Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Jan. 24, 1909, edition 1 / Page 18
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V CHARLOTTE 'DAILY-. OBSERVE!, JANUARY 24, 1009. HOW BELLAMY SOLVED : AN INDUSTRIAL X. Tou say h won't do?" Cart wright's vole betrayed Just the least tinge of Irritation. "Why, I thought you told me that his references were of tho first order." "They are," replied the manager of the "Key City Carriage Works." -But . i er sum reason he has failed to grmap the situation here." Cartwright cased reflectively at the - speaker. . "Dont you think. Osborne, that n Is about time we were doing some thing? Bellamy Is the tjiird man re try tils hand on this job within the vast year. Meanwhile we are slipping back, and our competitors are clos . tag in upon us In a manner that de mands Immediate action on our part If we expect to retain our hold upon the trade. Up to date the volume of our shipment does not approach that ; Of the Purcell people. They are not working; as many men. yet. upon the first day of last week they had ship ped one hundred and sixty more Jobs, adn many of them heavy carriages, than we have In the same period. "The capacity of our plant Is great er than theirs. "We have been In the business for forty years against their ten. and our work, to tell the simple truth, does not look as good as theirs, although we get a little more for It. The first thing we will know we Shall be so far In the rear that we won't hear the horn blow. "Reputation of the house? Do you know that the reputation of a house can never he maintained In the fare Of fierce competition, unless we keep abreast of the times? "Eternal vigilance, as father has so often said, and the adoption of lat est methods, are the prime requisites In any business. "Many houses that were leaders tn their respective lines twenty, thirty and forty years ago, are but memories to-day. "Lusty young firms are doing th. bulk of the business. They are no: shackled to false ideals and antiquat ed notions, but are alive to the de mands of the trade and supply them. "Tou or' I may think that a flfty three Inch piano body looks better than a. Afty-elx, but If the majority. r a, large portion of our customers, Want a flfty-stx. we should furnish It. , '"I'm not In favor of attempting to Upply the whims of Tom, Dirk or Harry, unless their w ants can be se lected from our standard styles, but when there Is a very decided demand for a else or style we do not carry In stock, we should add that particular ob to our ltne of standard work. "I would like to have a talk with this laat man whom you gay will not do1. "While I have no doubt you ar right, for I know you are actuated by the beet of motive?, I think It high time we were all taking a little more Interest In the business In which we have Invested our money. "Speaking as. a majority stockhold er, my responsibility to my colleagues should not stop short of the cashier's desk. "Hereafter you can count on me to help you In any manner you may suggest. 1 am oonlnced that there Is something wrong, and both fcelf lr.terest and a pardonable pride In tho welfare of the business my father created, prompts me to take an ac tive part In Its affairs "You are too sensible, Osborne, to Imagine for a moment that this de cision on my iart reflects reproach "r lack of confidence in vou or your methods. "I do think, however, that a man may become swamped by detail and some things may be overlooked at the very instant that prompt action "Would count for soVnething." "One word, Harry, before you de cide hastily. In a business of tfiT character there are so many things that even the brightest mind cannot understand unless one has had a practical training, extending over a number of years. "Many questions will arise which you may think are simple, and to one ramlltar witn me principles underly ing; tbem they are simple, but the most costly mistakes are made by 1 those who are positive they are act- Ins; upon' Information that is both ample and accurate." 1 That is all very well. Osborne. tout you must bear In mind that this : Is a ground hog case, and we mi-st j adopt heroic measures. For I have no doubt you think my sudden awaken- ing to the necessity, and drtemlna tlon to look after the affairs of this concern comes under that classifica tion." Cartwright. the Junior member of the firm, owned a three-fourths inter est in the business which had been founded by his grandfather and de veloped by his father, who, but a abort time before his death the pre vious year, admonished his son to not permit Osborne nor any other person to assume entire control He advised the young man to graudally familiarize himself with the details of the business so that he would be prepared to direct the af fairs of the concern should an emer gency arise. "There are many things," caution ed the old mail, "that you should know, that can only be acquired by . practical shop experience. "But no man, unless he be trained . upon a finer class of work than we build, will ever be able to distin guish between what is first-class and ! that which is medium grade. I The secret of building: fine ve hicles and the tendencies of the times j point toward large demand for that I grade of work. Is to secure for the . heads of departments men who have been trained fupon fine work. If you find that Osborne cannot, or will not carry out your directions tn this re spect, employ a superintendent who has had a wide experience upon fine carriages and prevail upon Osborne to content himself In the sales de partment where he has been so suc cessful. ' , "Osborne Is a