Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-07-14
copyright. 1909, BY Frederick A. Stoke, q Col

had lain with him and another faith
full, Pat Mullin, we'd have had the
whole lot back in couple OF days. But
rascal named Peter McMannis pre-
vented a collapse of the strike. How
In the world q man Of his type man
aged to get 700 men into his power
passes my understanding, but he dio
it, and held them together in spite OF
themselves. understood any advances
from me would encourage the strikers
but when you know every man, wo-
man and child in village, It's almost
impossible to avoid personal contact
and this resulted in a conference on
the third day. 1t didn't take me long
to comprehend the real point at issue.
1t was the official recognition OF the
labor organization. think was
more relieved than surprised at this
discovery. My scheme Of direct COM
munication between employer and en-
ploye hadn't been successful enough
to make me unduly welded to 1t. Per-
haps the methods Of my father and
grandfather were out of date. perhaps
I hadn't followed them intelligently.
In any case I had burdened myself
with responsibilities without easing or
pleasing any one else. You remem-
ber Mr.. Harlan's criticism Of my
methods; I mean about trying to be
Just to ones employees and not trying
to serve them?".
eyes, but l didn't know Mr.. Harlan
was the critic"
"He was, and his criticism was
sound. thought of 1t more than once
while was making up my mind"
ITO shift the burden" ..
"Yes, by meeting the union officially.
The question was whether | would
treat directly with my workmen or
with leaders chosen by them. Why
shouldn't be willing to change from
the individual to the representative
basis? Many employers think this a
fatal thing to do. | don't see why.
It's certainly easier to deal with q
unit than with individuals. I could
have defeated the strike, Dave. abso-
lutely, Internationally, II I'd held out"
Maddox nodded.
But what was the use? There
would have been more trouble before
long, and l didn't care enough about
the issue. So recognized the union
and ended the strike"
did you have to discharge any
one?"
mo. l made 1t plain that I'd take
no dictation as to whom I'd employ
before l consented to an interview with
McMannis. 1t was easy to see he'd
yield anything for recognition. and
the shops are running again just as
before. However, I'VE learned one les
son from the experience, If not more.
and that is to leave details to subordi-
mates. From now on intend to elm
mate personality as far as possible" ."
Dave laughed.
Like all beginners, you overdo the
part a little, dol t you think" he
quoted.
Kennard's face which had been
i growing set and hard as he talked,
relaxed for a moment.
Perhaps" he answered slowly. Il
can't help feeling trifle bitter about
this thing. 1t comes, suppose, from
having taken myself and my schemes
too seriously all these years. I've
had the conceit knocked out Of me,
but I'm sore. After a bit | suppose
III see the humor Of my little tragedy,
or grow wisely philosophic about it."
Maddox tapped the ashes of his pipe
into his hand.
mo, you won't" he answered.
Kennard looked up quickly.
What makes you say that?" he
asked
Because, my dear fellow" Dave
paused and beckoned for the tobacco
pouch. Because, my dear fellow, you
can't change the habits OF lifetime,
especially a business lifetime. in q
day. That's reason No. l. And If you
did, you couldn't change your nature.
That's reason No. 2. But If you did
change your habits and your nature
you wouldn't solve your problem
You'd have a revolution on your
hands"
Kennard smiled bitterly.
81 shall not attempt to reform my
business habits" he replied. 81 pro-
pose shelving them. So much for rea-
son No. l. AS for my nature, it's
changed already. The sickly senti-
mentalist in me has sickened and died
and you behold me reborn. That dis
poses of reason No. 2. AS for your
revolution, I'll let my successors look
TO that"
What do you mean?"
Gust this. Dave. I'm a good deal
disgusted over this affair, and I'm
! thinking of selling out"
Maddox stared at the speaker in as
tonlshment.
You're joking!" he exclaimed. 81
don't believe it,"
81 was never more serious in my
life"
Want to tell me who the purchaser
is?"
"A syndicate OF which a man named
Hardness is the nominal head, and ir
which Mr.. Harkness is deeply inter
ested."
"Humph!"
Maddox pressed the tobacco into the
bowl of his pipe, and then waited FOL
his companion. But Kennard volun
teered no further Information, and the
two men smoked on without speaking
There was nothing awkward in thu
silence, though both knew 1t covered
difference Of opinion. When Mad
dox spoke again, 1t was as though
discussing a new and entirely imper
sonal subject.
did you ever think what lot o.
human nature there Is at the bottom
Of most questions, Jack?" he bega1
Take your workmen, for example
You've given them a livelihood
showed them how to live. met theil
difficulties, and done their thinking
for them, and yet, with all that, the!
want something different. There's
Maddox stopped suddenly as th'
door-bell rang. A servant entered and