“Centuries ago, in Belgium, weavers dictated terms to capital, and hurled rich men from balconies to death upon spears below.  This unnatural revolution lasted for a short time only; brains and wealth again acquired control, and they always will control.  To yield to our employees the privilege of fixing their own wages, and a voice in directing the affairs of our company is to cloud or mortgage our capital.  This is a most unreasonable demand.  Why should they expect us to share with them our property, title to which the United States has guaranteed?

“If our state, or national government cannot or will not defend us in the title to our property, on which they yearly levy taxes, then we will place our interests beneath a flag that can and will give ample protection.  This terrible uncertainty as to titles and values in the United States will yet wreck the republic.”

It was natural that the directors should heartily approve Colonel Harris’s utterances, as he was the owner of five-sixths of the stock of the company.  He then asked Mr. Webster their general counsel, to read to the board the position which the company proposed to take before the public.

Mr. Webster was a tall, elderly man, who had served five years on the supreme bench of his state, an attorney of few words, but well versed in the laws of his country, especially in corporation laws.  Holding a sheet of paper in his hands he read, “The Harrisville Iron & Steel Company claims the fundamental right to manage its own business in its own way, in accordance with and under the protection of the laws of the land.”

The board voted its approval of the attorney’s position, and also voted that a petition be drawn and immediately sent to the mayor of the city asking protection for their property.  The board then adjourned.

Colonel Harris, his manager, and Mr. Webster entered a carriage, and drove rapidly to the mayor’s office, while superintendent George Ingram drove back to the steel works to execute his orders, though he did not believe in harsh measures.  Harris presented the petition to the mayor, who hastily examined it.  Bands of music were now audible on the street, and a long procession of workingmen, bearing national banners, was seen marching towards the city hall.  Citizens on the streets held their breath, and policemen feared the outcome.

Colonel Harris rose to go, but the Mayor seized his arm and said, “No! you and your friends must stay here and meet a committee of your employees who have an appointment with me at three o’clock.

“Already I have said to the same committee, who called at ten o’clock this morning, that I should expect them to influence your employees to keep the peace, to aid in protecting your property, to disperse quietly and remain in their homes.  Colonel Harris, please be seated, you and your friends must remain.”

“Well, Mr. Mayor, since you insist, we will remain, but our company demands the protection of all our property, and the preservation of peace and lives in our midst.  You are the city’s executive officer.  The payment annually by our corporation of thousands in taxes, calls for an equivalent, therefore we ask that you maintain the dignity of the city and her laws.”