The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-11-13
THE WALLACE
 MILL AFFAIR.
By FRANK H. sWEET.


 The owner has a right to pay what ever wages he may please for his own in- terests." flashed the girl. her voice clear and strong. and a little indignant. ''rhe property 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 absolutely nothing to do with the matter Their option is to leave work if the pay does not suit"
 And I say the employer has no such right" returned the man, steadily. There should be more than self-interest 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 way from Ireland, brought here through letters from their friends It is not right for the owner to cut 20 per cent as is contemplated. without stronger req son than the mere increase of profit From my position in the mill l happen to know the firm is making as good profit now as 1t has for years What right has 1t to make this reduction
 The right of any business to add to its profits in a legitimate way" answered the girl coldIy. "Other mills through the coun- try are cutting wages: why should this try to maintain its generous standard to the owners loss. The new superintendent is a practical man, who is working for the owners interest"
 "If only 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 super intendent, and newell. he is a machine without a heart. If--but beg your par don, Miss Esten.' breaking eff suddenly ought not to talk about this matter with VOL so long as we disagree. wish could make you see as do. IT have been hop ing of late-that-"
 He hesitated awkwardly and stopped But the girl was looking at him compre- hendingly, a slight change coming to her face
 "I forced the topic, believe, Mir. BIaIs- dell" she said more gently Ut is better for even friends to know each others views. I wish, however, with trace of irony in her voice. that could make you see this as I do
 They both laughed. but with more con- vtraint 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 it's overarching elm branches. had become a favorite 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 dls- . cussed with increasing frendliness, and with something warmer gradually com ing into BlaisdelTs manner. Miss Esten was different from the other mill girls was more refined and educated, and sometimes he wondered what straits had reduced her to working for a living: but whatever it was he blessed the cause that had brought ber to this mill Now. as the changing bell broke the air he looked at her with sudden determination and longing.
 q can't have you go away from me with that look in your eyes. Miss Esten-Louise' he cried. irupetucusly. T couldent bear to know you were thinking i'll of me for even an hour. We too good friends 10 disagree-no." sharply. T mean more than that. We are not just friends. I would