rural districts, who think men are still selected for Congress on account

of qualifications for the office.

"No," said Philip, "the chances are that a man cannot get into congress

now without resorting to arts and means that should render hint unfit to

go there; of course there are exceptions; but do you know that I could

not go into politics if I were a lawyer, without losing standing somewhat

in my profession, and without raising at least a suspicion of my

intentions and unselfishness? Why, it is telegraphed all over the

country and commented on as something wonderful if a congressman votes

honestly and unselfishly and refuses to take advantage of his position to

steal from the government."

But," insisted Alice, "I should think it a noble ambition to go to

congress, if it is so bad, and help reform it. I don't believe it is as

corrupt as the English parliament used to be, if there is any truth in

the novels, and I suppose that is reformed."

"I'm sure I don't know where the reform is to begin. I've seen a

perfectly capable, honest man, time and again, run against an illiterate

trickster, and get beaten. I suppose if the people wanted decent members

of congress they would elect them. Perhaps," continued Philip with a

smile, "the women will have to vote."

Well, I should be willing to, if it were a necessity, just as I would go

to war and do what I could, if the country couldn't be saved otherwise,"

The Gilded Age