The Further Adventures of Quincy Adams Sawyer and Masons Corner Folks | Page 6

influenced by the action, did the same. The two men faced each other.
"Mr. Evans," and the Governor seemed to increase in stature, "I fully understand your last remark--if it becomes necessary. You shall have an open field. I prize the great honour that has been conferred upon me by placing me here, but I must confess I dislike the duties, circumscribed as they are by personal and political influences. I can understand, now, why a ruler wishes to be an autocrat. It is the only way in which he can make his personality a part of his body. I shall not be a candidate for re-election this autumn. I wish my personal freedom of action, and I prize it more than fame or power."
"May I mention your decision to the leaders of the party?"
"If you so desire. From this moment I am to be untrammelled except by my official oath."
Mr. Evans took his leave, evidently pleased with a part of what he had heard, and in a short time was closeted with some leading politicians in a private room of a prominent hotel.
The Governor resumed his reading of the labour bill, but was aroused from his contemplation of its provisions by the entrance of Mr. Amos Acton. Mr. Acton was secretary of a manufacturer's association. He was tall and spare. His hair was sandy in hue, and his mouth twitched nervously.
"Your Excellency, I came to see you about that picketing bill. If it becomes a law our manufacturers will be driven from the State. They are now seriously handicapped by the vigorous provisions of existing laws. I trust your Excellency will not add to our present burdens."
"I have read the bill, Mr. Acton. It seems conservative, with full provision for the protection of life and property."
"That's not the question. When Union men strike we must have the Non- Union men to fill their places; but this bill says the Non-Union man shan't work."
"It says the Union man may persuade him, peacefully, not to work."
"We all know what that means. If he does work, he will be called a 'scab' and his family will be ostracized in every possible way."
"It is hard to draw the line," said the governor. "You say, or imply, that every man has a right to work for whoever will employ him. Granted. But do you always give him work when he wants it? Do you pay him what he asks, or do you not fix the rate of wage? You must realize the fact that collective bargaining has superseded dealing with the individual."
"Some of us do not allow that," said Mr. Acton.
"I know it, and that causes the difficulty. Your relations with your employees should be based upon trade agreements, legalized and strongly adhered to by both sides."
"I have just come from a meeting of leading manufacturers," said Mr. Acton, "and they wished me to express to you their urgent request, I may say solicitation, that you will veto this bill."
After Mr. Acton's departure, Quincy rang for his secretary, to whom he delivered the papers containing his official decisions.
Mr. Williams was renominated for the position that he had so long and so ably filled.
As members of "The Industrial Expansion Commission" nine manufacturers were named, one for each of the leading industries of the State, chosen independent of known or presumed political affiliations; Mr. Collingwood's name was not among them.
A vigorous veto of the bill giving a private corporation control of public property was sent to the Senate.
The "peaceful picketing" bill was signed.
The door opened, and a pretty face looked in.
"Come in, Maude--I've just finished." As the secretary withdrew, keeping his eyes fixed on the governor's youngest sister, she advanced slowly into the room. The door closed automatically and Maude tip-toed to her brother's side, returning his welcoming kiss.
"What's his name?" she asked, pointing towards the self-closing door.
"My secretary? Harry Merry," said Quincy, "but the press boys all call him Sober Harry."
"I think he's just splendid," said the impulsive Maude--"such beautiful eyes! But that isn't what I came for. I went up to your house and just brought Alice down to ours, and she told me all about the fine time you had and your speech. Will it be printed?"
"Mr. Sylvester Chisholm, editor of the Fernborough Gazette was there and a faithful transcript of my feeble remarks will, no doubt, appear in his paper."
"Feeble!" said Maude contemptuously. "Have you been doing feeble things since you came back?"
"No, Maude, I have done some very strenuous things, and I shall be glad to get home to my family."
Maude repeated, seriously,
"To make a happy fireside clime For weans and wife Is the true pathos, and sublime, Of human life.
"But you are not going home," she continued,--"you are invited to dinner with your respected pa and ma and your two young--"
"And