The Wrangell sentinel., 1909-11-11
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John W. Harding
Copyright. 1908. by G. ". DiIlins.
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reach here soon. The indications are that in the natural course of things during the coming winter there won't be work for more than half of you and that you'll need badly all the spare coin you can save now. Yet you chose this very time to demand an in- crease from the company and give it eighteen hours notice, including twelve nonworking hours, in which to think it over. 1 don't call that square deal, whatever you may think about it. Now, the country towns are full Of men anxious to get jobs, and the com pany. notwithstanding the short no- tice, is fully prepared for a strike. In that shed wonder are 5000 cots, put there during last night, and provision has been made to feed 5000 men for several days. Captain Williams'-
 An outburst of curses and yells greet ed this mention of the presidents name, with cries of "We know Williamsw
 Captain Williams" went on the su- perintendent calmly "says that any man who goes out on strike now will never enter the employ of the line again in this or any other port And I'll see personally to it that he doesn't. This man here said strike had been decided on. but anybody who wants to stay and work instead of making e fool of himself by quitting will be taken care of. I'll promise that. That's all. It's up to you"
 Amid dead silence be got down from the crate and returned to his office.
 The men remained assembled for consultation. and in the crowd were many doubtful faces. It was clear that Smiths calm. drawed harangue had made profound impression. Just as in private life he attracted the warmest friendships. so in business, to which he gave strict and intelligent attention. he earned. the respect of all with whom he had to deal
 The strike leader mounted the crate and. amid the applause of the hot headed and discontented. delivered himself of fierce denunciation of the company as greedy, grasping, oppress- i've corporation and of its dock super intendent as flour fusher' and a dispenser of ''con" talk. meaning there by of words intended to deceive. But there were too many who knew that Smith was neither.
 "For my part" one of the laborers said. I've got wife and six kids, the eldest of which is nine. 1 move that We take another vote on this here strike"
 The motion was adopted with accla- nation. The result of the ballot was overwhelmingly in favor of remaining at work
 While delegates appointed to inform the superintendent that there would be DO turnout were waiting upon him in his office. the other men passed the shed indicated by Smith, pushed open the door and gaZed in. while others crowded up behind them. Arranged all around the vast space were neat, white cots. and in the center were long tables and benches.
 Say" remarked one of the men. "Jimsy Smith ain't no bluff. Is he? For a slow speakin' and movin' man he's the liveliest hustler ever seen.' Half an hour later Smith once more lowered himself into the chair beside the presidents desk. ,
 Well" said Captain Williams gruff- ly. ''I understand the strikes off,"
 Yep" was the reply.
 How did you do it:'
 Told 'em the truth"
 The captain regarded him from un- der his bushy, eyebrows. brought to- gether in his usual frown.
 Il guess, you don't often lie, Smith"
 Not more than. Ifhave to-"
 What preparations had you made for trouble?" -
 Three thousand hired army cots in Then there's these."
 He laid before the president num- Der of bids for supplying rations three times day to from 300 10 5000 men and telegrnns from various towns worded something to this effect:
 On terms offered can ship 200 men with in. forty-eight hours.
 Williams read each paper carefully.
 "A strike at this time would have meant heavy loss to the line,' he ob- served.
 Smith nodded.