faithful, energetic man, and , devoted tn the business, but be has his limitations, and will not, fm afraid, be able to handle the workmen, or meet changing condi tions." The elder Cartwright, reoognlxed in the forceful, energetic Osborne, a re ' eourceful maa who weald not per ,'mtt anything; to hinder his efforts in any riven direction, when once con vinced he was right, orK forthe sake of expediency. , V. " "','" These same qualities when couple! with , the. absence of exact :knowt : e-dr concerning-. the technical re Qtilrements of the business would, he well knew, invite trouble and hasten dSstuster, pleasant to get alone With while permitted to have his own way, Osborne waa absolutely without feel ing or regard for another's rights or privileges when opposed. Wrapped up in the business, heart and soul, his tireless energy and aggressive meth ods hsd pushed the sales Into every nook and corner within a radius of five or six hundred miles from the factory. Osborne's weak point, how ever, waa his lack of knowledge re specting the requirements Insepara bly connected with the building of fine work. This part of the business had always been managed by the se nior Cartwright Self-respecting mechanics, whose training and temperament had moulded them Into fine grained, sen sitive human machines, with a love for their calling and the product of their skill, which surpassed their re spect fo any mortal who could not discriminate between superlatively line and ordinary workmanahtp could be Induced to remain In the factory but a short time after the death of the senior partner, whosn apprecia tion of fine work and good workman ship led him to empioy none but the best mechanlcts. Osborne, burly of frame, muscular, heavy handed and dictatorial, had trouble from the very start when he assumed the management of the men and attempted to direct their efforts. He was now In his prime, physical ly and mentally Assertive In authori ty, in matters beyond his knowledge, he soon had a disorganized force of operatives on his hands. Many of the best workmen left; others be discharged, their places being supplied with men who made things Interesting if not profitable for the company. Without the ability to Judge work or workmen and with an utter absence of fairness or tact in his dealings with them, Osborne's ex istence was anything but an irrldes ceiit dream. I 'artu right was a fine looking speci men of the modern business man, well groomed with the form and car riage of an athelete. his very pres ence radiating cheerfulness and hope. His father had given him the ad vantage of a liberal education and but for his expressed wlshes and an Inherited business Instinct, Cart wright's Inclination for a literary ca reer would have tempted him to his choice, and he would have become a toller In the mart which supplies hu man Interest stories for the world's readers. Always manifesting a sympathetic concern In the welfare of the factory people, he vHswed with dismay the dissolution of the construction force and noted with alarm the decreased output, and general flowsy appearance of the work II. Bellamy. thep new superlntedent. In response to a query from Cart wright, in the manager's ofllce that same afternoon, replied that he. Ihougrht he understood existing condi tions and was prepared to handle the manufacturing end of their business in a manner which would yield satis factory results. "Mr. Osborne tells me that IM is barely possible that you are not fully Informed respecting some things con nected with our business which should be thoroughly understood be fore one can hope to make It a suc cess " "Well. I'm open to conviction, and If Mr. Osborne will kindly indicate to me in what particular I'm short on what I should know, and suggest an Improvement In the methods I con template Introducing here, he will find me an apt scholar." said TtellH my, with a pleasant smile directed at Osborne. "I'm sure that's all anyone coulii expect. Don't you think so, Os borne?" Inquired Cartwright "It's this way. Harry. Bellamy's all right, and would, I believe, make a good showing In any factory that em ployed the same system af that under which he has been trained. "Here, everything is different, and I find he has not that adaptability which makes It possible for one to accommodate ftfmself to new condi tions." "Pardon me, Mr. Osborne, but I would like to Inquire how you know that, or, rather, by what process of reasoning you have arrived at such conclusions ? "1 have had no opportunity to dem onstrate my ability, for the reason I have been here but three days, and have not had time to take my bear ings." "You have been here long enough to express your opinion In respect to the fitness of some of our workmen. I understand you have been rltlcls Ing their work and have Informed Simmons that he does not understand his business and that you would re move him unless he obeyed your or ders." "Well. I guess that's a privilege I'm entitled to. nnd I shall certainly ex ercise It. Kimmons is a rank failure. The sooner we get rid of him the bet ter." "It didn't take me twenty-four hours to discover that you are losing plenty of money In his department." "Yes, and It didn't take me more than five minutes to find out after I learned of your criticisms of Sim mons' work, to learn that you do not understand your business and are not the man we need." I With a whimsical smile lurking- j around the corners of his lips. Bella my turned to Cartwright. "We are wasting time In fruitless discussion, Mr. Cartwright" Bellamy's tone was tinctured with impatience and contempt. "I will withdraw my application