The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1904-02-26

=
ing them" "a
Mcintyre wrote q few words upon
blank form, which he handed to mes
senger boy. The boy left the once
Mcintyre leaned back In his chair.
If times were hard" he said, refec.
lively, there might be some excuse
for cutting wages. But they are not
In spite of few employers seeking
profit this way, the country as whole
is prosperous and the business outlook
good. Your railroad, for instance, is
bound to yield enormously. The initial
expense Is heavy, Of course, but you
are we'll able to meet it without incon-
venience; and the subsequent profits,
If handled right, will more than COM
pensate for all risks. do not see any
reason for reducing wages"
1--WE would make $4,000 month by
it." said one of the directors, signifi-
cantly. g.
Mcintyre leaned farther back in the
chair and raised his feet to the table.
Eyes, suppose that would be reason
enough to satisfy you," he conceded,
bluntly.
"But there is something which you
seem to have overlooked. The sus-
pending of work on an enterprise like
this, at a critical time in its progress,
means enormous loss. Then the hiring
of inexperienced men and getting them
to the scene of labor, and the confusion
and necessary instruction will entail
heavy expense. Most of the new men
will have to be brought from dis
lance, and their transportation alone
will cost two months of the reduction. %
He took slip of paper and made a
few hasty figures.
ALLOWING 30 days from the dismissal
OF my men to the organizing and set
ting to work of a new lot-a low esti-
mate-the loss and expense will not
figure under 100000, and it will be
years before you can get as effective a
force as you are turning away"
Several of the directors laughed.
"You do not seem to understand
there will be no dismissal, and conse-
Quently no rehiring," one of them said,
lightly. There are too many idle men
in the country just now for anyone to
give up a job. Besides, your men are
1000 miles from other work, and or the
edge of winter. We can reduce them
so, or even 60, per cent. and they will
stick to their job. Instead of $40, 900,
we can make the reduction profit us
$4,000 or $4,000 each month. Oh.
no; we do not count on the men leav-
ing"
"They are already dismissed" re-
marked Mcintyre, quietly. "You said
they were to be cut down or sent away.
I would not do the first, so I ordered
the last Doubtless they are planning
for a new job by this time"
Three of the directors sprang to their
feet. Two leaned forward in their
chairs. All were glazing. But the feet
in front of them did not leave the
table.
"McIntyre!" cried one of them, warn
ingly
"Oh, that's all right" Mcintyre an
swered, easily. II have merely fol-
lowed out your wishes, as you ex-
pressed them. AS to the rest, l am
ready to go with my men. Indeed, l
rather prefer to. You have been kind
enough to say that the success of your
road is owing chiefly to my efforts,
and, without egotism, think you are
right-to myself and my men. I be-
lieve we can carry it on to even greater
success. Perhaps anyone else can do
the same. I do not know"
He picked up a pen-holder and be-
gan to twirl it idly. The directors
gazed at him irresolutely, then turned
and formed a group by themselves.
But he noticed that anxiety instead of
anger was now in their eyes. Reach
ing out, he selected another blank form
and wrote upon it a few words. Ohia
he handed to the boy, who rushed out
as before. 1t was the second message.
Five minutes passed before the d.
rectors recovered their equanimfty;
then they turned back to him, embar-
raised but suave.
I'VE think you have misunderstood
US in part" one of them said.
graciOusly.
1--WE appreciate your service and
have never thought of reducing your
salary. l think we told you this. 1t
was only the men. They receive toe
much. But as you take the matter so
to heart, suppose we say a mere rs per
cent. of? That will leave them in re-
ceipt of good, comfortable wages"
Mcintyre gazed at them through
half-closed eyes.
my men do not receive a cent too
much" he declared, briefly. II expect
them to do as well for me as I would
do for myself, and without watching.
Such men earn all they get. l hase no
use for cheap help"
The director looked at his con,pan-
ions; they nodded.
"Oh, WE'LL" he said, as though begin
ming to see things in a new light, per
haps you are right. You knoW more
about this work than we do. Only see
that the men get back to their places
as soon as possible. We can't afford
anv idleneSS."