The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1893-01-07

gown with a bit OF an Old shawl over her
head and shoulders.
Il am sorry for such girls. She must be
cold this frosty morning. said Annie,
with shiver.
"They earn something in that way to
help pay the rent" | said
''Oh, that everlasting rent!' said Annie.
eff | were a man no one should ever pay
me rent"
What would you do, you little spice
boX?" / asked, amused at her show of tenn
per.
Il wonld do as papa does. He hires men
to work for him, and gives them good
warm houses to live in
Il thought your father had rent, the
same as others,' l said. never paid any
attention to the way Sir Wren conducted
his estate.
rode up to the door.
Sir Wren was in the library enjoying the
morning paper and a warm comfortable
fire, as Annie ushcred me into the room
so, SC" he said, as he saw me. "You
bring your own answer. Well, that is
business like
Yes, Sir Wren,' I said, taking the
chair he pointed ont near the fire 80 far
do l. hHoN dill dt your SeiNiCe.
Il have some important business in Lon
don. 1t needs careful attention, though
not Immediately. And as this rheumatic
foot disables me, thought you could do it
for me and take a pleasure trip at the same
time. The business is easily managed. l
will prepare the documents and you can
deliver them according to directions. /
will give you a letter of introduction to the
Duke of Melvorne, who will show YOU
kindness for old times sake; as his father
and l were very warm friends until his
death two years ago. Since then have
never been to Blue Ridge, as his home is
called
''Then | am to follow directions and
have the pleasure Free said, laughing
at his plan.
Il hope it may be pleasure to you.
am always glad to aid my friends in that
direction. How is your mother and the
brown thrush at Waverland:"
My mother is very we'll Better, she
says, than for years. And Miss Everett is
as busy as ever scattering sunshine and
gladness wherever she goes. Even the
poor tenants enjoy some of her gladness.
We We're just planning some way by
which we could make them more comfort
able, when Annie came"
Did you hit on any plano
eve did not. But Annie gave me q hint
of the manner you manage your estate,
that may help me. would like to learn
your method " ~
There is not much to tell | hire men,
women and children by the year to work
for me-"
"Why, what are you doing now to earn
their wages?''
Come and see," said Sir Wren, as he
took his hat and cane and started for the
door. We passed into large yard sur
rounded by out-buildings. We entered
one and found large quantities of vegeta-
bles with women and children sorting
them into heaps.
You see now he said, pointing round
the room, Il have them sorted in this way
to make different grades for market
II understand now. The object gained
by this work is higher price for produce" :"
Just so, just So" he said, patting me
on the shoulder. Il save the small ones
and sell them to my help at lower price;
while the large fine ones bring a higher
price in the market"
We entered another building which
proved to be a workshop. Old rakes wa
gons, plows and all kinds of farming i'm
plements were being repaired by the men.
No idlers here" he said as we walked
through. There were no idlers, but what
seemed strange was that some were sing
ing and some whistling which told of con-
tentment.
THAT is a saving in two ways" said Sir
Wren as we left the building Things
are under shelter, and then, when they are
needed in the busy season, we will not
have to lose valuable slime during good
weather for them to be repaired"
II see the philosophy of that" said, as
we entered the blacksmith shop. Here one
man was shoeing a horse, another fixing a
buggy spring and all were uscfully en-
ployed
This is sample of the way about four
hundred people are employed in the cold
winter weather. In summer my land is
well cultivated and made to produce large
returns he said, as we left the shop
where all were busy.
do they earn their wage s?'' / asked.
eyes, and good per cent of profit"
"Where do they live?"
"Follow me and see,'' he said We
walked round to one side of the estate |
where street was laid out, and lots of |
dDOut Olle-Iuli acre "lUH Il neat llULl6 |
frame house, a pig pen and cow stable
on each
Here he said lis where my people live. |
give this house and lot free of charge to |
any man with u f,mily while he works for
me-
Il see each one has pig pen and COW
stable"
Eyes, | give the men a cow and pig il |
they hire by the year"
These cottages would rent for five or
six pounds year"
81 know they would. But would rath-
er have happy, contented men and women
than the rent. Then, too, / believe | re-
ceive more than the rent in extra work.
How neat and clean it all looks / re-
marked with warm approval. could not
help contrasting this with the tenant vii
lage on my own estate.
Il tell them" said Sir Wren, ''that
cleanliness adds to their comfort I also
try to inspire them with a desire to keep
their places neat. ! believe tenants in
general would keep their places more tidy,