THE BROTHERS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 59, 27 July 1906, Page 2

THE BROTHERS.

The Allison brothers were rivals In love and rivals in war—the war of politics—and while this rivalry did not prevent them from being the best of friends, yet it did serve to make each oppose the other in every undertaking. John, the more advanced in years than Robert, was a Protectionist, and the latter a freetrader, in municipal affairs John was a reformer, while his brother was satisfied with the old charter ; in the religious world the latter was a Presbyterian and John a Catholic ; and, in short, they disagreed about almost everything. On only 'one point, indeed, were they ever unanimous. When Robert suggested in his brother’s presence that Miss Bainbridge was the most charming young lady in the world there was no dissenting voice. John had taken that position years before, but somehow or other he had never been able to screw up the courage necessary for -a proposal ; that is, he had never been able until Robert had come around to his own way of thinking. Then, without delay he had voiced his feelings, but too late, his procrastination had given time to his enemy, and Miss jdainbridgp declare<ktbfti. p3.sh*4ikfi(f.

one as well as the other, she would have to refuse both, ami with her decision the rivals were forced to be content. When the elections began _to draw near, Allison, Sr., heard that his brother was striving for Freetrade in the House of Representatives, and with the determination to fight him i.i tiiis, as in everything, John began to try for Protection. Both being popular, hard workers and good wire pullers, they were nominated by their respective parties, and the fight went on.

The campaign without exception, was the fiercest that was ever carried on in the district. Joint debates between the leaders were frequent, “stump” speakers worked from morning till night in their respective districts, and every effort was put forth by the candidates. But the outcome was clouded by doubt, the victorious side would win by a small majority. The brothers fully realized how the matter stood and they were sore troubled, for each had a suspicion that an M.P. after his name might have no little weight when Miss Cambridge came to weigh them in the balance. Towards the end of the fight, however, Robert Allison lessened his exertions whether because of the fact that his health could not stand the strain, or because of some other reason, John did not know. But the fact that the Freetrade candidate had ceased his endeavours was certain, and, accordingly the other redoubled his efforts. He neglected his business, neglected sleep, neglected even Miss Bainbridge, .and threw his whole soul into the fight. For, he reasoned, if he won he would also win the young lady.

One morning, a few days before the election, Allison Sr., was sitting in his office, figuring in his mind on the probable result of the struggle. Three districts were his beyond the shadow of a doubt, and three were Robert’s, but there was a seventh which- was doubtful, and this had been the battleground. There the greatest fight had been fought, and the candidates’ time had been so much taken up with the affairs in the “doubtful” that they had neglected the “certain”. It was of these “certains” that John was thinking. If by some means he could turn one of them against the Freetrade candidate his / own victory would be easy enough. But how could this be done ? He thought over the matter for a long time and at length an idea came to him. “All’s fair in war—and love,” he muttered ; “anyhow I’m going on that principle.” For a few minutes he busied himself with a pad and pencil and then read aloud : “Suppose that ‘Bath’ is for me beyond a doubt; but will run down anyhow. Will be there and speak tonight. “Allison.” That night a large crowd assembled at the Bath County Courthouse and when John Allison arrived he was greeted with cheer after cheer. The cheers did not continue for any length of time, however, for ihe speaker opened his address by stating that while he had formerly favoured Freetrade he had experienced a change of views in the Inst few months and hence could not conscientiously vote for a freetrade bill He was sorry if his constituents contemplated withdrawing their support, but the move was unavoidable. Had ' A mutual acquaintance of the brothers been present the ruse would not have been successful, hut as the district had been neglected in the campaign no one present had seen the candidates, and so everyone present was convinced that Robert Allison was the speaker. When the latter had been engaged about ten minutes, hisses instead of cheers were heard, and when half on hour had passed the crowd had so divided that few besides the speaker were to be seen in the vicinity.

“Anyway, I didn’t lie to them,” mentioned the politician as he descended from his stand, “for I am an out and out protectionist.” It was with a satisfied smile on his countenance that John entered the office on the following morning, and the same smile was still lingering there after sunset on election day. As be had expected the vote showed that Bath had risen in indignation and gone for protection. Accordingly he had been elected by a handsome majority, and in the best of spirits he walked round to his brother’s place of business to inform him by what methods the victory had been gained. The younger Allison was present, and as John related to him the story he burst into a hearty laugh. It was the rule of the two never to become angry with one another, whatever the provocation. “So, so !” exclaimed Robert after his merriment had subsided, “you got the best of me, did you ? Well, you worked hard enough for it anyhow. I might have known you'd get ahead of me in some way. You’ve never failed to do it yet.” ( v “I pride myself on the success of my scheme,” returned John. “Yes, but I am not complaining. While you’ve been working you’ve failed to visit Miss Bainbridge. I myself, have been specially attentive recently, and —well, on the night of your “Bath” she consented to be 'mine. Your salary for the two years will be £BOO while she is worth £1,500. Two to one, eh, John? And that’s what you have been fighting for.” Brother John's face fell.