■ZoiLis? '^, I P8 635 THE DINNER-PAIL MAN OR From POVERTY To FORTUNE WRITTEN AND COMFOSBD BY .7. B. LADUE TUNBRIDGE VERMONT I u OSBORNE THE PRINTER NORTH TUNBRIDGE VT. \ THE DINNER-PAIL MAN From Poverty to Fortune Written and Composed by J. B. LADUE, TUNBRIDQE, VT. Copyright 1904 by J. B. I I N N E 11 PAIL MAN 5 in every mill in England , and they all seem to know me. Now then, I've made up my mind to turn my back on Old England forever; yes! if I can't go any other way, I shall go as a stowaway and trust in God Almighty for protection. All I shall he worried about will be you and l)aby. Poor little gu-1 ! Mrs. Toms — A''es , it will break her heart to sepaiate fr(»in you; but, Billy, where are you going? A^ou haven't told me. {Billy rises from chair) Wife , where else can a man go who has been persecuted by all these mill-owners , but to America— the land of freedom and of peace ? Yes , wife , I shall go to America , if God lets me live. [ Jjillian comes in v!th doll in arms) Hallo , papa ! Got any work to-day ':* Toms — No , child , no work. ( Lillian puts her arm around his neck) Well, wife, I suppose I must be going, because the sooner I get there , the more time 1 shall have to see how the land lays. Lillian — Where are you going, pa ? Billy— To America, child. Lillian — And will you be back to-morrow ? Billy— Oh , no , child ! Lillian— Why not? When you went away, the other time, you came G THE DINNER PAIL :\IAN back the next day. Billy— Yes, child. I know. But this is quite a good ways further. . ( Wife turns and covers her fare and weeps) Lillian — How much further , pa V Billy— Oh 1 It's across the sea, child. Pa is going to find a place to live , and he will send for mamma and his little girl. Lillian — But , pa , we have't got any money ; mamma said we hadn't a 'alf-penny in the house. Billy— Oh ! But papa will send you some to go with. Lillian — Why , pa ! They won't give you any work since 3'ou were the leader of the union. Oh, that old union I I wish you had never seen it ; don't you , pa ? Billy— They don't know your pa in America , so he won't have any trouble in getting all the work he wants. Lillian — Don't go , j)a ! don't go ! stay here. I don't like to go ; but you and your ma must have something to eat and something to wear. lAllian — Ma's got some biscuit in the pantry. Billy , siniliny — Has she? THE DINNEE-PAIL MAN 7 Lillian — Yes. And , pa, my Sunday School teacher said , last Sunday, that, in some way or other, the Lord will provide. Do you believe that , pa '? Billy— Yes, I guess so. Wife , I must be going, so good-bye. ( Wife looks up with tear-stained face , but does not speak ; she puts her arm around his neck. Lillian sees her niamnta xceeping., and stamps her little foot on the floor and says : ) Don't you go , pa ; don't you see you are making my mamma weep ? ( /She bursts into childish tears. Lilly makes no reply but kisses Lillian and departs ., not saying a irord. Waves his hand behind hi)//. Takes out handkerchief and is gone. Wife sobs and L^illian cries aloud. Soon TAllian looks upj ., v)ipes her eyes and says : ) Oh dear ! This is perfectly awful , but I suppose we'll have to get along some way. ( Mother look.s ap with team in Jier ef/e>^ , and .^mi/e-^ ) You dear little girl ! You've got more sense than your mother has ( Takes he?' wp in her arms and kisses her ) Yes , child . This is all on account of your pa being the leader of a union. hady enters — Mr. Toms here ? Jfy.s. Tom.^- No , Madam. He has just gone out. Lady — I came to tell you that they are after your husband. 8 THE DINNER PAIL MAN 3Irs. Toms — Why ! What for ? Lady — There has been a bank-robbery, last night. They broke into the bank and stole -I 50 , 000.00 and they are trying to fasten the crime on to your husband. I, being the magistrate's wife, overheai'd them talking about it and so I thought I would come and inform you. Mrs. Toms- Why ! Billy didn't go out of the house last night. I^adtj — I know , Mrs. Toms , that your husband is innocent. If I had not been sure , I would not have come here to inform yon. ( Goes out. Two officers enter) Officer— Is Toms here 'i Mrs. Toms — No , sir. Officer — Are you telling us the truth '? Mrs. Toms — If you don't believe me, you can search the house. Officer — If you don't tell ns where Toms is, we'll have to take you. Mrs. Toms- - r can tell where Billy is : he went away for America last night. Officer— He aint the man Ave want. ( Officers go out) LilKmi laughs and says : — Mamma you was enough for them ; wasn't you ? When you lie THE DINNER-PAIL MAN 9 that way, it aint no sin ; is it , niaV Mrs. Toms — Yes, child; it's wrong to lie at any time, but I hope God will forgive me ; I did it for your pajDa's sake. ( Loud noise outsida. Pistol shots are heard. Mot/ier and child yo out^ frightened, (^urtain drops; rises (t(/((i u to disclose scene in street ofcitij — tn-o o/'p'cers pass hy irith tn-o men ., handcuffed., SCENK (^ (This scene is laid in Boston. Curtain rises disclosing Cadwell & Shaw's law ofHce.) Mr. Cadvell — Then , Dick , you are bent on going to the