and I assure you I will not envy the man who gets this Job." "One moment please, Mr. Bellamy, "I will ask you to withhold your de cision until we have gone over the matter a little more fully." "There Is no other alternative," re plied Bellamy. "Mr. Osborne has seen nt to exprem his opinion before I have had an opportunity to show what I can do. "I would like to demonstrate my ability., to. .handle -Ahi -Proposition, but I. nor any other competent man will stand for that kind of treatment. "Now, at the risk of being accus ed of Indulging tn cheap rejoinder. I will tell Mr. Osborne that be Is one of the most credulous persons I have eyer met. ' "That man Simmons has madea monkey of him. and through him his shsikea down this concern for whatv ever sagea is Is getting and ajon .Of soap on the side. "Do you know. Mr. Osborne, that Simmons Is playing . this game at both ends? " . "Tou don't? I did not think forya ml n ate "roe did. and your statement to' that effect confirms my opinion .- . . PROBLEM that he lias '"been- playing you for a sucker ail along. "Now, let rn give you a hunch, you take a tfip to some of these rest cure Joints, stake out your claim ana freeze to It "You hare no more business In a carriage factory than a goat has at Sunday school. "Before I'd take this Job with-you hanging about the factory yawping at every move 1 made. I'd go out West and clerk on a farm. "This Misfit Mr. Cartwright," Indi cating Osborne with a twist of his thumb In that gentleman's direction, "gives me a pain. lie's a four (lush er. I'm sore on him, not so much on account of what he has aaid here, but for his bumptious ways, general dictatorial manner and provincial Ig norance. "Possessing the courage of an Ig noramus he attempts anything and you pay the price. "Your business is about sixteen miles behind the procession, snd the longer you keep his nibs on the Job the shorter will be the life of the Key City Carriage Company." Osborne, speechless and purple with spppressed passion, sat riveted with surprise and astonishment to his chair. No living man ever had the temerity to apply such language to him. For half the provocation, he had knocked down more than one man, and upon the last occasion, but a week previous, when a strapping blacksmith fully as large as himself, had assaulted him he gave the fellow such a beating that Osborne was forc ed to pay the doctors for tinkering up his bruises. And now, this slender chap, in a vole even contemptuous and incisive, cut him to the quirk. Restrained by Cartwrlghfs pres ence, Osborne controlled an almost overpowering Impulse to mop the floor with Bellamy. His voice, however, betrayed his feeling, as he replied angrily: ifWell, you don't suit me, and that settles It " "I may not suit you," returned Bellamy, "but that don't settle It by "1 guess yes, young man, and a long shot." there's no need of further discus sion." Osborne arose from his seat and started for the door.' "One moment, please,'' said Cart wright, "don t you think that Mr. Bellamy Is entitled to a little more consideration at our hands? "We should at least observe the amenities that common politeness would suggest. "Your decision might have been announced In a less objectlonal man ner, it seems to me." Osborne laughed good naturally as he retarced his steps. "Harry", you must not shy at trifles now that you have broken Into the practical business world. You will find that parlor talk Is a commodity that's not taken seriously by modern masters of industry when matters of mement are up for discusulon. Par liamentary rules are abolished and we get at the heart of things in the most direct manner. "The pure and unadulterated Kng llsh handed out with ostentatious politeness by the master and receiv ed with proper respect by the man, has fallen Into disuse outsjde of the sissy books. You must not be shock ed if you hear exchanges whose forceful character would bar them from promiscuous use at a pink tea. "I guess Bellamy, here, is no strang er to tropical language. No doubt this Is not his first attempt to hold down a position similar to the one he has tackled here." "I assure you. My. Osorne, I've never been obliged to deal, with a man in your position who has shown such dense Ignorance and unfairness In his treatment of men who are ca pable and know more about carriage building In a minute than you do In a lifetime. "Your implied Insult reflects your coarse, brutal nature, and stamps you for a fakir pure and simple. "Don't try any more of your brow beating tactics on me," warned Bel lamy, as Osborne, with Cartwrlghfs detaining hand on his arm, and a vi cious scowl on his face, started to ward him. "I'll make a grease spot out of you if you don't leave, you blamed little cur," sputtered Osborne, angrlly.y "There's no fence around me, you big duffer," retorted Bellamy, with exasperating coolness. The now thoroughly enraged man ager tore himself loose from Cart wright's grasp and leaped for Bel lamy. That gentleman ducked to the left and landed his right on the "mark," the point where the ribs arch, the force of the blow caused a spasm of pain to flash across Os borne's face and doubled him up like a Jackknlfe. Bellamy's left caught him on the point of the chin as his head shot forward, dropping him in a heap on the floor. "Please excuse me, Mr. Cartwright. He'll come to all right after a while. I wouldn't have missed giving him a belt for all the Jobs tn the world. "Of course. I don't expect to work here after this, but I want to thank you for treating me white. "Tell his nibs he can And me at the Sherman house any time between now and to-morrow