits the two types of the politician, and the two classes of men to be found in all communities--the one all "blarney" and selfishness, the other with real manhood redeeming poor human nature, and saving it from utter contempt. The senatorial prize eluded the grasp of both aspirants, but the reader will not be at a loss to guess whose side I was on. Dr. Gwin made a friend that day, and never lost him. It was this sort of fidelity to friends that, when fortune |
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