George Ingram was visibly affected as he took the proffered hand of
Reuben Harris, and inquired about his health and the whereabouts and
welfare of his family. Harris implored young Ingram to tell him all about
the strike, its latest phases, and what the municipal authorities were
doing for the protection of his property. George Ingram gave him a brief
history of the troubles up to the time of his leaving Harrisville. He
told how the manager aided by the company's general counsel, Mr. Webster,
had used every possible argument with the workingmen's committee; that a
statement even had been submitted, showing that very small or practically
no profits had resulted from recent contracts, which were now being
completed by the company. The effort to arrive at a satisfactory
adjustment with the employees was thus far absolutely fruitless. Since
daylight the four thousand men had been parading the streets with music
and clubs, forcing employees of other establishments to quit work, and
threatening to destroy the steel plant.
The color in Colonel Harris's face came and went as he listened, showing
a white heat of indignation. Ingram sat facing his employer, watching the
emotions of a strong man, and not then daring to offer any suggestion,
for he felt strongly in behalf of the employees, who always looked upon
him as their friend.
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