night. "I jiave no business In this burg, but I Just want to give him a run for his money. If he's not satisfied, and I'll stay around to accommodate him." The astonished Cartwright caught up a glass of water and sprinkled the face of the prostrated Osborne. "Say," whispered the manager, as his senses slowly returned, "any one killed? Oeorge! what an escape." "You're all right," said Cartwright encouragingly. "Yes, I know." returned the befud dled Osborne, 'but wasn't It awful? How many dead?" "Dead nothing, you're the only vic tim," Cartwright laughed In spite of himself at the sleepy looking;, mum bling manager of the Key City Carri age Works. Bellamy was peculiarly fitted for the position of superintendent sf any carriage building plant Mis experi ence bad been, gained In some of the beef factories In the country. Hi bad. at the age of sixteen, entered- the painting department of a large East ern establishment, which made a line of fine custom work. After completing his apprenticeship he was employed for a period of Ave years on -the same class of carriages In various States, and then took charge of the painting department of one of . the . j largest whole! factories lit tho . middle West, that built a line ef high class medium grade work. At the end of three years he was appointed assist ant superintendent holding; this place until he accepted the position of su perintendent, of the Key City Car riage Works two years later. Hie ax perlenc with, men had been varied, a delight la trying out every new man or boy that worked in the same fac tory with them. Bellamy fought them Slight in stature and below the me dium height, he waa an object of special attraction In his younger days for the browbeating bullies that took with the same stubborn persistency that be applisd to bis work, of which he never let a piece leave his hands until It was as near perfect as bs could make it He read trade Journals at night and piled his foreman with questions during the day, whenever he hsd a chance. His advancement was rapid," which, of course, made him enemies among . the careless, rough class who possessed more muscle than ambition to excel In their trade. While serving his time Bellamy boarded with his foreman, a first-class workman, named Drlscoll, who took a special delight In ths young fellow's rapid progress and assisted him in every manner, ' Be sides being an all-round workman on carriages, Drlscoll had studisd land scape, figure and ornamental drawing and painting. His home contained many creditable speclmenta of his skill with the brush. Drlscoll gave the lad good advice and his wife looked after his wants with the care of a mother. Having lost by death both father and mother, Bellamy was all the more sensible of the homelike and refining influense of his surroundings. In after years he often said that he owed what measure of success he had attained to Steve Drlscoll and his good wife, who laid the founda tion of his career. x Of artistic temperament and liter ary tastes, Drlscoll had picked up a choice collection of books ranging from the classics In general literature (many of them reprints, it must be confessed), to studies In art lives of eminent painters, natural history, po litical economy, social science and many volumes treating on religious tonics. In this healthy atmosphere Bellamy's natural taste for the decent and beautiful thtngs'of this world ex panded. Of incident which filled Bel lamy with alarm at the time, occur red on the third day after he went to work. A bard-flsted young tough, Bellamy's senior by three or four years, picked a quarrel with him ana "licked him In great shape." as some of the bully's companions put It. Bel lamy did not come down to supper that night, an Instinctive dislike for anything bordering on quarreling or fighting caused him to magnify the dire results that would follow his participation In the row. Decent peo pie. he told himself, would regard him with susDlcion and distrust. Drlscoll. who had learned all about the trouble, told his wife not to bother the lad. Shortly after 8 o'clock he knocked on Bellamy's door. He found the boy seated at a window In the twilight, his scant belongings done up In a lit tle bundle at his feet. "Hello. Phil' You're not sick are you? Mother's got a nice supper waiting for you, and she says she won't sleep a wink to-night If you don't come down and eat It. Drlscoll's cheery ' greetings and friendly manner started the tears in Bellamy's eyes. Clasping his bruised face In his hands, his frail body twitched and trembled convulsively as he crouched low In the little rock, er. Waiting patiently until Phil recov ered In a measure from the effects of the revulsion of feelings which fol lowed this act of unexpected klndaess, Drlscoll drew up a chair. 9 "Don't feel so bad over it. son. I've been through the same thing my self. 