He saw his opportunity and seized it.
"Mr.President," he said, and at once he received the most complete attention.

"A confess this is a most extraordinary proposal, but A'm goin' tae support it." The roar that answered told him that he had regained control of the meeting.

"Brother Simmons says it is unconstitutional and without precedent.

He is no correct in this.

A have known baith maisters and managers who retained their union cards.
A grant ye it is unusual, but may I point oot that the circumstances are unusual ?"--Wild yells of approval--"And Captain Maitland is an unusual man"-- louder yells of approval--"It may that there is something in the constitution o' this union that stands in the way--Cries of "No! No!" and consignment of the constitution to a nameless locality.--"A venture to suggest that a committee be appointed, consisting of Brothers Sykes, Macnamara and the chairman, wi' poors tae add, tae go into this maitter with Captain Maitland and report." It was a master-stroke.