CHAPTER XXXV

I

HE PLAN of factory representation was working out so well that Richard almost dreaded

TH

to accept congratulations for fear that something unforeseen might happen to prove his structure only a house of cards. It was not perfect by any means. Every day showed some change necessary to hold the scheme true to the basic principles upon which it stood; but the foundation still seemed unassailable, and that gave Richard confidence. The men at once recognized the spirit of fair play and were convinced that they would receive a square deal, with nothing counting but the facts.

"It is always a case of cards down face up," one of the workers explained. "Nothing is hidden, and we all know what the other fellow knows."

The prompt establishment of this confidence nullified the opposition of the union heads, who saw their prestige wane as the management and the workers became educated to each other's point of view. There could be little talk of collective bargaining when every question of joint interest became co-operative and the subject of mutual deliberation. The men frankly liked

it. They had come to see that the union kept all its men on a dead level while the new system gave the opportunity for any one to rise above it who possessed more than average ability. They retained their membership cards, for the union found no vulnerable point at which to strike. Certain it was that the new spirit of co-operation and fair play worked to smooth out situations which under old methods would have resulted in serious trouble.

Tony Lemholtz was a case in point. He had been a trouble-maker from the time he entered the plant; yet not even James Norton dared to discharge him because of his power as a labor leader. Now, when he transgressed the rules of his department, the foreman fearlessly exercised his prerogative. Lemholtz demanded justice, and was tried before a tribunal made up equally of representatives from the management and those duly elected by the workers. The foreman became the plaintiff, and witnesses were called on both sides. With all the evidence before them, the Shop Committee unanimously sustained the action of the foreman, and, being unanimous, the incident was closed. Had there been only a majority-ruling against him, Lemholtz might have appealed, but as it stood even the General Manager would hesitate to reinstate him.

Richard reviewed the case with considerable satisfaction as he continued his walk after depositing the unwilling burden at his lodgings. He had been confident that the foreman would be upheld, yet the case had been a real test of the strength of the new system. There could be no failure, he was sure, so long as the manage

ment maintained their faith in the workers, for it was human nature that the men should share the same reaction.

II

In

Richard had still further basis for confidence. another fortnight a new administration would be inaugurated at Washington . a new President, who had already indicated by his utterances and by the men selected to be his advisors that he recognized the magnitude of his task, and the presumption of any mortal to appropriate to himself omnipotence. It was too soon to judge except by the calibre of the outstanding figures, but Richard felt in his heart an abiding faith that party politics would now give way to the humanitarian demands created by the war; that the academic atmosphere in the White House would become charged with the vitality of constructive action; that his country, for which he fought, would regain the prestige won by the spontaneous response of its people, and lost by the supine misrepresentation of its government. Barry's words came back to him . . . "We mustn't lose faith in our country . . . the trouble isn't with our country, is it, Capt'n?" Richard held his head erect for the first time since he returned home .. No, thank God! the trouble is not with our country!

III

Lola came to the plant the following day with her father. She was sure that Richard would seek Olga at the first opportunity, and concluded that the interview

must have taken place. She was so fearful of the effect on both that she could not wait for Richard to come to her. Mr. Stewart's conference with him gave her the opportunity to relieve her anxiety, and she knew her presence would be no embarrassment.

"I've just been over the figures for the last period," Stewart remarked when they were seated in Richard's office. "You ought to feel well satisfied with the results."

"I do," was the frank acknowledgement. "That we are getting increased production is beyond question. But what I am most pleased with is the fact that we all are becoming educated. Never before did we know so well the actual conditions in the plant, never before have the workers so well understood our problems. Previously we could make mistakes and get away with them; now if we are unjust, or use poor judgment, we are shown up without mercy. On the other hand, no operative can give less than a fair day's work for a fair day's pay without having the fact so apparent that he is ashamed of it."

"I believe even your father would be convinced if he could see things now."

"I know he would," Richard declared decisively. “All father wanted was results, but because he had always secured them in one particular way he couldn't accept any other method. I give him credit for much of this success. It would be unbelievable that, after giving his entire personality to this concern for so many years, he could be disassociated by anything so incidental as death. This will always be James Norton's business;

all we are doing is adding modern improvements to a structure already built on a rock."

"I am glad to hear you speak like that," Stewart replied soberly. "My friendship with your father extended over so many years that to have had a break come at the end is still a real sorrow. I would like to believe with you that he knows now that our difference was only that of method. When one reaches my age friendships become sacred."

"You may believe it . . . surely," Richard declared with emphasis; "and I look upon my friendship with you as another legacy from him. It will mean much to me to have you think of it as a continuation of the old."

Richard felt Mr. Stewart's smile to be a benediction. "I shall so consider it," the older man replied, “until I have the right to give you that deeper affection to which a son is entitled."

"I hope that time may not be far distant," Richard exclaimed, holding out his hand impulsively. "Lola knows how much that hope means to me; she also knows that there still remains one obstacle to overcome. We are working on that now."

"I don't mean to interfere," Stewart apologized. "You young people have fully demonstrated your ability to look after your own affairs. . . Lola came today to see some of the changes I told her had been made in the plant."

"Let me show them to you both a little later.”

"I have some letters to dictate," Stewart continued. "Lola and I will be waiting in my office when you are ready."