Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1904-11-10
The
Wa1laceMi11 !
Affair
By PRANK H. SWEET
Copyright. 1901, BY Daily Story Pub. Co..

e~THE owner has ! tight to pay
-. whatever wages he nay please
for his own interests" flashed the gil
her voice clear and strong, and a little
indignant. "The property 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 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 contem-
plated, without stronger reason than
the mere increase Of profit. From my
position in the mill I happen to know
the firm is making as good profit now
q it has for years. What right has It
70 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 its generous standard to the own
er's loss The new superintendent is
Q practical man, who is working for
the owners interest"
If only I could get to that owner"
cried the man. impetuously, $50 I
could lay the case before him. But he
ects through his attorneys. and they
through the superintendent, and he
well, he is a machine without a heart.
lf-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. l wish could
make you see it as l do. IL have
been hoping of late-that-"
He hesitated awkwardly and
stopped. But the girl was looking at
him comprehendingly, slight change
coming to her face.
Il forced the topic. I believe. Mr.
Blafsdell," she said, more gently. ut
Is better for even friends to know each
others views. l wish, however" with
trace Of irony In her voice. that
could make you see this as do"
The both laughed but with moro
constraint than usual Several mill
girls were coming down the canal
oath, 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 a 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 Blaisdelrs 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 a ill.,
ing; but whatever it was he blessed
the cause that had brought her to this
mill. Nov, as the changing bell broke
the ali 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.
II couldn't bear to know you were
thinking ill of me for even an hour.
We are too good friends to disagree
co." sharply, Il mean more than that.
We are not just friends. I would do
anything in the, world for you-every.
thing except what felt was not right.
And this proposed strike is right, and
the help look for me to lead them. 1t
is not for myself. but for them. Oh,
Louise, don't you understand this, anu
that love-"
He stopped suddenly. for she had
shrunk back, he hands appraised pro
testingly. her face startled.
please don't Mr.. Blaisdell" sha