Workmen's advocate. (New Haven, Conn.) 1883-1891, 1886-08-01
BlACkLlSTED.
Prosecuted to Poverty by Capitalistic
Revenge.

A robbery had been committed A
man almost ragged was arrested by one
of those shrewd detectives against whose
piercing gaze sheet-iron cannot success
fully stand. When the man was taken
into court for preliminary trial, il was
easy enough to suspect him, for having
been accused of crime he seemed TO
sink under a weight of guilt. The mag
istrate, addressing the prisoner, asked
few questions and then, turning to the
detective who made the arrest, he in
quired:
"What made you suspect this man.
'Well, your honor, he happened here
a few days before the robbery was com
mitted and being of suspicious appear
ance watched him. | asked him his
name and he said it was Barnes, but
shortly afterward heard that his name
was Powell. lost sight of him ON the
night of the robbery, but early next
morning | saw him trying to sneak out
Of town, so thought he ought to be al
rested"
81 think, replied the magistrate, "that
you acted rightly in making the arrest.
Now" turning to the prisoner, "can you
explain your conduct, and especially can
you explain why you go under two
names?'
''Judge, first let me explain why have
two names and that will explain my con-
beg for mercy; that time is past; | am
now hardened; will not detain you long.
but ask you-and this is all | DO ask
to believe me. Two years ago | was the
master mechanic in large railway ma
chine shop. received good wages and
my family, consisting of a wife and two
children, lived as well as any family in
the town. was most happily married.
and sometimes at evening my little boy
climbed up and begged me tell him just
one story. wondered if such happiness
could last.
''One day was discharged. | was
never more astonished in my life. |
humbly asked the cause of my dismissal
and was grutfly told that it was because
Twas not wanted any more. They should
have given me notice, still did not COM
plain, as | recognized their right to EN-
ploy who they pleased. When l went
home and told my wife that | had been
discharged she put her arms around my
neck and said: Never mind, dear, you
an soon get another place, The very
Ii xt day started out in search of work.
81 believe we are in need of IA man,
said the superintendent. What is your
name?
"'John Powell, replied.
"He went into an inner office, After
remaining few moments he returned
and said: No, we don't want you.
"By this time my money was nearly
gone but had not the heart to write
home for more, for had left but enough
all had-to sustain my family a few
weeks. | went to another town, certain
that could obtain work, for one of the
machine shops in the place had adver-
tised for men. The head man asked me
my name and then, pointing to a bench,
told me to sit down and wait until he
came back. He was not gone long.
When he returned he said
"'Don't want you
"'My dear sir, replied, Il am skill
full workman and | only ask you for a
trial. Then if my work don't suit you
I'll leave.
you'll leave anyway, he replied, as
he turned away.
by this time my money was exhaust
ed, but | could not stop must push my
way onward. | wrote to my wife, telling
her that had not succeeded in getting
work, but that thought my prospects
were good. | told her to write to me,
giving as my address a distant town.
had hoped to get over the road, but
failed. knew why. A prominent rail
road official told the engineers not to let
ine ride. After walking many weary
miles reached the town and applied
for work.
1--we don't want you said the super
intendent.
why / demanded.
because you are blacklisted.
my God, man, what have | doneT
- don't know and don't care damn,
but you're blacklisted.'
Il went to the post Office. | found a
letter addressed in an unfamiliar hand.
l was disappointed. | had hoped to re-
ceive letter from my wife. | tore open