The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-04-13

none of them had, as far % he was ad-
vised, any legal claim upon the cor
poration. He therefore moved that
all pensions not expressly authorized
by the board be discontinued forth
with.
For few moments after Croydon
resumed his seat, no one spoke. Ken
nard in the chair deliberately turned
away, and looked out Of the window
as the only possible comment on such
proposition. Mr.. Harlan's voice
seconding the motion brought him
back to gaze with astonishment at the
speakers face. Was this the same
man who, only a short time ago, had
moved the vote Of thanks and been
his gracious host, and whose daugh-
ter Kennard's eyes were flashing, and
his voice had note of contempt in II
as he inquired whether any one wished
to debate the motion. For an instant
he forgot he was no longer In power.
But the faces at the opposite side Of
the table speedily dsillusioned him.
With helpless rage he realized that
this monstrous thing had been all ar
ranged beforehand. He could read 1t
In Croyden's barely perceptible smile,
In Trundells hard mouth, in Harlan's
shifting glance, in Hardness nervous
fingers, in the stolid Indifference Of
the financial figureheads. But II was
Rogers who brought him to the full
realization of what was happening. To
hear Daniel Rogers-honest, blunt old
Rogers-stooping to ask for delay in
stead of instantly denouncing the
proposition in unmeasured terms, re-
vealed the desperate nature Of the
situation
Dave Maddox leaned forward and
whispered few rapid words in Ken
nard's ear, to which he listened with
out turning his head. Then he sud-
denly swung around and nodded an
understanding. AS Rogers ceased
speaking, Maddox began an attack
against the proposed measure from It's
legal aspect. He pointed out the liza
bility to which any such action would
subject the company. and limited, for
Harkness' benefit. at the possible risk
to those stockholders whose individual
responsibilities might be revived IL
the amalgamateG company could not
be held for damages. The board which
reused sleeping dogs would scarcely
commend itself to those subjected to
attack.
81 see," interrupted Mr.. Trundell.
Some of YOU gentlemen desire TO be
nhila N rigt.
thing. That's natural. But don't
propose that you do 1t at my expense"
Maddox continued without noticing
the laugh which greeted this interrupt
tion. AS matter of law, he argued,
the pensions were probably contracts
which the company could not throw
over at its pleasure. Anyway the
proposition required careful consider
alton and investigation. It was alb
surd to be penny-wise and pound-fo fool
ish, and to push through an apparent
economy which might prove no econ
omy at all. He argued the matter at
length, coolly and dispassionately, not
touching on the moral or ethical as
poets Of the case, but devoting him
self to a logical review of the business
issues involved, and ended by second
ing Mr.. Rogers motion for an adjourn
mcnt. Neither Trundell nor his party
vouchsafed any reply, and the vote on
adjournment was taken in silence. It
was lost, seven to six. Then Croydon
moved the previous question. Maddox
whispered to Spaulding. who sat be-
side him, and the latter addressed the
meeting.
What was the real meaning Of this
motion? he asked angrily. Were the
gentlemen who favored 1t blind TO
the fact that II involved the honor of
every manufacturer whose plant
formed part of the Ccnfederated COM
pany? Surely no one present sup
posed for a moment. that men who
had pensioners on their lists would
assent to any action which would throw
helpless cripples Upon the world. and
rob them Of money which was theirs
by higher right than law. simply to
fatten the stockholders. What were
they going to do about IT? Was that
Mr.. Croyden's question? He would
answer by asking another. Did the
gentlemen of the majority desire to
force the resignation of their oppo-
neuts? Mr.. Croyden's smile seemed to
say they did. Then they might as well
withdraw their motion. for 1t would
fail OF its purpose. The men for whom
he spoke were neither knaves nor
fools. He was well aware Of the Ian
guage he was using, and was RESPONSE
BILE for every word he uttered.
Spaulding paused, and regarded each
man facing him, to make his defiance
as individual as possible.
when members of this board" he
continued, raising his voice, under
take to cram such measures down the
throats Of honest men, 1t is high time
they recognize with whom they are
dealing! II war is to be declared, l,
for one, accept the issue, and I'll wage
it II it takes every dollar have and
breaks the company into the bargain!"
Spaulding's fist struck the table as
he finished speaking, and Mr.. Trundell
laughed aloud.
Bow. WOW, WOW! Question:" he
exclaimed.
81 move We adjourn" interrupted
Maddox. Rogers seconded the motion,
and 1t was again lost, seven TO six.
II move the previous question:" was
Trundelps only comment.
Kennard noted the logged tone of
the Speakers voice. and glanced anx-