The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1905-02-23

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be perfectly safe--for you"
"It'll be good for you, too. Listen
now. I'm in the employ Of the Ca
vendish Tool company. Yes. I've kept
the Job for six months. practically
without touching drop. I'm In with
all the men. I'm on one Of the minor
committees Of the local union and" \
Eyes, see your finish," interrupted
Mr.. Harlan. You're hopeless, Nc
Mannis, hopeless. got you good
political job with McGrath and you
lost 1t by drinking, and now you've
got start with Cavendish you are
going to get yourself bounced by mix
ing up in some damned union busi-
ness. The trouble with you is there's
always somebody ready at your elbow
to put you on your feet when you tum-
BILE down, and you don't appreciate
the value Of a fair start. Sometimes
think the worst mistake ever made
was to save you a term in the peni-
tentiary. A few years behind the bars
might have taught you something"
McMannis shot an angry glance at
his host, and tugged fiercely at his
stubby mustache for some moments
before he answered sullenly:
But l haven't lost my Job and
tell you I've quit drinking"
But you're working 10 get yourself
kicked out with your union commit
tees and such folly"
How do you know it's folly?"
"Oh, never mind-go on. I'm not
going to argue with you."
"All right. I'm on the local COM
mittee, as told you, and delegate
to the general convention which opens
tomorrow in Philadelphia. II could
get some decent clothes. shed these
greasy, shiny rags, and go there with
some money in my pocket to make
friends and show little independence
I believe I'd be elected to an Office
worth having"
"And promptly get yourself kicked
out of the tool company"
"They wouldn't dare kick me out.
But I'd resign quick enough, I promise
you."
And come to me for another $50
to support your position In proper
style? Thank YOU"
"No, I'd return your $50. I'd have
a good salary and could make some
thing more on the side. I'd have work
that suited me. some independence
and authority. and"
Yes, l fancy you in authority!
You've had good practice in trying to
command yourself"
And I've done it," retorted Nc
sharply, Haven't | stopped
But who is going to pay you this
salary, and what are you supposed to
do for it?"
THE general union pays 1t. The Of
fcers are the master workman and his
assistants, of whom I'd be one. The
duties include travelling about the
country, looking into the conditions
)f workmen, hearing their grievances,
laying them before the employers, de-
reforms, ordering strikes on
Ind on, and, in general. keeping the
Iorces together for united action of
every kind"
I'm other words, you're to levy petty
on workmen and grand
olackmail on their employers for the
benefit Of the officers Of the league"
"You may put 1t in that way II you
,hoose," answered the visitor, Bit
eriy. I'm not in position to dis
pute you tonight I'm asking for
oan."
"A loan!'
Mr.. Harlan fairly snorted the word
Which III pay back II I'm elected"
added McMannis, persistently.
And what chance have you of being
Every chance. I'm better educated
than most Of the men. My two years
At college didn't teach me much, but
hey put me ahead of my present asso-
ciates-and some of my past ones.
I've knocked about the world good
deal. I've seen something of this
city's politics, thanks to you. I'm
of Tammany Hall"
There's an education for you!" OBJ.
served Mr.. Harlan.
Don't underestimate its value" re-
torted McMannis. meaninely. "T'm
popular with my fellow-workmen." he
IL can make the sort of
speech they like to hear. I've every
chance, think"
Mr.. Harlan put his hand in his
pocket, pulled forth roll of bills, and
out $50.
I'm going TO give you this money.
Pete" he said slowly. "Of course
knew had to do that when let you
into the house. But mind, this is my
limit. II you don't get elected, don't
come to me again, for I promise yom
it's your last draft on my pocket. And
mind this, too Whether you're elected
or not, don't want you to come to this
house again. II you ever get At to
pay the money back-which I don't ex.
pect-you can come to the office of the
Milling Companies. Do you UNDER
stand?"
"Of course. don't want to annoy
you"
"All right, then. Here, take some
more cigars. Goodnight"
CHAPTER vi.