'It's nothing when you get used to it.' aa the fellow salr before they hung him. You need not tell me any thing about the scrap. I know every thing. You have no reason to be ashamed of- yourself, from what I can learn, Tom was pounds heavier and ever so much taller than you. He provoked the quarrel, too. I'm told. They say he's got two black eyes while you've but one. I know Just ex actly how you feel about It. Youhlnk you arc disgraced because toughs and ruffians and all low characters Indulge In that kind of business. So they do, but decent boys and men are often obliged to defend themselves from this class of people, and so long at you don't pick a quarrel or Impose upon the weak, you need not be worried or feel disgraced if you get Into a scrap, even If you get the worst of it." By this time Bellamy had found his voice, and In tones that were shaky at first, but which gained strength and steadiness as he pro ceeded, he expressed his happiness that Drlscoll and his wife did not consider him a low character and that they knew it was not his fault, and that he had done the best he could. He said he waa afraid that he was not entirely guiltless, however, for he did not worry so much about the beating Itself, only the disgrace which he thought was attached to It He confessed that he had a sneaking fondness for a fight when It waa forced upon him. It was this, he ex plained, that made him afraid that at heart he was not as good as he should be. "I'd die before I'd admit this to a soul but you or Mrs. Drlscoll." Bella my hastened to add. "Please don t tell any of the shop boys." Drlscoll assured him that his se cret was safe. Touching the bundle with the toe of his shoe, Drlscoll, In mock sur orlee. looked at Phil. "And what in the world is this?" Bellamy's joyous laugh as he un tied the bundle and displayed his slender stock of raiment told Drlscoll that the strain was broken, and Bel lamy was himself again. Thanks to the kindly ministration of his friends that night. Bellamy's face, save for a discolored eye, bore little trace ef the punishment he had received the preceding evening. Contrary to the expectations of Tom and his admirers, that young man was not given .hla walking pa pers. Callers at the DrlscoH home for two or three weeks following; the Incident related, were wont to remark that Drlscoll and Bellamy, as they emerg ed from the basement shortly before bedtime, seemed flushed and tired looking. - Lesdlng -questions as to the nature of the work they were engaged upon, drew vague and unsatisfactory re plies. Bo the report circulated about the neighborhood was that a 'flying; machine was In the course, of con sanction ia the Drlscoll domicile. A set of regulation boxing gloves that occupied a handy nail in the closet behind lheAurrwy."'eaTlnrTT deuce of recent usage, might have been employed in- protecting their hands while engaged in building the alleged aerial craft Be - that as it may, however, one evening a month after their encounter, Tom passed the word around that after "whistle blow," ho would give his friends an other exhibition of his prowess.! by whipping Bellamy again. That -individual. Tom complained, did not show due respect, having refus ed to sandpaper a set of wheels for him, giving as a reason; that he took his orders from the foreman and not Tom. Such disrespectful langusgd, Tom declared, must be met with, a 1 punishment befitting the enormity of toe offense. . 1 Shop events! preceding fend follow ing thnt memorable - mooting were ever after dated fromthe time that Bellamy gave big TonT Howard such a terrible boating.;-.. A' ' '','-. In after life on mors than one oc casion, Bellamy found ' that ernes' gencies would arise when the scien tific use of his hands was not con fined exclusively to ths manipulation of the' tools of bis'trade, ' " . Bellamy Was surprised" ' by Cart wrlght who, dropping Into his room at the fihermaa House, alter supper, requested a few minutes conversation with him. Without preface, Cart wright stated the object of bis visit. ' He explained that he would ar range for a meeting of the directors on the following day, before whom be would lay the matter which -Bellamy and he bad been discussing, with Os borne, when the much to be regret ted trouble occurred. - , Cartwright Informed Bellamy that he would consider it a personal favor If the latter, would attend, with a view to accepting the management of the factory, which Cartwright said he would formally, tender him again. Bellamy could, Cartwright assured htm, name the conditions that would qualify his acceptance of the offer, which, he said, would no doubt pre cipitate a discussion that would bring out all the salient points for and against a change in the management. and also furnish his colleagues with an outline of the policy which Bella my aimed to Introduce. He had, Cart wright explained, prevailed upon Os borne to recard the late unpleasant Incident in the nature of an accident that occasionally happens when least expected, in the busy work-a-day world, at times when matters of mo ment are being discussed, and he, too, promised to be there. "No doubt," said Cartwright with a smile, "Osborne will Inject enough ginger into the controversy to make It Interesting for all concerned." '.'I'll be on hand," declared Bella my, as Cartwright arose to depart. IV. To the directorate which assembled at the appointed hour, Cartwright In troduced Bellamy. business which had called them to After explaining the nature of the gether, Cartwright expressed a hope that they would succeed in finding a solution for the problems that con fronted them. Osborne's request that he be given an opportunity to explain his posi tion, being granted, that gentleman recounted his experience as manager and recited what he had accomplish ed in the many years he had occu pied that position. He had, he ex plained, plans on foot which would place the business upon a solid basU. To carry out his Ideas It was very necessary that the directors should uphold him. The whole matter hing ed, he said, upon the proper selection of a superintendent to assist him. "The business," he declared, "had grown to such proportions that he could not look after the hundred and one details' Tfiat clamored for Imme diate attention. "A man claiming to be competent had been engaged, but owing to his lack of knowledge concerning exist ing shop conditions, he would not do. "I suggest,," continued Osborne, "that we renew our efforts to secure a man who will fill the blll. "We would only Invite disaster, should we permit the party, who la present at this meeting, to undertake the management of our business." "Any one else care to express their views?" queried Ca,rtwrlsht, as Os borne sat down. "I think, Mr. Cartwright," said a round faced, chubby little man, hop ping up like a Jack-ln-the-bog, "that Mr. Osborne's points are well taken." Dropping back in his seat like a shot rabbit, the little chap mopped his face furiously with a large red handkerchief, and glared across the room at Bellamy, who was occupy ing a chair near a window. "Any one else?" chanted Cartwright, without a change of countenance. Every one but Osborne, Cartwright and the manager's plump champion, smiled. 