Evening star., 1896-11-28

THE MUTABLE. MANY.
Copyright. 1896, by Robert Barr.)
BY ROBERT BARR.

Yes" said the manager. II have the
entire confidence of Mr.. Monkton ard Mr.
Hope 1 wonder If the mel appreciate tina,
fact?'
''Oh. yes. sir; they know that"
Now. Marsten. have you any influence
with the men,"
VERY little, I'm afraid, sir"
II you have any. now is the time to ex-
ert 1t, for their sakes, you know, not for
mine. The strike Is bound to fail. Never
theless. don't forget man who stands
by me-"
The young man shook his head
If my comrades co. Ill go with them
!! am not so sure tina. a strike is bound to
fail. although I am against it. The union
is very strong, Mr.. Sartwell. Perhaps you
don't know that it is the strongest union
in London"
The manager allowed his hand to hover
for a moment over a nest of pinholes, then
ne drew out paper and handed it to Mar
stem.
said. down to the II pounds shiilings
and pence they put in the bank yesterday
afternoon. If you want any tnforma tion
about your union. Marsten, shall be happy
to oblige you with it,
The young man opened his ewes as he
looked at the figures.
1t Is very large sum-" ne said
respectable fighting fund" remarked
Sartweii, impartiaily- But how many
Saturdays do you think it would stand the
Drain OF the pay roll of this establish
ment."
Not very many, perhaps"
II wouio surprise you to know how few
These little details may not seem ;mDor.a nj
to demagogue VINO knows nothing of
business, but who can harangte a be DIV of
men and make them dissatisfied. 1 should
be very pleased to give him my Place here
for month or two while I look a rest
and then We would see whether he thought
there was anything to my point of view. -
Mr Sartwen." said Marsten, lookine
suddenly at the manager. some of the
more moderate man asked me tonight a
similar question 20 one of yours
What question was thar"
YOU" Will
Yes? And you told thsm-?''
That l didn't know"
. wen, you will never know until you test
the point. Have you anything to suggest ?''
Mahy are against strike. but even the
f,,o, n,oie moderate think you are wrong In re-
fuslng 10 see the delegaticn.''
Il do ~ ILLS
Very well. 1 will settle that in a mo-
ment You get some of the mere moderate
Will make an appointment with you. and
We Will talk the matter over"
Il could not lead the delegation. being
one OF the youngest in the employ of the
hrm. Ihe secretary Of the union Is the
leader the men have chosen"
"Ah! The secretary of the union. That
Is quite different matter. He Is not in
my employ. 1 cannot allow outsiders to
interfere In any business with which I am
connected. For instance, 1 discuss these
things with you. but 1 should decline to
discuss them with any man who dropped
in out Of the street."
Yes. I see the difficulty, but don't you
think you might make concession in this
ir stance. to avoid trouble?''
1T wouldn't be avoiding trouble, it would
merely be postponing it. If there is to be
tight, L want 1t now. We need new ma
chinery in. and we could do with a week S
Shutdown"
Marsten shook his head
THE shutdown would be for longer than
a week. he said.
+ Il know that. The strike will last exact.
1y three weeks. At the end of that time
there will be unon.''
Perhaps there will also De no factory
You mean there will be violence =?