Bles Alwyn hurried up to Senator Smith‚Äôs office, hoping to hear something about the school; perhaps even about‚ÅÝ‚Äîbut he stopped with a sigh, and sat down in the anteroom. He was kept waiting a few moments while Senator Smith, the chairman, and one other member of the subcommittee had a word.
“Now, I don’t know the young man, mind you,” said the Senator; “but he’s strongly recommended.”
“What shall we offer him?” asked the chairman.
“Try him at twenty-five dollars a speech. If he balks, raise to fifty dollars, but no more.”
They summoned the young man. The chairman produced cigars.
“I don’t smoke,” said Bles apologetically.
“Well, we haven’t anything to drink,” said the chairman. But Senator Smith broke in, taking up at once the paramount interest.
‚Äú Mr. ¬ÝAlwyn, as you know, the Democrats are making an effort to get the Negro vote in this campaign. Now, I know the disadvantages and wrongs which black men in this land are suffering. I believe the Republicans ought to do more to defend them, and I‚Äôm satisfied they will; but I doubt if the way to get Negro rights is to vote for those who took them away.‚Äù
“I agree with you perfectly,” said Bles.
“I understand you do, and that you made an unusually fine speech on the subject the other night.”