1 A lean-faced Individual with a frigid eye Informed the board that Charlie could always be depended upon to make a damned fool of him self at any time or place. Charlie shifted his burning orb from Bellamy's face to the cadaver ous features of his vis-a-vis, at the table. "Take it off. Charlie, take It pftV' commanded the emaciated one. "Don't you try any of your funny business on me." Charlie took It off. and to hide his confusion retreated to his bandanna again, as an audible expression of mirth greeted his abor tive attempt to hypnotlxe the cold blooded Mr. Oray, whom common re port had credited aa the possessor of quite a snug little fortune, the foun dation of which had been laid in early manhood, by his paying strict attention ' to, and humoring the ec centric and peculiar whims of a wheel of fortune which he operated at 8tate fairs In the fall, and mak ing shrewd realty deal at other sea sons of the year. He, together with Charlie, who was Osborne's brother-in-law, . had been given a straight tip by the man ager, at a former period In the his tory of the carriage company's ca reer, that they could play to' win If they invested in the concern. Cartwrlghfs absence from homo during his Oxford days, and the two years following his father's death, had contributed to his poverty of knowledge concerning the business. He had but a hasy Idea regarding the inner workings of the concern, was now gradually absorbing large chunks of Inside information and rapidly ac quiring a habit of probing sad delv ing Into details. - , Brown, another of the directors, was a successful farmer and an old friend of the elder Cartwright. 'A re fined looking old - gentleman, - "with gray mutton-chops- completed the group. Charlie acted In the capacity of Ms father's proxy, together they held an eighth interest in the busi- Asother eighth wag owned by Os borne and the old gentleman. - - fi one responding to Cartwright a second Invitation, to propound ques tions or unburden their minds, he re quested Bellamy to favor them with a brief outline of existing conditions prevailing In the factory, and the system be expected to inaugurate in th event they should retain mm as superintendent. 'Advancing ' to the table, Bellamy exfreased nfmseir-r "Being- gTa.1T tart hate an opportunity to tell what he hosed to accomplish.' It would afford hits, he declared, no pleasure at all to tell them the exact truth regard ing! existing condition. However, he would do so. . ;'!':--'',. ;.";.'..&." In the first' Macs, gentlemen, t sift ask you to bear In mind that la vejghlng the testimony that Mr. Os borne has given-you, nd that which I m here to supply, it will b nec sary for you to - understand that uf opinions, which are diametrically opposite, aave been arrived ( at by different routes. ?- . : , V-- .- By force of clreunntan-ees Mr. Os borne has been dented an intelligent training upon fine work. ' That such is the case is no reflection upon the gentleman's intelligence or capacity to acquire correct knowledge regard lng the manufacturing of carriages. ."There is not and never has been and never .will be, a man endowed with an intuition which will solve the many problems , that confront the manager of any. manufacturing prop- siuon, . , "Neither can a man who . may be quite successful in handling a gang of ditchers or directing the efforts of la borers in any fixed endeavor where muscle la the chief contribution, to results required, hope to make good in an attempt to- manage skilled la bor. , --' - "It 1 an accepted . fact among properly trained mechanics - in the carriage trade, that association with skilled workmen, and years of service In ths employ of concerns that build fine vehicles, -will . . not . equip the brightest and most Intelligent of men with the technical knowledge that il luminates .. the foggy corners which refuse to give us , the secrets that clarify the particular question r . in volved. . v .' V.U' '-.