Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1888-11-17
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE LAST STRAW.

THE LAST STRAW.
"You are too late, my friend" Philip had
been sitting in his study in the darkness
which was not more black than his life. But
he arose to give his cold hand to Mr.. Phil
brick, who had come at last
"Why too late. This is only Wednesday,
Have you changed your mind? l did not
suppose there was SO much hurry, and
wanted to have everything ready"
ut is too late" answered Philip gloomily.
What use to tell the old gentleman that
Philip Bretons wife was q criminal before
the law that the transfer of the mill property
was only part of his scheme to save her
from an infamous penalty, that their deadli-
est enemy knew all their plans now, and no
doubt her sleepless eyes watched their every
movement, lest they should escape her hate.
The servant came to the door. 81 suppose
you will have lights sir. Some men from
the mill folks want to see you"
''Oh, yes; show them in," he said care
lessly.
There were not chairs enough for the four
workmen who came stumbling in like pail
bearers at a country funeral, but Philip did
not seem to look at them One took his
place by the window, and soiled the curtain
with his hands; another, apparently the
spokesman, disClained to lean against any
thing but stood stock still i'll the centre of
the room, bent forward little in an attitude
borrowed from the prize ring. His feet We're
planted well apart, and his arms bowed out
at the elbows.
81 suppose you have some complaints to
make" said the young mill owner with
gentleness of tone that was quite miSunder-
stood by the delegation, who Immediately
tried to look very fierce
"Yere right, sir" answered the man in the
center of the room. "Ye know yerself, ye
aint doin' the right thing by u.s."
Philip did not speak for o moment, ana
rvor,fd hava thOnplt he had
not heard the fellow, only for little twitch-
ing at the corners of his mouth. Apparently
the young man was deeply hurt by his fail
ure to satisfy his men.
81 have done the best l knew"
.'Wal, we kin tell yer, if ye don't know no
better. ~ resumed the workman insolently
Philips eyes flashed at him, then dropped to
the CARPET again PAY us more wages for
one thing shorten up our hours Tor an
other"
profits with you. You thought l was very
good with YOU once" The young mans tone
was not argumentative, it was too hopeless
for that.
eyer don't divvy even; our share don't
mount to much," put in the man who was
soilng the window curtain.
~ am sorry for you, but you can't expect
me to make you all richn There was such
sadness of reproach in Philips voice that
mist gathered before Philbrick's kind eyes
But the workmen got the idea they were
frightening the young master.
81 have gone as far as can see my way
Don't you think you had better be patient
with meF'
''Be you goin' to raise our payw Philip
shook his head thoughtfully.
81 cannot understand it is my duty or my
RAre YOU goin' to shorten up our hoursf
asked the man at the window.
~ cannotn-
The chief spokesman turned to his COM
panions ''Ther amt no use. Wal, squire,
tomorrow you may wish you had. Come
along, boys"
Philip had dropped back heavily into his
chair. He seemed to have forgotten the pres
ence Of Mr. Philbrick, until that gentleman
began to explain his more perfect system
"How can you expect your help to be salts
fed" Philbrick was saying; even II tney
were well paid it would be small object for
them to be shut up all their lives, as If they
were convicts. But you don't pay them,
either. 1t isn't because the business don't
pay, for your fathers profits and yours were
enormous. 1t is all the IesOlt of false yalua,
tion of the worth Of services. Now shall
seek to remove the burdens that crush the
people and restrict there natural develop
mf1I Philip said nothing. How wei his old friend
had kept his enthusiasm through all the
wears OF his life Well, it would do no harm
"You will ask me for details" Mr.. Phil
brick took his seat again and drew up to him
q sheet of paper and pencil. "Iou VIII ask
what burdens they are that are on the mil
lion besides the common necessary burdens
Of human nature. Twill tell yod The principal
burden. it is the infolerable tribute to az
cumulated capital land upon the working
Glasses, which makes a tyrant of the man who
has saved surplus out OF his wages, and
caused the hopeless Wis Inertia OF poverty.
Like all forms of slavery its effects are great
apparent luxury, which never penetrates
below the very surface OF society, ana tire
less industry which earns nothing Tor the
workers but food barely enough to support
his days work. 1t is benefit enough Tor the
man who has saved money that he can work
to better advantage; it is a lever in his hands.
III we permit capital to take such enormous
profits as it does, every day and year 1t IN
creases, as wealth increases, the crushing tax
on labor. l shall pay you but per cent
on the money | shall owe you on account OF
the mill property. The rest OF the income OF
tne business above two per cent, belongs 10
the laborer.n
The reformer glanced expectantly at
Philip But the dull, hopeless look that was
ON his face an hour ago had not changed.
II am not sure but that IS too much" pur-
sued MIR. Philbrick, ''but it will only be
nttle while before shall pay up the debt"
There was no use in stopping the enthusi-
astic old gentleman, whose great heart was
fountain OF human kindness. 1t would be
time enough for Philip to tell him that he
had changed his plans later.
"But shall also shorten the hours of work.
Six hours of confinement in the mills is
enough, and without leisure all the advant.
AGES / can give nv work DeODl0 will be or