The Colfax chronicle., 1904-10-15
The
Wallace Mill I
Affair

~ FRANZ H. SWEET

THE owner has right to pay
whatever wages he may please
for his own interests" flashed the gill
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. II 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 ! say the employer has no such
right returned the man. steadily.
There should be more than self-in-
terest In his 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 wsy 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 1t
% make this reduction?"
The right of any business to add
to Its profits in a legitimate way"
answered the girl. coldly. "Other mills
through the country are cutting
wages; why should this try to main
tain Its generous standard to the own
er's loss The new superintendent is
practical man, who is working for
the owners interest"
IF only could get to that owner"
cried the man impetuously, so I
could lay the case before him. But he
acts through his attorneys. and they
through the superintendent, and he
we'll. he is machine without a heart.
h-but beg your pardon. Miss Es-
ten," breaking off suddenly, Il ought
not to talk about this matter with you.
SO long as we disagree. | wish | could
make you see it as do. IL have
been hoping of late-that--"
He hesitated awkwardly and
stopped. But the girl was looking at
him comprehendingiy, slight change
coming 10 her face.
Il forced the topic, / believe. Mr..
Blaisdell,' she said, more gently. 1T
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 more
constraint than usual. Several mill
girls were coming down the.~ canal
path. and they walked on to the lower
gate and then stood aside to let the
girls pass. In another few minutes
the bell would ring.
This canal path. with its overarch-
ing elm branches had become favor.
lite walk OF Miss Esten's. and the
young designer had got in the habit
OF joining her. They had many tastes
in common, which they discussed with
Increasing friendliness, and with
something warmer gradually coming
into Blaisdell's manner. Miss Esten
was different from the other mill girls.
was more educated and refined. and
sometimes he wondered what straits
had reduced her TO working for Iiv-
ing; but whatever it was he blessed
the cause that had brought her to this
mill. Now. as the changing bell broke
the air he looked at her with sudden
determination and longing.
Il can't have you go away from me
with that look in your eyes, Miss Es-
ten-Louise,' he cried. impetuously.
Il couldn't bear to know you were
thinking i'll of me for even an hour.
We are too good friends to disagree
no. sharply. Il mean more than that
We are not just friends. would do
anything in the world for you-eyerv
thing. except what | felt was not right. |
And this proposed strike is right, and
the help look for me to lead them. n
is not for myself. but for them. Oh.
Louise. don't you understand this. and
that love"
He stopped suddenly. for she had |
shrnuk back, he hands appraised pro-
testingly, her face startled.
please don't. Mr.. B1aisdell," she |
gasped. Indeed l would rather not |
hear. And you must excuse me now. |
It's time were in the mill.
He watched her with set face as she |
hurried away: then he turned and
walked toward the Office.
The superintendent passed out as he |
Vas entering. then turned.
on. say. Blaisdell.' he called, dis
4efeeabIy II hare just received q let
Ier from the mill agents. The reduc-
tion VIII 80 into effect on the flrst. just
is announced"
Then the help will leave work on
'he first. Just as They have varied"
ne designer answered, calmly. There
M scarcely be an exception.s