Babblings [excerpt]

     Irving M. Scott, as United States Senator! Tell it not in Gath, and whisper it not in Garvanza. The fool-killer has been rushing the season. It is not yet April 1st, and the builder of the battleship Oregon (a title secured in false pretense and retained in sufferance) continues to take himself seriously.

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     “Babbler” minds that a United States Senatorship in California usually does not stray aimlessly awaiting an ownership. It may be different with contracts for battleships, cruisers, torpedo craft and such things. Some of us are not wise on that particular score, where many may be called but few are chosen. With the prize known as a United States Senatorship, circumstances are reversed. In such an instance few are called, while many usually are chosen. Mr. Irving M. Scott evidently is convinced he is destined to prove of the many.

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     Irving M. Scott might now be presiding head of this glorious nation. Destiny apparently at one time had decreed it, but circumstances over which Mr. Scott had no control, decided otherwise, and Mr. Scott was left at the post, somewhat disfigured, but still in the ring, a sadder and—it was hoped—wiser man. The facts, as I recall them, are that Irving M. Scott desired to become part of the last Republican national ticket as running mate to the late President McKinley. No one but Mr. Scott took seriously to the idea, and the glory that he longed for never came. Had not cruel fate interposed, it would be today President Irving M. Scott instead of president Theodore Roosevelt. Irving M. Scott has wondered since how the nation could flourish with him an ordinary, simple private citizen.