The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-07-19
"Chalk Your Dobbins."

In the early days of the cotton-spin-
ming machinery, a great deal of trouble
was caused by filaments of cotton ad-
herring to the bobbins, or tapes, which
then formed portions of looms. These
flaments soon clogged the wheels and
other parts of tho machinery, and rem
dered it necessary that they should be
cleaned, involving much loss of time.
The great desideratum was to find
out some plan Of preventing this clog
ging by the cotton, and Sir Robert, or
Mr.. Peel. as he was then, spent vast
sums In experiments. He employed
some Of the ablest machinists in the
kingdom; but spite Of all they could do
the Inconvenience remained, and the
evil appeared unsurmOuntablc.
OF course, these delays seriously af-
fected the wages of the operatives, who,
on Saturdays generally came short in
proportion to stoppages during the pre-
vious days. 1t was noticed, however,
that one man always drew his full pay
his work was always accomplished :;
in fact, his loom never had to stop,
idle.
Mr.. Peel was insormed Of this, and
knew there must be Il secret some where
1t was important that 1t should be dis
covered if possible, The man was
watched, but all to no purpose. Ills
fellowworkmen tried to "pump" him,
but they couldn't. At last Mr.. Peel
sent for the man into his private Office.
He was rough Lancashire man, un-
able to read or writc--.littlc better than
mere animal. lie entered the pres
ence pulling his forelock, and shuf-
fling OH the ground with his clumsy,
great wooden shoes.
"Dick," said Mr.. Peel, "Fcrguson,
the overlookcr, tells me your bobbins
are always clean. Is that sop
GEES, master, It bc.'
"Well, Dick, how do you manage it ?
Have you nny objections to let me
know ?"
"Why, Master Phil, It be n saort Of
secret loike, ye see; and if OF told 10th
ers' knows much as OIL" replied Dick,
with cunning grin.
"Of course, Dick, | will give you
something If you will tell mc--and If
You can make all the looms In the fac-
tory work as smooth as yours"
Every one III them, Master Phil"
"Well, what shall give you? Name
your price Dick, and let me have your
secret"
Cunning Dick grinncd, scratched his
head, shutlled for Il few minutes, while
Mr.. Peel al. Xiously awaited his reply.
The cotton lord thought his servant
would probably ask hundred pounds
or so, which ho would most willingly
have given him.
Presently Dick said, "Well, Master
Phil, Pll tell zee all about it, If you'll
give ne quart O. beer Il day as long as
Pm In the mill; you'll save that tcn.'
Mr.. Peel rather thought he should,
and quickly agreed to the terms.
"Hou shall have 1t, Dick; and
half gallon every Sunday into the bar
gain"
"Well, thcn," said Dick, first looking
cautiously around to see that no one
was near-"this it be-" and putting his
lips close to Mr., Peel's ear, he whls-
pered, "Chalk your bobbins."
That, Indeed, was the great secret.
Dick had been in the habit of furtivcly
chalking his bobbins, which simple
contrivance had ctlectunlly prevented
the adhesion Of the cotton. AS the
bobbins were white, the chalk escaped
detection.
Mr.. Peel was sagacious man, and
saw through the affair at a glance. He
at once patented the invention, had
"chalking" machinery contrlved and
soon took the lead In the cotton spin
ming department.. This was the foun-
dation Of his princely fortune. 1t Is
but right to add that he pensioncd of
Dick handsomely.