“Hundred dollars per annum!” cried the people of one state.
“One hundred, one hundred, going at one hundred!”
“Two hundred dollars!” bid the representatives of another state.
“Three hundred dollars!” was another offer that immediately came in.
“That is far below the value!” shouted the auctioneer. “Remember, all this money we get for licensing the saloon will go for charity or to help educate and civilise the people!”
Thousands upon thousands cheered to the echo, while the wicked auctioneer and his allies were highly pleased at the spectacle.
“Three hundred, three hundred! Altogether too low a sum for so great a privilege!”
“Five hundred dollars!” cried the authorities of another state.
“Going at five hundred, five hundred, five hundred!” rapidly and hilariously yelled the auctioneer, and the crowd cheered lustily.
“Still going at five hundred, five hundred! Who’ll give six hundred? First, second, and last warning, and sold at five hundred dollars to the state represented by yonder group of delegates!”