The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-12-22

Men, we're beginning our work
in a few minutes. You must get to
your places in the building or off
the grounds"
A hOarse yell came from some one.
Tell us some more funny stories.
Who says we must? Who will make
us get off, young ellow?" An angry
rumble, as the human wall swayed
forward.
Ann was crying wildly. Peter,
stop! Leave them alone. Peter!"
But her voice was lost in the up
roar.
Hear him." woman near Ann
Knocked. And the cry was taken up.
Hear him. Get out, will we? Who's
to make us?"
Peter stood quietly, waiting until
the angry crowd quoted. He was
searching the faces about him.
Oscar" he said clearly, I'm sur
prised to see you there. And you,
jim Foster, and you, Dan Walters.
You men who have Stood shoulder
to shoulder, with my grandfather for
10 many years"
THE crowd was still, but only for
l. a moment. And what did it
get them, young man? What did it
get them?"
Coarse laughter, oaths, hysterical
cries from women.
Ann found herself holding tightly
to the arm of an old woman with a
Wrinkled, weatherbeaten face. The
woman said, "I've known that boy
since he was knee-high. He's a good
sort"
A good sort. Ann pressed the thin
arm gratefully. She knew how good
+ uU1I was. Just as Ann did. It was
bond between them.
Eric Olesen stepped out from the
crowd and faced Peter. He was
haggsrd. His face was covered by a
heard, his eyes smoldered. Sure
you would blame my father" he
said. You're a Kendall. All you're
thinkin' about is more money for
yourself and kin. More money to
put into machines. You think w
should be grateful for the wages 9e
get"
Yes, l think you should be
grateful, Eric" Peter said. "Thev're
better wages than most factory men
draw. None of you have suffered.
You have jobs, food, a shelter for
yourselves and children. That's
more than many men can say
today"
I'VE don't want the new plant"
yelled man. Put the money in
our pay envelopes"
And Then a cry, stop talking.
We've had enough of talking. Get
back to town where you belong"
y belong here. I'm a Kendall"
During another lull, his voice
came clearly. What do you expect
to gain by this? What can you
gain? Nothing. The work will be-
gin. If you try to stop it by vio-
lence it will be started again. You
can't beat organized law, men. If 1
were killed some one else would be
ready to step into my place."
OSCAR OLESEN stepped out
~ from the crowd. He's right,
boys. We can't win this way" Dan
and Jim and scores of others spoke
up in agreement.
Accept the new plant" Peter
went ON. 1T will make your work
less difficult and not a man of you
will lose his job because of the new
machinery. Ask for more pay if
you feel you are entitled to it. Show
my grandfather that every one who
works should have more than
living wage That you are entitled
to some of the comforts and joys
of life from your efforts I'm ready
to meet with you, discuss your needs,
and lay your claims before my
grandfather"
You mean you will be for us,
Mr.. Peter?" Oscar said.
For you and for my grandfather.
But I think you have case. I'm
willing to argue for you"
There was a general murnur of
approval that almost drowned the
scattered cries of, ''Turncoat, trait
orS!"
One lone voice shouted, I'VE know
you slick rich folks. Just lot Of
words. We don't want the work to
begin
Peter said, The work will begin
I'm giving the word now"
The man stepped out of the crowd,
shouting, You are?"
Yes. Try and stop me-"
Lord love us" the old woman
cried to Ann, Listen to 'im!" Ann
was listening with tears of happi-
ness and pglds ia IS.