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Chapter 2

AN EXCLUSIVE PARTY

On the same night as Martin’s birthday party, Texas was throwing a formal ball. The guest of honor at that state held gala event was Henry R. Bandridge, a somewhat dubious Hollywood film director.

There are two accounts of the ball. One account tells of the social event of the year, while the other tells a story that is completely different.

For months after that evening the newspapers would continue to have a field day. The presses devoted entire features to the many conversations that supposedly developed into full rage. As for Henry R. Bandridge, the rough edged veteran film director whose remarks could only be whispered to his young and beautiful female companion, he confessed, “This is boring.”

Even though no members of the press were allowed admittance to the festivities the reports were generally correct. Every reporter, whether young or old, knew the true reasons for the reception. In Texas, 1928 was an election year for many of the top government positions. High society events are always the name of the game for every candidate looking to gain powerful friends, as well as possibly grabbing some spotlight.

All that the press needed was the list of those attending. The rest was simple. The public would get the sensationalism that they craved and the politicians would get their coverage. The next morning’s headlines read, “TEXAS HOSTS THE STARS” and, “STARS LIGHT UP AUSTIN”.

The front page of the Texas Star Ledger read, “Last night, at the Governor’s Mansion, Texas played host to Hollywood. In the manner in which visitors to our fair state have grown accustomed to all of Texas was thrown open to the stars of the silver screen. The movie company is here to film the recreation of the battle of the Alamo.

Governor Richard Brady remarked, ‘I’m looking forward in seeing how Hollywood treats these men.’

Other dignitaries, including former Texas Governors William Tyler Jamison and Mary Agnes Jamison were in attendance…”

At the bottom of the page, beneath the article, was a drawing of the Alamo’s mission building as it looked in 1928. The caption below the sketching strangely read, “Later this year, the Alamo building will be leveled.”

At first glance the inclusion of William and Mary Jamison among those that were invited to the proceedings appears curious. Both were well known, yet the cause for each of their notoriety was vastly different.

William Jamison, or “Willy” as he was well known, was at one time a genuine American hero. At least, he was a hero to the poor tenant farmer.

For years before 1914, statewide elections in Texas featured candidates that aligned themselves for or against prohibition. In 1914, Jamison, a banker, ignoring the issue of prohibition, took on the more pressing concern of the poor oppressed tenant farmer in his bid for office.

At that time, landlords were dealing unfairly with the tenant farmer. In most cases the cost of renting their land was above the state’s prescribed percentages and often they would demand bonus money for good crop years.

Traditionally, the cost of renting farmland was supposed to be one fourth of the cotton and one third of most other crops grown. Even in bad years when crops were poor the percentages never went down. The landowner had the best of all times. As they put it, “An agreement was an agreement”.

Jamison pledged to change all that; if elected he promised to fix the “one-fourth, one-third law” swinging its weight in favor of the tenant farmer.

Winning office in 1914, he fulfilled many of his campaign promises. The most heralded of the accomplishments of his administration of course was the amendment of the “one-fourth, one-third” law. Mainly because of this, his first term in office was hailed as a success. But, what developed during his second term of office turned the tide against him.

Jamison’s first mistake was to feud with the University of Texas, when he attempted to dictate to acting president David J. Connell on how the university appropriation law should be interpreted. When Connell balked at what was literally a command, Jamison did not back down. Instead, he tried but ultimately failed to have Connell removed.

The following year, the university named the well-known scholar James Stallworth as president without Jamison’s consent. When Jamison demanded that Stallworth be replaced, the regent refused his authority a second time in two years.

Jamison fumed and struck back the best way he knew by vetoing the university’s appropriation. This vindictive act alone did more to set in motion the powers that quickly rose against him than anything else that he had done in his entire political life.

First, the Attorney General voided Jamison’s veto on a technicality. Then, less than a week later the House of Representatives Investigating Committee brought charges against Jamison.

