Why, Dad, that's more than you
make in a month from your job as Mayor."
"Well, that isn't a bad retainer. It's an opening wedge. However, it
would be mere chicken-feed in San Francisco."
"Read this," Henry urged, and thrust a yellow telegraph-form under
the Mayor's nose. The latter adjusted his glasses and read:
Imperative building operations commence immediately. Local skepticism
injurious and delays dangerous. We must show good faith to our New
York friends. J. P. M. insists upon knowing promptly where we stand
with Sequoia city council. See them immediately and secure temporary
franchise, if possible, to enable us to cross Water Street at B
Street and build out Front Street. Your arrangement with Cardigan for
use of his mill-dock and spur for unloading material from steamer
ratified by board but regarded as hold-up. If your judgment indicates
no hold-up on permanent franchise, commence active operations
immediately upon acquisition of permanent franchise. Engage local
labour as far as possible. Cannot impress upon you too fully
necessity for getting busy, as road must be completed in three years
if our plans are to bear fruit and time is all too short. Impress
this upon city council and wire answer to-morrow.
HOCKLEY.
This telegram, as the Mayor observed, was dated that day and
addressed to Mr.
Pages:
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307