When I introduced this ordinance last week I said—”
A Voice.
“We know what you said.”
Alderman Ballenberg. “I said that I did so by request.
I want to explain that it was at the request of a number of gentlemen who have since appeared before the committee of this council that now has this ordinance—”
A Voice.
“That’s all right, Ballenberg.
We know by whose request you introduced it.
You’ve said your little say.”
Alderman Ballenberg.
“If the chair pleases—”
A Voice.
“Sit down, Ballenberg.
Give some other boodler a chance.”
The Mayor.
“Will the gallery please stop interrupting.”
Alderman Hvranek (jumping to his feet).
“This is an outrage.
The gallery is packed with people come here to intimidate us.
Here is a great public corporation that has served this city for years, and served it well, and when it comes to this body with a sensible proposition we ain’t even allowed to consider it.
The mayor packs the gallery with his friends, and the papers stir up people to come down here by thousands and try to frighten us.
I for one—”
A Voice.
“What’s the matter, Billy?
Haven’t you got your money yet?”
Alderman Hvranek (Polish-American, intelligent, even artistic looking, shaking his fist at the gallery).
“You dare not come down here and say that, you coward!”
A Chorus of Fifty Voices.
“Rats!” (also)
“Billy, you ought to have wings.”
Alderman Tiernan (rising).
“I say now, Mr. Mayor, don’t you think we’ve had enough of this?”
A Voice.
“Well, look who’s here.
If it ain’t Smiling Mike.”
Another Voice.
“How much do you expect to get, Mike?”
Alderman Tiernan (turning to gallery).
“I want to say I can lick any man that wants to come down here and talk to me to my face.
I’m not afraid of no ropes and no guns.
These corporations have done everything for the city—”
A Voice.
“Aw!”
Alderman Tiernan.
“If it wasn’t for the street-car companies we wouldn’t have any city.”
Ten Voices.
“Aw!”
Alderman Tiernan (bravely).
“My mind ain’t the mind of some people.”
A Voice.