He was alert, and surprised every one by his practical knowledge.

He was stern and strict, and, after warning several negligent employes, discharged them.

This did not help his popularity, but, so long as the directors were satisfied, Harvey cared for the opinion of no one else.
When dull times came, Superintendent Bradley scaled down the wages of all, including his own.

The promise to restore them, as soon as business warranted the step, averted the threatened strike.

Within a month the restoration took place, but every employe was required to work a half hour over time without additional pay.
A strike was averted for the time, but the friendly feeling and mutual confidence that ought to exist between the employer and the employed was destroyed.