Evening star., 1915-02-07

over MIN ne nedrd the mill owner speak again.
"Some day machinery will be invented to doff the
spinning frames and to catch up and mend the breaks
in the thread and there will be further need for
ployng children"
The words reached him vaguely at first, and then
with vivid cearness And they carried with them an
idea that brought the eager light back into his eyes.
He turned to Royce impulsivey.
man." he exclaimed, cant you the wonderful
chance you've got to help to solve this whole rotten
problem? Can't you see it?'
The mill owner stared at him wonderlngly; but
Benton did not wait for his reply.
"None of you millmen get any satisfaction out of
employing children he said. "Its condition that
has been forced upon you, and you've let it grow, be-
you've been afraid your competitors would take
advantage of you. You've been waiting for leader"
He paused and stared straight into Royces eyes, why
don't you step forth and proclaim yourself?'
"I?" exclaimed Royce. Al become the leader of
movement to abolish child labor?" The thought ap-
peared to daze him.
why not?" demanded Benton. as there any other
mill owner in this State better qualified for the job than
you?'
The shot went home, and Benton followed it up
swiftly.
"Afew minutes ago you said that some day machinery
would be invented that would do away with the need
for employing children in the mills. There your open
ing. Offer reward to the inventor who will first per-
feet machines to do the work that is done by chill
dren. Show the public that you want to do your part
toward solving of the gravest problems in this
try today-and then prove your sincerity by remedy
ing conditions much possible in your own mill.
Weed out all children who are under age. If their
parents take of them the problem becomes
of relief, and it up the community to solve it.
Your hands will be clean
"My competitors Royce started; but Benton in
terrupted him.
Hang your competitors he exploded. "Are you
going to trail along in the mire with them forever
you going to make them look up to you? If they
persist in hiring children under age fight them in the
Legislature,-get compulsory education law passed,
with provision for truant officers to enforce it. Then
you and your competitors will be the footing
for when children in school they can't be at work
in the mills
The school argument was unfortunate. 1t recalled
Royce the vivdy contrasted that Benton had
thrown upon the moving picture screen IN the HIP
podrome,-the pictures that had "crimnaly libeled"
him. All his resentment suddenly revived.
3We're wasting time he said coldly. "Your ideas
sound very fine; but they not feasible Moreover,
Mr.. Benton, don't intend to let you anyone else
tell me how to my business
"Very well, Mr.. Royce Benton's change as
pronounced that of the mill owner 4I've given you
your chance. Now I'll show you what public opinion
can do to you."
@I've dealt with fools like you before and"
"Not just like me- cooly interrupted Benton. "And
don't depend too much upon the power that your bus
interests give you, he warned. "Public opinion
stronger than that"
Royce scowled and started for the door.
"Just one more hint said Benton. Remember that
newspapers not the only instruments by which pub
lie opinion may be nodded There are for instance,
moving pictures!'
WITHIN two hours after the interview the mill
applied for an injunction restraining Benton
from making any further exhibitions of the reel that had
created such a sensation at the Hippodrome.
News of the injunction proceedings reached Benton
when he was in conference with Thomas Gates, owner
and publisher of the Herald, and his managing editor
Jack Hayward. The young advertising made