The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-08-18

his responsibilities large, and al
though small man of none too ro-
bust physique he bore his burden well
and appeared to be very happy man.
There was no reason why Mr.. BIN
should not be happy, however. for
by dint of hard work and close econ
omy he had managed to acquire
comfortable little home, and that
home was blessed by charming wife
and three or four little Bins In adj
dition to his duties as Dookkeeper for
the firm Mr.. BIN was something of
political leader in his suburb, that
duty having been imposed upon him
by Mr. Squeeza, who was the political
manipulation for the big manufactur--
ing firm.
THE best interests OF our country
demand that the protective tariff be
continued, said Mr.. SQueeza, in con-
ifidential mood, to Mr.. BIN, "and
doubtless you will agree with me in
that proposition" Z
II have not given the matter Sc
riOus consideration. said Mr.. Bim,,
"but am inclined to agree with you.'
Certainly you do said Mr..
Squeeza. Without the protective
tariff we could not GO business and
pay good wages. The tariff is the bull
warly of the workingmen of this coun-
try because it shuts out the pauper
made goods of Europe and enables us
to find a home market, and that en-
ables us to employ American working
men and American wages"
"That seems reasonable" said Mr..
BIN.
1T is reasonable, sir. Indeed. it
is absolutely true, and we expect our
workingmen to vote for their own in
terests as we'll as for the firms
BY degrees Mr.. Bins political du-
ties had been impressed upon his mind,
| and he soon blossomed into q politi-
cal manipulation of considerable fo;ce.
| 1t was through his efforts that his
ward always sent q delegation to the
county convention that could be
manipulated in the interests OF Hcza,
Squeeza & Co.'S plans.
Mr.. BIN gave very little thought to
political economy. re merely per-
| formed what he thought was his duty
to his employers, and in his leisure
time pottered around Ills little cottage
and played with the children.
! The first shock Mr.. BIN received
was when his wages were reduced 20
per cent without warning. He mod
estly sought information from the
general manager, Mr.. Heza, who said
I to him:
II am sorry to do it, Mr.. BIN, but
necessity compels it. Business Is not
good and we find it necessary TO cur
| tail expenses. We hope to restore
wages n q few months"
This set Mr.. BIN to thinking lie
knew. as bookkeeper, that the factory
was selling more goocs at higher
prices than ever before, and that ex-
penses had not increased in proper
/ ton to profits. After thinking awhile
he suddenly remembered that for sew
eral months great change had been
going on in the personnel OF the
firms employees. New employees with
unpronouncable names were being
i added. while old employees who owned
little homes and were bearing names
easily pronounced and quite familiar
| had been dismissed.
4 Mastering up his courage he spoke
i to Mr. Heza about 1T.
1--WE are merely employing men best
suited to our business, said Mr.. Heza
4 These American workmen are be-
i coming too independent, and we find
it necessary to employ men who are
! amenable to discipline
I This satisfied Mr.. BIN for little
while. but when he was notified OF an.
othef reduction in his wages he grew
restless He went home and got dowr
the bills from the butcher and grocer
and found that while his wages hat
been reduced 30 per cent, his mea
and groceries were costing him fron
20 to 80 per cent more than they hat
before his wages we're sliced down.
! Il can not understand It," said Mr.
BIN 10 Jim Hardness. foreman II
the foundry department of the factor.
and one Of the men whom Mr.. Bin
could not control politically.
You mean you don't try to under
stand It." retorted Hardness. Blu
it's plain enough. The packers hav