That I deserved well from labor I felt.

I knew myself to be warmly sympathetic with the working-man, and also that I had the regard of our own workmen; but throughout the country it was naturally the reverse, owing to the Homestead riot.

The Carnegie Works meant to the public Mr.Carnegie's war upon labor's just earnings.
I arose to explain to the officials at the Straus dinner that I could not possibly accept the great honor, because I had to escape the heat of summer and the head of the Federation must be on hand at all seasons ready to grapple with an outbreak, should one occur.

My embarrassment was great, but I managed to let all understand that this was felt to be the most welcome tribute I could have received--a balm to the hurt mind.

I closed by saying that if elected to my lamented friend's place upon the Executive Committee I should esteem it an honor to serve.