As if from out of nowhere, proof had come available that showed the governor had been less than ethical in a few business matters. At that very point, Willy came up against the very power that had helped him get elected not once, but twice...Public opinion.

It all started when various Texas State officials, friends of the University accused him of conflicting interests, one for the people, and one for the breweries and other big businesses within the state.

Overnight, newspapers throughout Texas began clamoring for Jamison’s resignation. With each day’s summary of the House of Representative’s Investigating Committee Hearing on Jamison’s ethics, public opinion grew against him. The power of the press, combined with the political machine proved too much of an obstacle for him to overcome. Before his second term had ended, Jamison was impeached, convicted and barred from ever holding a state office again.

This, however, did not spell the end for William T. Jamison. In 1924, Mary A. Jamison, William’s wife became Governor of Texas.

To be honest, Mary wasn’t suited for the political forefront. Although she was well educated, she was also petite and quite shy. Being William T. Jamison’s wife certainly didn’t make her governing chores any easier as many held the belief that it was actually Willy making the decisions for Texas. Regardless of who was running Texas, a lot was accomplished for the people in the state.

There is one major triumph that can be undoubtedly contributed to Mary. It was her victory in the race for governor over Judge J. Jennings that helped to the halt the progress of a political menace. By her defeating Jennings, who had Ku Klux Klan support, it can be said that she single handedly brought an end to the rise of the Klan in Texas.

To most, this night’s political hobnobbing was a total success. However, to Henry Bandridge’s estimation the entire affair was one bad joke. The act of diplomacy was not a skill that the man had ever tried to learn.

Looking about the ballroom Henry couldn’t help from feeling a strong condemnation for the older pretentious debutantes in their long elegant gowns; smiling their crooked smiles upon meeting friends they had no time or care to stop and chat with.

Henry had also observed the politician’s folly. Looking about the room he watched as all the politicians shook each other’s hand, not meaning a word they exchanged and not saying what they were actually thinking.

Henry was a straightforward, no nonsense opinionated individual who all too often rubbed people the wrong way with his frankness. That night, he felt trapped, hemmed in by the kind of people he had always tried to avoid. Politics, he believed was the root of all man’s sorrows. If not for some special business that needed to be conducted with a certain banker by the name of William T. Jamison he wouldn’t have bothered to attend that night’s gathering.

At Henry’s side was a beautiful, long legged female starlet. Her name was Eleanor St. James. She was a young lady whose dreams far outweighed her talent to act.

Still, acting ability wasn’t and still isn’t always the telling factor in Hollywood. She was beautiful, enchanting. No one could have possibly been more ravishing that night or any other night. Appearing as if some angel sent to grace man’s tired eyes it was as if she was to grant a glimpse of what must be waiting for man up in heaven. Her long, thin-flowing blond hair, knowingly draped carefully across one shoulder, was a tempting lure for every male’s eye.

As the light in the room gently touched each strand of her hair, the reflected radiance danced away in every conceivable direction. So brilliant was the glow off her hair that as some of the rays were being pressed up against her black tight-fit evening dress, a spell was being cast out toward every male’s eye within the room.

Her very soul could be seen reaching out as it rose beyond her body. Her light gray, sultry eyes could be expected at any moment to melt the heart and the eyes of any man with the slightest glance their way. Her sweet lips sent tender kisses with a mere stirring of her mouth. Her soft-soft features glowed as they beckoned lovingly for any man to come stand at her side.

The eyes of every male passer-by were captured with even the most innocent of glances from her. Their hearts swooned like those of young schoolboys, nearly causing each to sigh out loud. Their wives and girlfriends of course were greatly appalled by the effect she had on all the men.

Henry, taking notice of the disturbance that Eleanor was causing, whispered to her, “Don’t look now, but I think we’re causing a stir.”

At that moment, Eleanor was totally without fault. In fact, she wasn’t even paying attention to anything going on around her. She was too busy looking through a small book in her hand.

