Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-06-27

Club. 1t was John Kennards son talk
ing business with Harlan-promoter.
Kennard knew It instinctively.
Kennard smiled as though at some
passing reminiscence before he an
swered his hosts question.
az don't know" he began slowly
T don't know that I fully understand
what the little mans idea is. re-
member he came to me one day and
said something about a common un-
derstanding' or trade agreement and
spoke about getting together OH prac-
tical lines or some such vague talk.
but l really didn't pay much attention
to 1t. thought it-well. didn't take
It very seriously. But perhaps I ought
not to say that, since you're interested
in it."
T don't wonder that you thought
Harkness somewhat comic in the role
of leader" agreed Mr.. Harlan. "He Is.
Of course. only a figure-head. Better
known names might court too much
publicity" he added significantly.
81 see," replied Kennard. graveiy.
"but had no idea you were connected
with our trade at all. I thought you
were In the Milling Companies"
II am in many things in many COM
panies. Mr.. Kennard," observed Har-
Ian, with shrug of his houlders. 'This
Is my latest. and" he added emphat-
ically, my best association"
with what firm, II may ask?-Or
are you managing the-the syndicate%
Managing. financing. promoting
what you will" Mr.. Harlan answered,
disregarding the note of amusemnt In
his guests voice. "And tell you, Mr..
Kennard," he answered earnestly, T
have become deeply interested-deeply
interested and impressed"
Kennard made no comment, but
waited for his host to continue. Mr..
Harlan struck the bell and ordered ci-
gars. It was not until he was sign
Ing the check that he went on.
"You may think 1t strange that did
not speak Of this long ago and consult
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 fiattering you, |
may say know any proposition worth
broad and substantial lines"
He paused. and showing back his
chair placed 1t 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, q trade COM
bination, permitting the strength, econ
omy and cooperation which unity Of
purpose alone makes possible"
"You mean to form trust?"
"Yes, II you wish to use the term,
although we propose to apply modern
methods which take 1t quite out Of that
definition"
GAS a 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, II anything, am I Of
fered-if that. too, is fair question:"
Certainly it is a fair and very per-
tinent question. But there are diff
culties in formulating any definite
proposition, MIR. Kennard.' AS yet we
only know Of your business by your
standing in the trade. All details are
lacking. But in general, I may say It
contemplates 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?"
"Ecor omically, but not literally.
Each plant will keep its identity, sub
sect only to central control. The same
nrinciple. Mr.. Kennard. as governs
these United States. will show you
few facts and figures which perhaps
Won have not before considered"
Mr.. Hsrlan placed his hand In the
breast-pccFet 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 moinly personal and
would not appeal to YOU"
at is not, then, because you doubt
the financial success of such co-opera-
ion?"
81 do not care to discuss that, and
I 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 ont the package
which he had half withdrawn from his
pocket. opened it. and spread the pa
| pers before his guest.
81 appreciate yonr delicacy. Mr.. Ken
| nard. but VIII ether yor join us or not
| the figures are at your service. No
man is expected to go into such a
thing blind-folded. and 1t was quite
| conceivable that otter having been
shown all the details. YOU might still
desire to stay out. There Is nothing
| 10 conceal"
Kennard Emit his brows. and his
voice had tone OF tolerant boredom
which was unmistarable.
mo. Of course not" he answered.
but | should be wasting your time II
I allowed you to think ! might be per-
suaded to consider this negotiation. I
'now 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 | do. I can't help thinking