e first step on the road to knowledge. It
was the foundation of all true knowledge. I wanted to help the fellows
take the next step. That step would be to learn how labor can enrich
itself and do away with strikes and unemployment. That is a question
that still fascinates me. I did not care to dodge it and become a
manufacturer. I am the kind of fellow who, when he takes hold of a
question, never lets go. The picture of Comrade Bannerman shaking his
fist at the trainload of "plutes" lingered with me. I still heard the
voice of the knock-kneed reformer who envied my husky limbs. The cry for
bloody revolution was already in the air. When would the mob be started
and what would it do? When Comrade Bannerman had robbed the rich and
piled their corpses in a Caesar's column, would not the knock-kneed
uplifter break my legs in making all men equal? These men were moved by
envy and they lusted for blood. I faced the problem with a thirst
for accurate knowledge, and my passion was not for bloodshed but for
brotherhood.

CHAPTER XXXVII. FREE AND UNLIMITED COINAGE

It was during the panic in 1894 that the strike vote was defeated. We
worked on until the first of July, 1896, when our agreement expired.
By that time the tin mill was on its feet. The town of Elwood had grown
from a country cross-roads to a city of the first class. As president
of the union, I had steadily gained concessions for the workers. We were
getting paid every two weeks. It is not practical to pay oftener in the
tin trade. A man's work has to be measured and weighed, and the plate he
rolls on Saturday can not be cut and measured in time for him to get
his pay for it that week. For the pay envelope is handed to him Saturday
noon, and his Saturday's rolling will not go through the cutter until
Monday. He can not be paid for it until it is in shape to be measured.
So we were satisfied to be paid twice a month.

But the mill was now making big profits and we demanded a raise in pay.
The mill owners countered by refusing to "recognize" the union. They
would deal with the men only as individuals. A strike was called, and
the union won. We recovered our raise in pay and signed a new contract.
The strike was off in September after two long months of idleness, and
within a few days after the dust had settled we smelt the fireworks of
political oratory. I am telling it now as it appeared to me then, and of
course I beg the indulgence of those concerned.

Bryan