The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1905-09-22


thing else to do, and if Kennard
thinks he can waste my time with this
sort Of windwork. he's making mis-
take"
Il move, Mr.. Chairman, that the
gentleman be given leave to print his
remarks" said Mr.. Harial.
AT his own expense" added Hark-
ness.
Question:" exclaimed a figure
head
Kennard stood by his chair, his face
flushing angrily, and his eyes fixed
steadily on Mr. Harlan's. Suddenly he
turned to Maddox.
May l continue, Mr.. Chairman" he
asked
"Oh, sit down, Kennard! You're
making a fool of Yourself" interposed
Trundcll. 'Who do you suppose is 60
! ing to change his vote for all this
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 a challenge
Very we'll, Mr. Trundell. We will
pass from folly to wisdom-from a
general question to a particular. J
lad not intended to raise a new is
sue, but since you will not listen to
argument you shall listen to facts, let
he consequences be what they may.
| Gentlemen, | was called upon few
nights ago and made the recipient of
1 confidence-a confidence which | did
not invite nor agree to respect, but
which l hoped it would be unnecessary
for me to disclose, | was told by a
member of this board that l need not
be concerned about this proposed re-
duction in wages, because it was not
intended to be permanent. Its pur-
pose was to affect the local market
Cor the shares by spreading rumors OF
IN impending strike If 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
DID level My informant went further.
he told me that those most interested
wanted this thing to 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 II
Name .him!" challenged Croydon,
with meaning smile.
For moment Kennard hesitated.
He saw the cunning purpose in Croy-
den's brain But ali 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.
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 Discrimination to
force scandal. If there is any one
here who was not coenizant of this
plan and purpose, he is now advised
of it,"
Kennard paused and studied tAa
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 il. Every man who votes for this |
resolution to-day will find he has not |
stilled his conscience But if this does
not restrain him in view Of the profits
which the scheme promises. and ne |
still thinks it can be successfully car
ried through, | am here to disabuse |
his mind Of any such idea | shall |
cease to be a member Of this board |
the moment this resolution Is passed
and tho secret Of my resignation shall
be an open one"
w udl' IOdEGu lIuHutII. 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 chucElehead," NUT
tered Trundell, "and damned liar,
TOO"
I'll let others Judge between us, Mr.
Trundell, if you force me-
Trundell half rose from his chair.
Tor an instant it seemed as though
he intended to strike Kennard, and
Baldwin, one of the financial figure
heads, FASTENED to interpose.
Nov, Mr.. Kennard," he began
Boothineiy, cant we compromise this
thing? You don't want to ruin the
company in which you're heavy
Trundell muttered an oath at the
upon whom Kennard
turned with the flefceness of exaspera-
lion