-; "That is why the most-successful carriage manufacturers select . their foremen with an eye single to their qualifications, and then'chooae a man preferably from' the ranks, who has had a foreman's experience, to guide their efforts in the right direction. "These firms not only save thous ands of dollars yearly that otherwise would be lost by paying for mistakes tnat are eternally occurring in facto rlea that do not reoognlss the lm portance of having a trained man In every position that demands bis serv ice. "They are.also repaid by being able at all times to keep on band a con Btructlon force which can be depend ed upon to turn out work rapidly at a less coat than many of their com petitors pay for a leas quantity im perfectly finished. - "I have arrived at my point of -view by the only route that can furnish exact knowledge, and that is by hav lng bad a practical -experience on fine work and a training In factories whlc employ systems that have given best results. "I am extremely anxious to place your business upon its feet. I do not however, care to pay the price that would be exacted, should I be re quired to act In conjunction with Mr. Osborne. "Your president, Mr. Cartwright. has Informed me, that personally, ho knows absolutely nothing about the manufacturing end of the business. except in a general sort of a way "When people know their own lim itations they have gone a long dis tance toward solving problems that have proven stumbling-blocks to many who posssess a mere amatter lng, but who" fondly imagine they know it all "The old adage, 'a little learning Is a dangerous thing,' rings true In our line. "You may talk your arm off to man whose head Is crammed with odds and ends of misinformation which he has 'been Industriously en gaged In collecting during a long or short lifetime, and nothing less per suasive than a crack on the skull with a piece of lead pipe will ever dislodge them or put a stop to their ravages. . "No," Bellamy continued. "I think you would not care to be continually worried and harried by the conten tlohs a,nd bickerings that would ensue in the event you should decide to re tain me ai)d keep Mr. Osborne on tho Job, too. "I have told as much to Mr. Cart wright and it is at hla request that I am here now, to state my position and outline my policy by answering any questions you gentlemen may wish tn ask me. "I presume most of you gentle men, if not all, have made a success In your own line of. business. If you have, it 1 because you are thorough ly familiar with all the detail that are Incorporated in your respective callings. There are many things connected with carriage manufacturing which you can never hope to know, nor ia It necessary that you should be familiar with, for the very good reason that you have men employed who are supposed to understand what is re quired of them. 'You are, therefore, in a position to be Influenced by any information regarding a policy which promises a fair return on the money you have Invested in this business. The one thing you should guard against is the likelihood of your ac cepting the statements of a plausible talker who may know but precious llttje more than yourselves about the principles governing the making of carriages. This fact emphasizes the necessity of caution In selecting a superinten dent. Trusting you will pardon me tor Inflicting upon you this lengthy pro face, I will tell you that unless your conatruction force Is reorganized and prevailing methods changed, it will be but a question of time how soon this firm will go to the wait "I have listened to Mr. Osborne's remarks and his promises for the fu ture. I am convinced that be does not know where the trouble lies and cannot relieve the embarrassing sit uation." - "Tou talk 'about "reorganising, tho construction force," Interrupted Os borne, with some show of heat "How do you propose to go about it?" - "Well,' replied Bellamy, "the first move I'd make would be to Jump that Psalm singing friend of yours in tho wood shop off bis Job." v You mean Simmons?" "I mean Simmons." "What do you know against him T 1 "I know that he Is -playing yon f o a sucker for one thing", and shaking down this concern for his wages and a ton of soap on the side." "That's pretty strong language, admonished Osborne sharply. , - "Possibly." admitted Bellamy, "but not any stronger than the proof I have to substantiate the charges I have made." - ' "Having disposed of Simmons, what other changes do you contem plate?" --. ,. - - There is bunch of time-killers In each department whom I will ret quest to resign. Men who, hereto fore, have successfully resisted ' the efforts of foremen who have been em ployed here, to discharge them.' 'That sounds like a fairy tale to me." sneered Osborne. 1 "It does? Wen. -your demand that these foremen relnstante the men or leave themselves, sounded- like a piece of TgnoranririeTOmg'wTlh: t heir b ui-" In ess.1 Osborne gaxed at Bellamy, a vin dictive gleam in his eyea 1 ' "If you are appointed superinten dent how soon would you discharge these men?" : ; "Some of them. Immediately, others would be given a chance to get down to work." "May I ask you. Mr. Bellamy, why you discriminate?" "For ths reason thai some of them may turn over a new leaf when not exposed to the Influence of the men I would bounce." -v "Tou are not at all flippant, I observe. This bon:ieing business Js a pretty serious matter to men who, have to work for a living."- -terence. - "Possibly, but as these ehaps have not been doing much business in that line for the last few years they, in all probability, will not know the , dif ference." , ; -:V';;V-. .-,,' "It wUl, however.-1 assure you. have a decided beneficial effect upon, the finances of this company, and If I, undertsand the situation, that Is what ' has called you people together to de- vise some plan which s will extricate the firm from; its present plight : which, I assert, has been caused, io use no harsher term, by gross mis management." .,, - j.,- i y . Osborne, who during the discussion had remained seated, now arose to bis feet bis forceful face betraying his his emotions. Shaking a menacing , linger at Bellamy, be exclaimed In tones husky with passion:. --."There, gentlemen, stands the maa who with unblushing effrotery, accus er your employes, - men who . bars served you faithfully, for years,- with what 7 Bobbery! With robbing their employers, stealing timet ,-'. - A" "One . of -them be . specifically charges with theft of money, and, by Implication, tells you that I am privy to the act, am, in fact, in coluaioa with him. I! a stockholder and dl. rector of the Key City Carriage Works. I! who have given the best ' years of my life to the upbuilding of . this business, a common thief! "Gentlemen I can hardly beep my hands off this contemptible specimen of a slanderous cur." . 