“What are you doing?” Henry asked, puzzled.

As Eleanor turned to face Henry, she lowered the book to her side. “For the past few days, I’ve been trying to memorize some facts about Texas.” Then, straightening up, she struggled as she began to recite a few facts. “The state bird of Texas is the Mockingbird...The capital of Texas is Austin.”

“That’s right...That’s where we are now,” added Henry, as if in an attempt to break her concentration.

“What?”

“Never mind,” he told her, cracking a wide grin. “Don’t mind me.”

Composing herself once more, Eleanor then became quite solemn in her delivery. “The state’s nickname is the Lone Star State. The song of Texas is ‘Texas our Texas’...”

“Say, Eleanor,” interrupted Henry, once more. “You don’t intend to memorize that whole book and then try to recite it back to me...Now, do you?”

“Well, I...”

Taking the book from her hands, Henry wasted little time in offering some kind words. “Honey, you don’t have to prove anything to me. And, if you’re thinking that you have to try to impress anyone here....” He paused briefly to scan the room for the many angry or lovesick faces. Then looking back at Eleanor, he said frankly, “Don’t bother. You’re already doing quite fine.”

Eleanor smiled brightly like a small child that had just been encouraged by a loving parent. She still was not aware of the many angry eyes staring hatefully at her, or anyone else for that matter.

“Come on, let’s dance,” said Henry as he began to escort her to the dance floor and unknowingly straight toward a group of ladies gathering to block their path. “Oh, oh, get ready for anything,” he whispered to Eleanor, when finally noting the cross looks upon the faces of the women standing in their way.

Escorting Eleanor up to the awaiting committee, Henry summoned the utmost proper air of sophistication to address the ladies. “Good evening, dear ladies.”

The way dramatically cleared for them to pass without incident. Addressing the ladies in a gentlemanly fashion was important. Keeping their heads held high in spite of the circumstances were also factors in both Eleanor and Henry’s favor. Certainly, the good ladies were not going to start an altercation without due provocation. Thus, Henry and Eleanor were safe to go wherever they chose without hindrance.

Still, Henry was not satisfied. Once past the small crowd, his maddening ways would not allow this moment to pass without showing some sort of disdain for the narrow minded people.

Stopping, he turned back to the ladies. He smiled and with only the utmost dignified manner handed Eleanor’s book of travel facts to one of them. “It’s a little gift,” he told the woman with a smirk, “from me to you.”

As Henry resumed escorting his lady to the dance floor, the other ladies all gathered around the woman with the book. One gaped in disbelief, as the others were unable to respond to the questionable gift.

Across the room, a grand lady smiled her approval. After having observed the proceedings from the distance, she was glad to see the other ladies get their just rewards. Her appreciation though was for more than mere righteousness.

One of the gentlemen standing next to this great lady was her husband, William T. Jamison. He was speaking with a couple of other bankers. The topic, as always was the country’s route to economic ruin and decay.

Mary would have interrupted her husband’s conversation, but every time she was about to speak the discussion flared up. For the time being she felt compelled to remain silent, waiting for a lull in the debate, content on watching Henry and Eleanor from afar.

“So, you’ll continue to extend credit,” said Jamison, as if having reached the end of his plea.

“I see no reason not to,” replied one of the gentlemen. “The outlook for business growth is limitless, thus profits for our banks. Might I add, there’s enough profit in it for all of us.”

Jamison hesitated before revealing his dislike for the fellow banker’s reasoning with a mocking huff. Then, with the sense of power and yet compassion, William attempted to establish his view one last time. “Well, then let me give you a little forecast of my own...I see the bidding for the means of production as a curse, for it only pushes the prices for the consumer higher. The spiraling effects of businesses borrowing more and more money to pay for that bidding will effect further drain upon our gold supplies. Already, foreign goods have begun to flood our shores, and for a lot cheaper, might…I... add. If we continue down this path, businesses will close and people will be put out of work.”

