Evening star., 1897-03-06

stated that he had learned there was some
dissatisfaction because he got more money
than was earned by many who labored in
the ranks. and he had made estimate of
how little he could live upon, which
less than the poorest-paid employe of the
works received. He willing to accept
this sum, and would devote his whole time
and energy 10 the cause of labor as faith
fully as If he We're given ten times the
amount
Gibbons. who had at last found employ
ment in the neignborhood, here rose to his
feet He said he thought the office of sec
retary could BE- still more economically
filed. He sure they had men among
them, now in employ. who would act as
secretary without salary from the union.
and perform all the duties quite acceptably
TO the majority Of the men.
Why didn't you propose that when You
were secretary yourself, Gibbons? asked
one of the audience, at which there was
some laughter.
Il did not do so because / at that
time out of work. replied Gibbons. warm
ing 10 his theme. Il don't wish TO say
word against the present secretary, but
would like TO ask him a question or two.
He seemed once of opinion that Sartwell
was a very shreWd, seeing man. 1 would
like 10 know, Mr. Marsten, If you are still
of that opinion?
Il am" answered Marsten.
Then you explain to the meeting
why Sartwell has taken no further steps
TO cripple the union, which We all know he
desired tc smash. and, In fact. did threaten
to smash? Why did he not, In taking back
the men. make 1t a condition that they
should leave the union?'
How should / know? / may say. how
ever. that 1 believe Sartwell to be an es-
seutiaily just man. although he may be
mistaken in some things, and don't think
ne would interfere with the personal lib
erty Of mis- employees.
1t iS very generous of the secretary OF
our union TO speak ell Of the honesty Of
man who looted our tro asury. and we
won't forget that Sartwell has at least
one friend among Us. 1t is a little remark
able that that one friend should have been
the only a1an. of all SdrtwelTs employees,
Who was suddenly dismissed. and. as far
"a know. without cause one more
question, Mr.. Marsten- Do you know why
Sarjweu discharged yOu2'
Marsten was silent, the color rising in
his face
of courS-'' continued Gibbons. calmly,
You are not compelled to answer. / am
merely asking what many of Us have been
thinking. You either know you do not.
You have -alIed this meeting. and l think
you should have the courtesy TO answer
any question any reasonable question
of the men. whose servant you are. That is
reasonable desire, but 10 bestow that
confidence We must have full knowledge of
our man l ask for the second time, do
you know why Sartwell discharged you?'
4 do.
Why
Tn account OF q personal quarrel be-
tween him and me. with which this meet
ing has nothing TO do2''
on. indeed, Then you had personal deal
ings with The man We were lighting which
you would prefer us to know nothing
about. / will not press for "a more specific
answer. No man IS bound to incrimina te
himself. / have given Mr.. Marsten a
chance TO explain certain obscure points
that have puzzled some of u.s. and | think
the answers wrung from him, with only
too evident reluctance, have not bettered
his position. nor made any thinking mar
among us the more ready to bestow thai
confidence which our secretary seems sc
much 20 desire. / would like to cal
your attention TO one two points. Right
" or wrongly. the committee with which
acted had grave Goubts of the loyalty oi
Mr. Marstsn during our late contest.
Before the strike began he himself ad
mltted that he had been closeted with Sart
well. and We know that while the fgh
was on he the only man who had q
conference with the enemy, and the only
man who was able TO tell US OF the enemy.
plans-unfortunately when II was too lat,
TO make that knowledge useful to US
Wherever there was crisis We found Mr.
Marsten eloquent on the side of givin.
in-aH through affection for the men, o.
course L am making no accusations;
am merely stating facts that Mr. Marster
himself admits. and II / am mistaken il
anything l say the young man is her,
70 ser me right These facts had certain
influence with the committee, causing :
distrust TO arise in their Eninds-a feeliu,
that Mr. Marsten, for some reason wa
more anxious u please Sartwen than I,
see his fellow workers win Now wha
happens? The strike ends and We are sur
prlsed TO see that the only man dismisse,
is Mr. Marsten- The next move is that tn
young man is made secretary of the uniol
by a practically unanimous vote. / ga,
that vote was 10 the credit of the men an,
bad / been present l would have voted 70
Mr Marsten- But let US look into tn
matter little closer. Who agitated th
election of our new secretary? / now com
TO difficult point. and j want to MAX
myself perfectly clear and to speak witt
absolute Justice. Say no Ill Of the deal
is a noble motto. and have nothing bu
good to say Of that hero. Braunt Create
praise hath no man than this he CAV
his life to save Others"