The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1905-08-04

/ guests face. but read only inquiry in
I the Keen gray ewes.
Know hin2" he renaatsd .liGhflv.
"Oh. yes. know Mr. H7rrne7s w,lI.
although" he added. this Is TIC FRS
time we've done business toTether."
Kennsrd stared at his host and
found himself under close scrutiny,
Eyes"
The monosyl1ahle was neither in
1uiry nor ecnnert. II was blend o.
both in an iryire+ar TO contu~e. Ar.
Harlan acca9ted t g sach, and G2rs
no indication Of having expected sur
/ prise
What Go Won thi1'y Of his sehene?'
he ASKED after a manent's silence.
The pause he'd been Sufficient to PIT
the men At their ease, brit in that ser
! ond beth had bern traufoTmer. II vas
no longer ". Joba l{annavd as gros-
and Mr.. Jesara Harlan as host. who
we're diring to~etNar IT the Nsnticl
! Club. It was Jobn Eannard'sro I'll
ing business with HarIan-Dromote-.
EKannard brew 81 i1stinctivaly.
Kennar5 smiled IS though or some
nqssing r7mt isceuce before Re an
swered his host's question.
Il don't know" he began slowly
IL don't know that fully understand
what the little mans idea is. I re-
member he csme to RE one day and
lsaid something aboat a common IN
Outstanding or trade agreement and
spoke about getting together on prae-
teal Ines or some such vague talk.
but | really didn't pay much attention
TO it. / thought it-well, didn't tale
il very seriously. But perhaps I ought
uot to say that, since you're interested
in it."
Il don't wonder that you thought
Hardness somewhat comic in the role
Of leader, agreed Mr.. Harlan. HE is,
of course, only a figure-head Better
known names might court too much
publicity" he added significantly.
Il see," replied Kennard. gravely
"but / had no idea you were connected
with our trade at all. l thought you
were in the Milling Companies"
II am IN many things in many COM
panies. Mr.. Kennard,' observed Har-
Ian, with a shrug of his houlders. This
rs my latest, and" he added emphat-
ically, my best association"
with what firm, If may ask?-Or
are you managing the-the syndicate?"
Managing, financing, promoting
what you will" Mr.. Harlan answered,
disregarding the note of amusemnt in
his guests voice. And tell you. Mr..
Kennard." he answered earnestly, 81
have become deeply nterested-deeply
interested and impressed"
| Kennard made no comment but
waited for his host to continue. Mr..
Harlan struck the bell and ordered CT
CARS. 1t was not until he was sign
ing the check that he went on.
"Ycu may think e strange that did
not speak of this long ago and consult
you, Mr.. KeRnard. But the fact Is, my
plans were not sufficiently matured to
make any practical suggestion. | am
yell aware of your position in the trade
to-day, and, without fattering you, !
may say know any proposition worth
our consideration must be based on
9road and substantial lines"
He paused, and showing back his
hair placed it sideways to the table,
Tossed his legs. and rested his elbow
among the glasses.
''What in general, is your plan and
proposition, if it's a fair question:"
The smile of amusemnt still played
about Remarks lips as he spoAe, bu;
his companion was gazing across this
deserted dining-room.
1T embraces, of course, trade COM
5ination. permitting the strength, econ
amy and cooperation which unity OF
purpose alone makes possible"
You mean to form a trust?"
! Yes, If you wish to use the term.
! although we propose to apply modern
, methods which take it quite out of thai
definition"
LAS a question of law"
"As matter of fact"
} Mr.. Harlan snapped out the answer
, decisively. and noting Kennards tone
raised his eyebrows interrogatively
; For a moment the two men smoked IN
| WHICH SpOhC again
his face was grave and thoughtful.
And what, IL anything, am Of.
. fered-if that, too, is fair question:
, Certainly II is fair and very per
} tinent question. But there are diff,
culties in formulating any definite
proposition, Mr. Kennard. AS yet W.
only know of your business by YOU
standing in the trade. All details ar.
lacking. But In general, / may say 4
J contemplates the purchase of YOU
, plant on satisfactory terms. you
proper representation on the board D
directors, and such Official connection
with the corporation as may seem az
! propriate and agreeable to you"
Are all the factories to be merge(
into one?"
Economically, but not literally
Each plant will keep its ident ity, sub
ject only to central control The sam,
!, principle, Mr.. Kennard. AS govern.
| these United States. | will show yoF
. | a few facts and figures whick perhap,