mills 'r* Dick— Yes, father, it is my wish to go to the mills. (\,,r„'ell— Boy! I'm disappointed at such foolishness. You! My only son ! Going to the cotton mills to work , and to be a common mill- operative! You've just gone through college and what will it all amount to? You might just as well stay at home and , in another year, you wdll be admitted to the Bar and that means a great den! to you , with your father's name back of you. Dick— Yes , father , that is all true. Admitting that you are a great lawyer, you are also a great mill-man and that is one reason that I wish to go into the mills. You aie the treasurer of the mills in N . H . , and here in Boston- -what do you know of what is going on in those mills'? All you can know is what the agents and overseers might tell you and , upon my word , T do not believe they always tell 10 THE D I X K E R PAIL M A N the truth : 1 l»elieve that strike iu Manchester, K . H . , last iDonth , was not a one-sided affair ; I believe tliat man, Clack, was just as much to blame as the laborers. ('(/(ficel/ — What do you mean, boy? That man, Clack, is one of the best ovei'seers in the corporation. He runs his department c]iea])er than auN' other overseer in the corpoi'ation. Dick- How do you know that ? CdiJicell — Why! Mr. ^laynott told me so. ])Stop monkeying with that phone , you black monkey ! { Pete repeats: Black monkey I ((nd squeezes the speak iny-tiibe) Who told you I was black ? ( Strikes at phone ^ then says:) Halloo, there Central I (Tive me Hill ; tell him to send me my carriage as quick as possible. ( (roe% and sits down. Phone rings ) Pete an steers — Halloo! Don't you know who I is V I is Wm. D. Cadwell & Co. — that's who I is. ( Goes a/id sits doicn , puts feet on desk , takes out cigarette and lights it and is some great one. 3fr. Cadirell enters ) (kfdwell — Have you telephoned for my carriage , Pete? Pete- Yes Sir. ( 3Jr. Cadirell looks at watch , the?i goes to pjhone ) 12 THE D I N K E R PAIL :VI A X Halloo there I Give me 34(i4. You can go now , Pete. That sjcoundrej of a boy ! 1 shall be fortunate if I catch that train for N. H . Is that you, John V Send my carriage as quick as possible. ( Goes out ) ( Dick ent (')•.< o^iffcK ii'ith his c/noH , l/arj-;/ RockfeJJ ) Tlurrij — Dick, I am astonished at you I Going to tlie mills to work , and you with all this bright prospect before you of becoming one of the greatest lawyers in Boston! Your father tells me that in another year you will be admitted to the Bar, and then you will be connected with the biggest law firm in New England. Dick , sin i ling — That is all true , Harry. Harry — Then why go to these cotton mills? And going as a common mill-hand! Why! If you were going in the ofhce, that would be bad enough. People then would say: He is going to look after his father's interests ; but it's just the other way : you are going there for the intei'est of the laborers, and that means i-ight against the interest of your father. I never heard of such a thing ! You are breaking your father's heart over this affair. ^Vhat do you need to care aljout those cotton-mills people? They are not of your class. They'll kick you for this; _you mark my word! They are a bad set, the best of them, and pea soup is good enough for them. So don't be foolish enough to go there and be a spy against your father's mill. Did you ever hear of such a thing ! And taking })art with that low set! \Vhy , Dick, you ought to have a guardian ! Dick— Harry Rockfell , \ am as astonished with you as you are with me ! You , a teacher in the Sunday School ! Haven't you any of those poor V)oys in your class ? THE DINNER -PAIL MAN IR Harry — Yes. Bid-— Do you teacli tlu'in that pea soup is good enough for tlieni ? Hurry — Oh, well; that's another question. Dick — What do mean \)\ " another question 'i '' Do you mean that tliey should be made to eat pea soup six days in the week, then roast on the seventh , because they go to the Sunday School ? What about those who do not go? Harry, there is a great wrong going on in those mills and the laborer seems to be to blame for it all and I am going to find out. You know there are always two sides to a question ; but, with this, there seems to be but "one ; and I hope I shall find out before T am many days older. Harry — Yes, and when you have found out you will get a good kicking for your trouble and it will be good enough foi- 30U. If I were in your father's place , I would not let you go. Dick— I'm glad you are not. Scene \P [iSce)ie i)i Vail River ^ Dilly Toms'' home. lOyrs. are supposed to haoe elapsed since Billy'' s departure from Eaglatidto America) Billy comes /louie jTrom work on a strike. (^(dls to his loife : - — Mother! Mother! Mother! ( Mrs. Toms enters : ) 3Irs. Toms — Why Billy ! What's the matter with the man ! 