Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-07-28

talky-talk? Don't you think we know
what we're about? I'm sick and tired
of this folly"
Very well. sir!"
Kennard's voice rang out loud and
clear. and his eyes flashed challenge.
Very well. Mr.. Trundell. We will
pass from folly to wisdom-from a
general question to a particular.
had not intended to raise new is
sue, but since you will not listen to
argument you shall listen to facts. let
the consequences be what they may.
Gentlemen, | was called upon a few
nights ago and made the recipient OF
confidence-a confidence which did
not invite nor agree to respect, but
which hoped 1t would be unnecessary
for me to disclose. was told by n
member Of this beard that | need not
be concerned about this proposed re-
duction in wages. because II was not
intended to be permanent. Its pur-
pose was to affect the local market
for the shares by spreading rumors OF
an impending strike. II a strike was
actually begun, so much the better for
the plan. | was assured that the mo-
ment this was accomplished. wages
would Immediately be restored to the
old level. My informant went further.
He told me that those most interested
wanted this thing to 60 through rapid
ly and quietly. and intimated that II !
allowed 1t to do so. I could put through
whatever plan deemed best for re-
imbursing the employees. The gentle
man was even polite enough to in
vite me to be one of the insiders for
whose benefit this plan was inaugu-
rated"
Name him!" challenged Croydon,
with a meaning smile.
For a moment Kennard hesitated.
He saw the cunning purpose In Croy-
den's brain. But all is fair In love and
war
Mr.. Joshua Harlan" he replied,
firmly.
Mr.. Trundell glared angrily at Mr..
Harlan. and muttered an oath which
turned into an uneasy laugh as Ken
nard began speaking again.
81 had hoped" he continued, that
my reception OF the confidence would
result in the abandonment Of the
scheme, but now know its advocates
misunderstood my disinclnation to
force a scandal. II there Is any one
here who was not cognizant of this
plan and purpose, he is now advised
of It,"
Kennard paused and studied the
faces before him.
They say" he went on, speaking
slowly and earnestly, they say that
man, has been seeking for ages and
ages to rid himself of his conscience,
and that he has at last succeeded by
merging his individual responsibility
in the law-created corporation, which
boasts neither soul nor conscience.
deny 1t. Every man who votes for this
resolution to-day will find he has not
stilled his conscience. But II this does
not restrain him in view Of the profits
which the scheme promises, and he
still thinks 1t can be successfully car
ried through. am here to disabuse
his mind Of any such idea. Il shall
cease to be a member of this board
the moment this resolution Is passed
and the secret of my resignation shall
be an open one"
What" roared Trundell. do you
threaten to betray the private business
of this company?'
mo, sir! But the secret schemes OF
that director?-Yes!"
He pointed straight at Trundell as
he spoke.
you're silly chucklehead," NUT
tered Trundell. "and a damned liar,
too"
"In Lei others Judge between us, Mr..
Trundell, If you force me-"
Trundel half rose from his chair.
For an instant it seemed as though
he intended TO strike Kennard, and
Baldwin. one of the financial figure
heads, hastened to interpose.
Now, Mr.. Kennard." be began,
soothingly. cant we compromise this
thing? You don't want to ruin the
company in which you're heavy
stockholder."
Trundell muttered an oath at the
nao,opnoEar nppp uhpm Kpnnard
turned with the fierceness Of exaspera-
ton.
81 don't propose to ruin 1t. sir!
Neither do propose to let it ruin any
one else. You consent to cut down
wages in these factories, 10 force the
abandonment of work, to deprive hun
dreds of their daily living in order to
make a turn on the exchange; you
countenance playing with matters
which affect the lives of men, women
and children. and imperil things you
are incompetent to understand, and
yet you have the impertinence to talk
to me about compromise! give you
notice here and now, that I'll fight
you with every vestige Of my strength
and every dollar in my pocket, and If
there's a vacant pillory anywhere in
the world III fill 1t with your persons!
So much for compromise. Now vote,
If you dare!"
Kennard sank back into his chair,
and Maddox, hurrying forward, placed
his arm about the dropping figure Of
his friend. But Kennard recovered
himself almost Immediately and re-
sumed his place at the head Of the
table. Mr.. Trundell followed every
movement. never taking his eyes off
Kennard's face. Even when Croydon
whispered in his ear he did not turn
his head. Two minutes. three min
utes of absolute silence intervened, and
still Mr.. Trundell seemed absorbed in
thought. Suddenly he Strengthened
himself in his chair and shot search
ing glance at the figure-heads.
Question:" he snapped. menacingly.
Then the resolution was promptly
voted on, and carried by a majority Of
seven to six.
Mr.. Trundell appreciated his tri-
umph. but wasted no time in self-con-
t,,fa inctantlu tala oI