“And, if we restrict credit, as you suggest?” Asked the second man.

“Well, we’re still in for an upheaval unlike the world has ever known.”

Neither man wanted any part of William’s prediction. “Utter nonsense,” the first man reared up. “You’re talking depression!” Barked the other man.

William paused for a moment, sadly reflecting, before replying, “I’m speaking of a great depression.”

“And, what would you have us do, Governor?” The first man asked, not really caring to listen to a reply.

William fumed. “If you and I, and the rest of us bankers would get off our high horse.” William then paused once more when feeling the tender touch of Mary’s hand on his forearm. It was time for William to compose himself. He had once more been brought back to his senses by the one constant, settling comfort in his life, Mary.

After taking a deep breath to compose himself, Jamison would continue with a milder tone. “We can still lick this thing before it goes too far...I would have all prices across the country fixed, so businesses would stabilize. And, cut off all that needless credit we bankers have been shelling out...”

“Governor,” interrupted the second gentleman. “Have you implemented this trend of cutting back credit at your bank?”

“No,” answered William, sadly, dropping his eyes. “No, I haven’t.”

“I thought not,” sharply remarked the man, before smugly smiling to the other man.

William’s eyes shot up as he began to stare piercingly. He didn’t like being mocked. As he caught the man’s eyes once more, his words then became man to man. “The only reason I haven’t is because it would have no effect unless every banker was willing to follow suit.”

“Oh, Governor,” smirked the man, attempting to avoid any further eye contact with him.

“How can you expect anything else from us?” Asked the other man.

William’s face became very stern as the man’s taunting bit deep into his soul. His next words were not subtle. “Frankly, the party is over, my friend. If we’re all heading for hell in a handbag, I can’t do anything to stop it by myself.”

The faces of the other two men fell, as they knew that Willy’s words weren’t entirely foolish. Finally, through all his effort they had begun to listen and wonder if their world might not be coming to an end.

The faces of the other two men fell, as they knew that Willy’s words weren’t entirely foolish. Finally, through all his effort they had begun to listen and wonder if their world might not be coming to an end.

William leaned nearer to his wife to listen as she informed him of someone’s whereabouts. Immediately, his eyes shot up as he began staring out across the room. “Thank you, Ma.” Turning to the two men, he told them that they must excuse him while he attended to an urgent matter.

Both men nodded, giving their approval without uttering a word.

“Mary, would you be so kind as to keep these two fine gentlemen entertained until I can return...Thank-you, my dear.” He didn’t give his wife or the two men another thought as he moved away. His sole focus was on meeting Henry R. Bandridge.

Governor Brady was to first meet Eleanor and Henry, having just come from the dance floor himself. He was at that moment speaking to both of them, although his attention was unmistakably trained on Eleanor.

Brady was young, opinionated and a very dashing figure of a man. Of course, he found Eleanor quite desirable. As he spoke, his eyes couldn’t resist the temptation of gazing upon Eleanor’s beauty.

Eventually, it became quite apparent that he had no control over his own eyes. Even as he spoke to Henry, he could not keep himself from looking at Eleanor.

To be fair, Eleanor couldn’t take her eyes off the young governor.

Henry, straight off, recognized the pattern of someone smitten with Eleanor’s beauty and tried to ignore what was going on. But, he was becoming more annoyed with each passing second as it was difficult to ignore certain eye movements. Feeling as though an outsider, he began mumbling to himself jokingly. “Oh, God, a match made in heaven...It must be love.”

Believing that Henry had just said something to him, Brady asked, “Did you say something?”

“Nothing important,” snapped Henry in reply.

William, joining the threesome, looked at Henry as he addressed Brady. “Governor Brady.”

Brady, soon realizing that William wanted to be introduced to his guests, complied without further delay. “Governor...allow me to introduce to you two of my very special guests to our fair state. To my left is the heralded Hollywood film director, Henry R. Bandridge...Governor William Tyler Jamison.”

