The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-04-27

per cent. why? The OStensible rea-
son is to countcract an impending de-
mand for an increase. have not
heard of any such demand. Certainly
| have never reported any. But even
IL an increase was about to be demand
ed, seriously question whether"
Mr.. Chairman" interrupted Croy-
den, what is directors fee in this
company per meeting? want to con-
tribute mine toward hiring a hall for
our friend KennaTd'
"And I'm willing to lose mine by
staying away whenever he feels this
ht coming on again." added Mr.. Trun-
dell.
"Order, gentlemen" commanded
Maddox.
"Order be damned" burst out Mr..
Trundell. "Pm not going to sit here
hour. after hour and hear this silly
anarchistic twaddle. I've got some-
thing else to do, and if Kennard
thinks he can waste my time with this
sort of wnd-work, he's making a mis-
take"
81 move. Mr. Chairman, that the
gentleman be given leave to print his
rem arks," said Mr. Harlan.
AT his own expense added Hark-
ness.
Question:" exclaimed figure
head.
Kennard stood by his chair, his face
flushing ansrily, and his eyes fixed
steadily on Mr.. Harlan's. Suddenly he
turned to Maddox.
May continue, Mr.. Chairman" he
asked.
oh sit down. Kennard! You're
making n fool of yourself" interposed
Trrndell. Who do you suppose is GO
ing to change his vote for all this
talIiy-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 a challenge.
Very well, Mr. Trundell. We will
pass from folly to wisdom-from
general question 10 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 few
nights ago and made the recipient of
confidence-a confidence which did
not invite nor agree to respect, but
which hoped IL would be unnecessary
for me to disclose. I was told by
member of this board that | need not
be concerned about this proposed re-
duction in wages, because 1t 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. If 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 10 go through rapid
ly and quietly, and intimated that If
allowed it TO do So 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 meaning smile.
For a moment Kennard hesitated.
He saw the cunning purpose in Croy-
dens brain. But all is fair in love and
war.
Mr.. Joshua Harlan" he replied,
firmly.
Mr.. Trundel glared angrily at Mr.
Harlan, and muttered an oath which
turned into an uneasy laugh as Ken
nard began speaking again.
Il 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 disinclination to
force a scandal. If 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 IT. 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 I 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 Trnndell, "and a damned liar,
too"
I'll let others judge between us, Mr..
Trundell, II you force me-"
Trundell half rose from his chair.
For an instant 1t seemed as though
he intended to strike Kennard, and
Baldwin, one of the financial figure