Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1885-12-26
OLD JAKE'S NEW YEAR.
How It's Promised Gloom Was
Changed to Brightness.

lRhl l.
The busy hum and tremble of the
machinery in the large Rolling mill of
c. NJ. Durant 4 Co, had ce&dS. Many
of the employees were engaged in put
ting on their coats and hats, while
others, ready to depart, stood in knots
of three or four, conversing in low
tones, waiting for the whistle to sound,
which was the signal for their dismiss
sal.
Tomorrow would be New Years
Day, and the mill was to close an hour
earlier this afternoon on that account,
The room vas a long. dusty one.
Huge cobwebs, heavy with SCOT, hung
from the beams of the low ceiling, and
the few lamps that were light gave
forth h dull, smoky light. The gloomy
and unpleasant appearance of the place
extended to the men, whose faces and
hands were begrimcd, and whose
clothes were shiny with the oil and dirt
Of the machinery.
At one end Of the room was z plat
form, upon which stood a desk; hang
ing on the wall above this was a clock.
towards which many eyes were anX-
iously turned. II was already Il quar-
ter past five, and still no whistle
sounded. The men became restless.
A few were pacing impaticntly up and
down, stopping now and then TO glance
at the time and utter some sullen re-
mark.
The hands of the clock were pointing
TO half-past five when the door leading
to the private offices opened and the
Superintendent entered, holding in his
hand a letter, He passed quickly
through the crowd without noticing the
scowling faces, and ascending the plat
form struck a bell that stood upon the
desk. At this signal the men began re.
~luctantly to gather round him. They
feared sOme pressing orders had been
received that would necessitate then
return TO work upon the morrow. Thi,
had happened before on holidays.
The Superintendent stood for a mo.
ment reading the letter, then laying il
upon the desk at his side, he glanced
uncasily around the room, and in 9
harsh, abrupt manner said:
al have received an order from tn,
firm to discontinue all further work al
1nce. The hands will receive theil
full weeks wages on Saturday. and, in
the meantime, are given full permits.
sion to procure other employment. a,
1t is uncertain how long the mills may
remain closed
The frowns of disappointment quick.
ly changed to mingled looks of anxiet,
and surprise, and a low whisper wen
round the room. When the Superin
tendent descended from the desk, ;
number OF men gathered respectful,
around him, anxious, if possible, {,
learn more OF the particulars. They
could gather nothing, however, from
his answers, except that the firm ha,
become so embarrassed that il wa
obliged to suspend business.
Among the most eager of tn,
listeners was an old, white-haired MAJ
who stood leaning against a post, upol
which was a lamp. The light shinin.
down upon his upturned face Shove,
at to be deeply furrowed and bearin!
the stamp Of many years of har,
labor. The. men passed slowly GU
into the street until he was left alone
He did not seem to notice their de
parture. His eyes were fixed as
gazing upon some far-distant Object
and his face wore a tender, almost re
fined expression, which accorde,
strangely with his surroundings.
He was still standing in this positio
when the night Waterman, who cam
to lock up the building, entered. Walk
ing toward the old man, he said, plea,
antly
well, Uncle Jake, time you wer
moving along, isn't itp You see il
past six"
Eyes, yes, | am going now" he sale
as he stopped down to pick up his hal
which had fallen TO the floor.
Bad news about the mill closin
up" continued the Waterman , "whs
do you think of itPn
81 don't know what TO think, exceI
that it will be u hard winter for thos
who look to it for support. God hel
them"
The old man stopped for a momen
His voice quivcred a little, and his ey,
grew brighter Ms he added at woul
not seem so hard. though, il viii va
only alive" As if ashamed of his nj,
mentary weakness he drew his h,
down over his face, and in a few nil
utcs was burrying along the villag
street.
Scattering flakes of snow had tsgu
70 fall, and the occasional gusts {
wind. found their way through tn
warmest garments. Uncle lakes wei
worn coat was a poor ~protectio
against such weather he was chile
70 the bone and trembling when he Al
rived at his bome-one Of the YER