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, sir,” said William, as he grasped Henry’s hand firmly to exchange handshakes.

“And, I you, sir.”

“And, to my right, Governor, this lovely vision is actress Eleanor St. James...”

William having studied Henry throughout Eleanor’s introduction finally glanced at her to give greetings. “Good evening.” A mere glance and the brief tiding were all that he gave her. His mind was set on business. His eyes returned glued solely on Henry once the exchange of niceties with Eleanor were barely complete.

Knowing that William was scrutinizing him, Henry began forming a little quip within his mind.

“Well, is Texas everything you thought it would be?” Asked William.

“Yes,” replied Henry, “and a great deal more...”

“Oh...How so?”

Glancing, quickly between the two governors, Henry joked, “I knew that Texas was a big state, but I never dreamt that she had so many governors.”

William smiled and chuckled slightly, before adding, “Oh, there’s a few more governors here tonight than you might think. My wife was also governor of Texas.” Looking to Brady, William then paused as if dreading the thought of having to ask him for anything. “Governor...might I use the library for a little while?” He said as the words nearly choked him.

“Surely, Governor,” replied Brady, about to show the way. “Allow me...”

William taken aback abruptly advised Brady, “I use to reside here.” The slight grin that appeared briefly on his face quickly faded as he went on to say, “Unless you’ve moved the library, I can find it.” Turning, William noticed the cold gleam in Henry’s eyes as he stared at Eleanor. He could also plainly see Eleanor, softly smiling at Brady. He began to wonder if the time was right for the meeting. “Of course,” said William, before clearing his throat. “If this is not the appropriate time or place for Mister Bandridge...Some other meeting might be arranged.”

Henry, once dashing himself, was now in his late fifties. Although still slender, his looks and his actions were crusted with his way of life. Resigning himself to the facts, he looked straight into William’s eyes and said, “No…There’s no time like the present.”

Henry’s actions in the offset may have appeared to be jealousy related. However, that was far from the truth. He was not a man who was normally taken by such an emotion. There was another reason for his uneasiness.

Quite aware of Eleanor’s often displayed antics; he glared coarsely at her. He didn’t have to say a word. Even if she didn’t look at him, Henry knew that by his silence the message would be heard loud and clear.

Eleanor’s head had dropped. She knew exactly what Henry was thinking and didn’t need or want to make eye contact with him. Instead, she slightly nodded yes accordingly and smiled an impish sort of smile, the sort of smile that gave her true intentions away. A moment later, her face brightened like a pixy waiting the proper time to let loose.

Being all too familiar with her ways, Henry had to smile as well. Raising his head to stare up to the ceiling, he could only mumble lowly to himself as he shook his head in utter disbelief. “Oh, God...help us”

William did all that he could to keep himself from breaking out in a laugh. “Shall we go?” He asked, almost sympathetic to Henry’s plight.

At first, Henry was surprised in hearing William’s choice of words as well as his tone. How could he possibly know what was going through my mind? He wondered. Resigned to the fact that whatever would be would be, he finally set his mind on business once more. “Why not...Like I said, there’s no time like the present...”

As William led the way he tried to ease Henry’s mind. “You know, you need not worry about your friend.”

“Oh, I’m not a bit worried about Eleanor,” replied Henry, honestly. “It’s the Governor’s safety that I’m worried about.”

William, amused, momentarily stared at Henry before saying, “Richard’s a big boy.”

“And, Eleanor is a big girl.”

Instantly, just as the two men turned into the hallway from the ballroom, William broke into a hardy laugh. The echo of his laughter rang for a period of time as they moved further down the hallway.

Back in the ballroom, Eleanor didn’t wait long until she made her move. Her eyes, looking all too deeply into Brady’s eyes were meant to totally captivate him. Drawing nearer to him, under the pretense of straightening his lapel, she whispered softly into his ear.

Brady’s eyes soon widened with surprise.

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