'They are not tied,"" suggested . Bellamy, as Osborne stopped to get his breath, "and they don't appear to be paralysed. "Why not get busy? If you feel o keenly over the matter, or you can apply to the courts for redress If I have slandered you. Either, or both ' courses, are open to you. . "I am fully aware of the gravity of the charges I have made and ac cept all the responsibilities attached to them." Cool and selfrpolsed, Bellamy re turned Osborne's malevolent look with a clear-eyed challenge that carried conviction to at least one of the director. . Brown broke the- sfralned situation by saying that he thought Bellamy should be excused. Charlie amended the suggestion by declaring that they should hand him over to the police. He Insisted that Bellamy was a dangerous fellow and should not be permitted to remain at large. . - Cartwright settled the question by Informing Bellamy that he could retire. "At 4 o'clock." said Cartwright, "I will call around to the hotel and let you know our decision." Osborne, with the remark that he would' be back in a minute, left the room by a door opposite to the one Bellamy passed through. Going directly to the wood work ing department, he held a short but animated conversation with filmmons, and returned. Simmons Immediately nut on his coat snd left the shop. "Well, gentlemen." said Osborne. with N a nervous - laugh. Bel lamy Is certainly- going after his Job. Who'd thought the little beggar would have braced the whole outfit In that manner. He had his nerve with him aU right "Harry, old fellow. I thought he , was after you next. The first thing you know, he'll have you pulled for padding tho pay roll.'' Osborne mirth was not contagious. Cartwright looked serious and Gray was boring the manager with a frosty Damned If you' fellow don't give me the shivers," protested Osborne - testily. I According to all precedents I should the chief mourner at tho se ance, but you won't give me half a chance. , 'Put your cold storage eye In your pocket, Gray. and. corny down to bus- -inesa. "I'd rather you people -would relieve your minds about tbis matter by tell- lng me you do or do not believe the assertions handed you by that two spot who has Just loft here. "If. a lifetime's association with me cannot butt off with a three day's acquaintance, Bellamy, all I've got to say is that you're the biggest lot of easy marks I've seen In all my life." Tou will have to admit that Bel lamy put it all over you, Osborne," said Oray,. in a cold, even tone. Damn you, you infernal croaker. Tou would believe a tramp If be told you that your mother stole a ohuacb." "But It wul take some gilt-edged testimony to make ma believe you can square yourself with this company." Osborne regards the speaker angrily.. A few more such remarks from you, Oray, and I'll break your damn ed neck. You are so infernal crooked yourself yon-can't give a decent per son a show,.", If the devil bad hi Hues." retail ed Oray, "you would 'be . counting checkers with your nose in hell this minute, snd as for breaking necks, you will find that is a game that two can pray. , . .'- If I have ever done a dirtier trick than steal from the hand that feeds me and systematically and scientifi cally filch the-coin from the pockets of my friends and acquaintances with whom I was ' associated In business, like I firmly believe you have done, I would ask some one to kill me.'! . Gray arose to his feet when bo be-, gan talking. ' Long, , lean and white of . face, a steely gleam darting; through the slits behind which his' ' yes peered, the Incarnation of relent less hate and anger. , Osborne, who bad not resumed hi seat, after his return from the wood shop,, stood at one end of tho table, not more than tea feet of pace sepa- -rated the two men who regarded each -other Intently. . v.. ..v Osborne's burly frame . became . rigid and an angry flush suffused -bis - face a GrayTf seething retort, utter ed In an even Icy tone, cut him to ths quick. ' ; ; - - n - . - Before a hand. could be raised to stay him. Osborne, blind with - rage, plunged at Gray, who, before the sec ond step" had been taken, snatched a - ' paper weight from the .table and. landed it with all the force and pro- -selling power of a. long sinewy arm, and a vindictive desire to kill.,.. - . Tbe mistle caught Osborne , over the light eye and stopped him witb a suddenness which . supported Aim la" an erect attitude for an Instant, then ' dropped htm tn a crumpled beap on the floor.. . - - Xttraiag. -to- the .-table -.Or J- piDLta up bis hat "I guess that will keep, him quiet for a while. I'm going up town. Tell him." jerking Ala thumb toward the .recsmbent form, "when" . he comes around be can find me in my office whenever he wants ' me. . "Tou.ran t leave here, you muraer- er," shrieked Charlie hysterically, en--tercepUng Gray at the door and at tempting to grasp him by the throat , A short armed punch In the neck delivered with sufficient force to ja, Charlie' head against the wall, Uv , duced that woung man to revise hlw Intention regarding Gray's depart-. '3. '--"-.-' , (COXCLUPED NEXT ECXDAY) 1
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Jan. 24, 1909, edition 1
18
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