The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-08-18

independent so far as his own action was
concerned. and, true to his promisce made
so long ago. he at once posted notices that
he would give all the men yet on the pay
roll OF the Champion mines = a day. In
week he had more applicants than he
could employ. He at once took steps to
open up some new shafts which had been
begun by his father. This enlarged his
foros OF men by 500. but the men from
: De Mott came over In crowds. and he
was not able 10 employ NTH part of
them. He knew that he had made enc
mics OF the other owners. and he antici-
pated a move on their part TO ruin him
commercially. but the longer they held
out and refused 10 open up or grant the
81 day Stuart was practically In a po-
eftion TO gain many markets once closed
TO him. The demand for ore was growing
more imperative. As IL happened also, the
Champion mines were producing a very
superior grade OF ore, and Stuart could
afford 20 pay the 81 In any case. whether
the other mines were worked OF not
AS a matter OF history. the whole out
come 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 10 the peculiar condition OF the
trade In a better position. finally opened
up q few mines at 10 per cent rise on
err strike and formation OF the union
again. But the long winter. the long idle
ness, so unusual to the men. the great
loss they had sustained, had their effect.
and the De Mott men began TO go back a
few at d time. This led 10 n singular con-
dition OF affairs In the iron region never
before known. Nearly 1900 men were re-
ceiving 50 a day at Champion, while on
the lower range twice as many men were
working for N.90.
AT the end of two months. however.
with the opening up OF the lake naviga-
ton. ore went up with such a bound that
De Mott ranges advanced wages 10 81,
and the men at last actually received.
largely through Stuart's f1rmness in hold
ing out. the amount they had originally
demanded. But there was no great dem
onstration over the fact. The strike had
been too costly. The suffering had left its
mark on every home. and the men were
not In condition when the rise In wages
finally came 10 spend much enthusiasm
over II.
Long before this had come about Stuart
and Rhena had planned for their new life
together.
One day very soon after Champion
mines had opened the two were out look
Ing at tho new cottages going up I'm Corn
fshtown. The work had been pushed hard,
and at last satisfactory results were being
seen. Most OF the houses would be ready
and directing some special part OF the set
tlement Stuart asked Rhena 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 turn
Cd to look down at the town. II was win
ley The sound Of the workmen came up
60 them from Cornishtown. 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 a good one for q mousse.
"I don't know but shall put up n IT.
tie cottage on this stump. and we could
begin housekeeping on n modest scale
like the rest OF the people down there.
What do you think of that7"
But wouldn't we be putting ourselves
above them to come up here7" asked
Rhena siyiy
mo: we would simply be IN a position
TO see all Of them and be better able 20 |
help them I'm case Of need"
II don't think the stump Is quite large |
enough for n foundation" said Rhena |
very soberly. though she was very hap |
py After ! had opened the front door |
! would have TO go outside to shut II
again"
You are very hard &c suit. madam |
replied Stuart. What will you have7 A
palace7 A marble pileY I thought a |
Salvation Army lass would be ready 10 |
put UP with alpost anything"
''Stuart"-Rhena spoke with real se- |
could be happy with you
IN one Of the cottages down there. and /
you and know that together. The army
n very dear 90 me. I cannot leave a."
'T do not ask YOU to-" replied Stuart
smiling Il FIRST fell in love with your
bonnet and I hope you will wear IL at
the wedding"