Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-06

which had been begun by his father. This enlarged his force of men by 500, but the men from De Mott came over in crowds, and he was not able to employ fifth part of them. He knew that he had made enemies of the other owners, and he anticipated a move on their part to ruin him commercially, but the longer they held out and re- fused to open up or grant the S2 a day Stuart was practically in position to gain many markets once closed to him. The demand for ore was grow ing more imperative. As it happened also, the Champion mines were pro ducing q very superior grade of ore, and Stuart could afford to pay the $2 in any case, whether the other mines were worked or not
 As matter of history, the whole outcome of the matter was as follows: The De Mott range did not open up in full for two weeks. The Cleveland owners, after doing all in their power to coerce Stuart, finding that every day only placed him, owing to the peculiar condition of the trade, in a better position, finally opened up q few mines at a 10 per cent rise on previous wages. This almost led to another strike and a formation of the union again. But the long winter, the long idleness, so unusual to the men, the great loss they had sustained, had their effect, and the De Mott men be- gan to go back a few at time. This led to singular condition of affairs in the iron region, never before known. Nearly 1,5OO men were receiving S2 q day at Champion, while on the lower range twice as many men were work ing for $1.90.
 At the end of two months however, with the opening up of the lake naviga- tion, ore went up with such g bound that De Mott ranges advanced wages to $2, and the men at last actually re- ceived, largely through Stuart's firm ness in holding out, the amount they had originally demanded. But there was no great demonstration over the fact. The strike had been too costly. The suffering had left it's mark on ev cry home, and the men were not in a condition when the rise in wages final ly came to spend much enthusiasm over it.
 Long before this had come about Stuart and Rhena had pl;pned for their new life together. ~
 One day very soon after Champion mines had opened the two were out looking at the new cottages going up in Cornishtown. The work had been pushed hard, and at last satisfactory results were being seen. Most of the houses would be ready for use in fortnight. After looking on and direct ing some special part of the settlement Stuart asked Khena to go up the trail with him to the old stump where he had first told her he loved her.
 When they reached the place, they turned to look down at the town. It was winter still. The snow lay deep in all the valley. The sound of the workmen came up to them from Cor nishtown. The engine stacks were smoking all over the range. All the ore stock piles were dotted over with busy moving figures.
 Stuart said something about the site being good one for q house. T don't know but shall put up q lit tie cottage on this stump, and we could begin housekeeping on modest scale, like the rest of the people down there. What do you think of that?'
 "But wouldn't we be putting our selves above them to come up here?" asked Rhena slyly.
 No; we would simply be in posi- tion to see all of them and be better able to help them in case of need"
 T don't think the stump is quite large enough for foundation" said Rhena very soberly, though she was very happy. After had opened the front door I would have to go outside to shut 1t again.
 ''You are very hard to suit, madam" replied Stuart. What will you have? A palace? A marble pile? I thought Salvation Army lass would be ready to put up with almost anything ?
 Stuart -Rhena spoke with real se- riousness-tI could be happy with you In onespf the cottages down there, and you and T know that together. Tie aEqays is very dedE to me. cannot E;t r esk ,y6a td E rsplied Stuart, 1t flll n. n.loxa A1th xour