Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1904-09-16

VIZ THE owner has L tight to pay
whatever wages he nay please
for his own interests" flashed the gitl,
her voice clear and strcng, and a little
indignant. "The properly is his and
he can do as he likes with it-even to
shutting the mill down. If it should
seem best. The employees have abso
lutely nothing to do with the matter.
Their option is to leave work if the
pay does not suit"
"And l say the employer has no such
right" returned the man, steadily.
There should be more than self-in
terest in hts relationship with the
workmen. In our own mill here. for
instance, fully one-half the employees
are from a distance. attracted by the
mills reputation for generous wages.
Some are all the way from Ireland,
brought here through letters from
their friends. 1t is not right for the
owner to cut 20 per cent, as is contem-
plated, without stronger reason than
the mere increase of profit. From my
position in the mill happen to know
the firm is making as good profit now
as it has for years. What right has it
% make this reduction?"
"The right of any business to add
to its profits in legitimate way"
answered the girl, coldly. "Other mills
through the country are cutting
wages; why should this try to main
tain it's gen-~ous standard to the own
er's loss The new superintendent is
a practical man, who Is working for
the owners interest"
-'If only l could get to that owner. "
cried the man impetuously, so |
could lay the case before him. But he
acts through his attorneys, and they
through the superintendent, and he
well. he is a machine without heart
If-but l beg your pardon, Miss Es.
ten, breaking off suddenly, Il ought
not to talk about this matter with you
SO long as we disagree. l wish l could
make you see it as | do. IL have
been hoping of late-that-"
He hesitated awkwardly and
stopped Fut the girl was looking at
him compr shendingly. a slight change
coming to her face.
81 forcei the topic I believe. Mr.
Blaisdeli," she said, more gently. at
is better for even friends to know each
others views | wish, however" with
trace of irony in her voice. that
could make you see this as | do"
The both laughed. but with NOR,
constraint than usual. Several mil
girls were coming down the cana
nd tn ba
gate and then stood aside to let tn,
girls pass In another few minutes
the bell would ring.
This canal path, with its overarch
ing elm branches, had become a favor
lite walk of Miss Esten's, and tn
young designer had got in the habi
of joining her. They had many taste
in common. which they discussed witt
increa sing frendliness, and witt
something warmer gradually comin
into Biaisdell's manner. Miss Estel
was different from the other mill girls
was more educated and refined. am
sometimes he wondered what strait
had reduced her to working for liy
ing. but whatever it was he blesse
the cause that had brought her to thi
mill. Now. as the changing bell brok
the air he looked at her with suddel
determination and longing.
II can't have you go away from m
with that look in your eyes, Miss Es
ten-Louise," he cried, impetuously
Il couldn't bear to know you wer
thiniSing Ill of me for even an hour
We are too good friends to disagree
no" sharply, II mean moro than that
We are net just friends. would d
anything in the world for you-every
thing, except what felt was not right
And this proposed strike is right, an
the help look for me TO lead them |
is not for myself. but for them. Oh
Louise. don't you understand this, an
that I love-"
He stopped suddenly. for she ha
shrunk back. he hands upraised pre-
Gestingly. her face startled
"Flease don't. Mr. Blaisdell," sh