The work of the men would not have been much harder than it had been hitherto, as the improved machinery did the work.
This was not only fair and liberal, it was generous, and under ordinary circumstances would have been accepted by the men with thanks.

But the firm was then engaged in making armor for the United States Government, which we had declined twice to manufacture and which was urgently needed.

It had also the contract to furnish material for the Chicago Exhibition.

Some of the leaders of the men, knowing these conditions, insisted upon demanding the whole sixty per cent, thinking the firm would be compelled to give it.

The firm could not agree, nor should it have agreed to such an attempt as this to take it by the throat and say, "Stand and deliver." It very rightly declined.