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Updated: June 3, 2025
That ought to be enough honor for a man who a year ago was growing cotton on an old plantation miles away from civilization." "We have control now of all the land about Altacoola that can be used," said Stevens. "I have had Norton, the Congressman from Langdon's district, working on it.
I'll believe it of Langdon when he tells me so; not otherwise." Norton turned to Randolph. "Perhaps you'll believe Mr. Langdon's son, Mr. Haines?" Randolph Langdon stepped forward. "It's true, Haines," he said; "my father's money is in Altacoola lands." Haines looked him up and down, with a sneer. "Your money may be," he said.
"Well, it looks to me like Altacoola ought to be a fine site. But the actual place isn't so important to me.
I sent him a note and signed your name, Senator, to the effect that the Gulf City claims have been brought before you so strongly that you might vote for Gulf City." Langdon was amazed. "You sent that note," he exclaimed, "when you know Altacoola is the only proper place and Gulf City is a mud bank?" The newspaper man smiled. "Of course," he agreed, "but I had to get a rise out of Peabody.
"Here's the chance to get to the bottom of this Altacoola proposition. It's from Peabody." Haines read the following: "DEAR SENATOR LANGDON: I am going to Philadelphia to-night. Urgent call from a company for which I am counsel, so I probably won't be able to confer with you regarding the committee's choice for the naval base.
"Confound it, Langdon, if you will have it, I am interested in Altacoola." Langdon nodded. "That's all I wanted to know," he said. "Now you see why it's got to be Altacoola," persisted the boss. "I don't mind telling you, then, Senator Peabody," answered Langdon calmly, "that my being for Gulf City was a bluff. I've been trying to draw you out.
"Senator Peabody," asked Langdon, "why are you so strong for Altacoola?" The Pennsylvanian hesitated. "Its natural advantages," he said at last. The Southerner shook his head. "Oh, that's all? Well, if natural advantages are going to settle it, and not influence, go ahead and vote, and I'll just bring in a minority report for Gulf City." "The boss of the Senate" was in a corner now.
Norton, the persevering young law student who loved the girl who had been his boyhood playmate, was now Norton who coveted her father's lands, who boasted that he was on the "inside" in Washington, who was on the way to fortune if the new Senator from Mississippi would or could be forced to stand in favor of the Altacoola naval base.
There are, a thousand people with money who would just love to have this chance. And I'm giving it to you because of our friendship. I want to do you a good turn. I've got my money in there." Young Langdon was visibly impressed. "You've always treated me right, Charlie; you've been for me, I know. But suppose the Government doesn't select Altacoola. Gulf City's in the running."
"Lan' speculation is legitimate," protested, the Colonel, cunningly. Haines agreed. "Certainly by outsiders. But it's d d thievery when engaged in by any one connected with putting a bill through. If I were to tell Senator Langdon what you have told me it would decide him unalterably in favor of Altacoola.
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