The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-03-02


you, Mr.. Kennard. But the fact Is, my
plans were not sufficiently matured to
make any practical suggestion. I am
well aware of your position in the trade
to-day, and, without fattering you, I
may say know any proposition worth
your consideration must be based on
broad and substantial lines"
He paused, and showing back his
chair placed it sideways to the table,
crossed his legs, and rested his elbow
among the glasses.
What In general, is your plan and
proposition, If it's fair question:"
The smile of amusemnt still played
about Kennard's lips as he spoke, but
his companion was gazing across the
deserted dining-room.
1T embraces, of course, trade COM
bination, permitting the strength, econ
Omy and cooperation which unity of
purpose alone makes possible"
You mean to form q trust?"
Yes, II you wish to use the term,
although we propose to apply modern
methods which take 1t quite out of that
definition"
"As question of law?"
"As a matter of fact"
| Mr.. Harlan snapped out the answer
decisively, and noting Kennard's tone,
raised his eyebrows interrogatively.
For moment the two men smoked in
silence. When Kennard spoke again,
his face was grave and thoughtful.
And what, If anything, am Of
fered--if that, too, is fair question:"
Certainly 1t is fair and very per-
tinent question. But there are diff
cutes in formulating any definite
proposition, Mr. Kennard. AS yet we
only know of your business by your
standing in the trade. All details are
lacking. But in general, l may say II
coptemplates the purchase of your
plant on satisfactory terms. your
proper representation on the board OF
directors, and such official connection
with the corporation as may seem ap-
propriate and agreeable to you"
"Are all the factories to be merged
into one?"
Economically. but not literally
Each plant will keep its identity, SUBJ
iect only to central control The same
principle, Mr.. Kennard, as governs
these United States. ! will show you
few facts and figures which perhaps
you have not before considered"
Mr.. Harlan placed his hand in the
breast-pocket Of his dinner-coat, but
Kennard laid his fingers on his arm.
mo, don't, Mr.. Harlan" he protest.
ed gravely. I'm not going into the
thing. There are many reasons"
May I hear them?"
"They are mainly personal and
would not appeal to you"
ut is not, then. because you doubt
the financial success Of such co-opera-
tion?"
~ do not care to discuss that, and
| don't want TO see your figures be-
cause I do not think have, any right
to do SO, since I shall not enter into
the plan at ALL"
Mr.. Harlan took out the package
which he had half withdrawn from his
pocket. opened Il. and spread the, pa
pers before his guest.
'T appreciate your delicacy. Mr.. Ken
nard, but whether you join US or not
the figures are at your service. No
man is expected TO 20 into such
thing blind-folded. and II was quito
conceivable that after having been
shown all the details. you might still
desire to stay out. There Is nothing
to conceal"
Kennard knit his brows, and his
voice had a tone Of tolerant boredom
which was unmistakable.
mo. Of course not" he answered,
''but should be wasting your time IL
! allowed you to think | might be per-
suaded to consider this negotiation.
know the trade pretty thoroughly, Mr..
Harlan. There are able men in 1t and
strong men. But personality and
many other items enter into all such
calculations, and understanding the
business as I do. can't help thinking
this idea of combination little ridicu-
lous."
For few moments both men were
silent. Then Mr.. Harlan shrugged his
shoulders. and replaced the papers in
his pocket
81 don't want you to decide tonight,
Mr.. Kennard." he remarked earnestly.
matters have progressed further than
You imagine, think. We have assur-
ances from practically the whole trade.
Individually certain men may seem un-
important, united they will be no mean
antagonist. Ny reasons for wanting
your cooperation are not wholly sell
fish. OF course do not underestimate
the financial and commercial value OF
your support. but IL you will permit
me to say so, have strong feeling of
personal friendship for. you. and. be-
lieve me, know of nothing should
regret so much as to see our interests
clash"
There was no doubling the sincerity
of Joshua Harlan as he spoke these
words, and their serious tone, together
with the mans intense manner, would
have carried weight with far more
critical auditor than Kennard. As
he studied the face before him and
listened to the deep, earnest voice. he
was conscious again of his first i'm
preston of Harlan, an impression
which had faded every time they had
met. as sometimes promising sketch
vanishes with each new touch of the
artists brush. But John Kennards
son was not the man to be controlled
by impressions, feeting or recurrent.
and when he answered. faint trace of
/ II In -