14 THE D I N N E K PAIL MAN Billy— Matter enough I ^Vlly in the blood}- , bleeding bugger don't thee stay in the house sometime ? Mrs. Totux— Why, Billy! I was only over to Mrs. Dun's for a minute. Billij— Well , I'm done too. 3rrs. 7'oniti — Haven't you got any work to-da}- , Billy 'i BUhj— That's just what it is. On a strike again. Wife, I'm going away from this bloody place. It's "strike" all the whole bloody time. It's as bad as the Old Country . Mrs. To)ii^ — But where are you going? You don't want to join the union, and it's "union " jiretty much everywhere, now. BlJhj— Wife, I would gladly join the union , but do you blame me for not joining them after what happened in the Old Country? I Avas driven out of England because I was the leader of a union . Everybody went back on me, even the laborers themselves; and you know what awful times you and the baby and I had to keep the wolf from the door; and, finally, I had to leave you and baby alone and come to this country ; and my own little girl never knew how her father came across. Yes , a stowaway ; and may God help me to forget it: it will drive me mad. Wife iripes teart,- fr<>)n Iter eye.^ and says : - - I wouldn't talk about it any more , Billy. Where are you going to look foi- woi'k ? T H J-; 1) I N N E 11 - ]^ A I I. M A N 15 Hill,/— I am going to Manchester, N. H. ; theie are quite a numbei- of mills there and 1 know I shall be able to find something to do at weaving. Billy , Ixr-fore you go , I want to tell you something that happened l)efoi-e Lillian and I left the Old Country. Two days before we left , a lady came to the liouse and gave me this little box and, as it happened , Lillian was out at that time. The lady said this little box must not be opened until Lillian was eighteen years old . and that she would be eighteen this Christmas. We have always supposed that her birthday came on the 'iOth. of October, which will be next month. That gold neck-chain she had on her neck — the lady said the key to the little locket was in the box. B ill II— Pshaw! It may be one of those infernal machines, and when you open the box we'll all be blowed up, every bloody one of us. Well, wife, I'm going to catch that tiain for Hoston : they tell me I can o-o from Boston without chano-jno; cars. J/y.s. To 111.$ — Don't go until Lillian comes home. Billy— I can't stay here and idle away niy time. Tell her tliat pa has gone to look for work. ( Kissea wife and exits ) M/s. Toms 171 passion of tears ^ kneels doion and says : — Oh , God! Give us this day our daily bread : that is all we want. ( Rises to het' feet and repeats the poor man'' s prayer : ) 16 THE DINNER PAIL MAN The rich man hath his pew of pride And velvet stool of prayer ; The poor man's church is very wide — He kneeleth anywhere. The rich man , while with plenty fed, Still asketh larger store ; The poor man prays for daily bread , And scarcely meaneth more. The rich man maketh many prayers; The poor man needs but one. His broken heart to God repairs And prays: "Thy will be done." ( Lillian comes /lonie from work , hoich-basket in /untd. liehind the fa and I both out of the mill , and what should we do ? No , pa has had trouble enough , already . Dick — But that shuttle might fly out and put your eyes out. Mary — Yes , there is an old lady working here who had an eye put out by a shuttle flying out of a loom, and she sued the Company, but she didn't get a cent. They said she was to blame. The idea that a weaver's to blame for a shuttle flying out of a loom! You see her? She works over in No. 1. She wears a black cloth over that eye. Dick — Yes, I've seen her ; and T wondered why she had that cloth over her eye. Mar II — Yes , and she didn't get a cent ! Dick— That's too bad. They ought to have given her a thousand or two. Mary — You catch them giving two thousand dollars for an eye ! they wouldn't give that for your neck I The son-of-a-gun ! Oh, dear! I can't earn my salt. Last week I only made hve dollars and a half 20 T HE D I X X E K PAIL :\1 A X when I ought to have made eight dollars and a half; and this week all I can make is six dollars, when I ought to make nine dollars. Dick— Don't get discouraged , girls; better times are coming. Mary — Ves, when we are all dead. I've worked for this corporation for over twenty years and it has been growing worse, instead of better. When I began to work in this mill, twenty years ago, there was but one Agent and one Superintendent , but now it would take a multiplication table to count them. Why, T could go out in the yard , pick up a stone , shut my eyes and throw it and , I bet a cook}-, it would hit a Super. Why , they are as thick as crows in a Vermont corn-field. D i<:k — ( sni Hi in/ ) Vou must remember that this corporation has greatly increased in the last twent}' years; and, therefore, they must have more of that kind of help to run these mills . Mar II — Yes, I know that this corporation is a great deal larger than it was when I first came here , but why can't they run more work for the same pay, just as well as we can? Twenty years ago I run three looms, and I could make eight and nine dollars a week ; now I have to run six looms , and all I can make is five and a half and six dollars ; but I suppose I could make more if that big son-of-a-gun fixed my looms. DicA'^ — {^smili)i(i) I guess you'll get along in this world. Mary — Yes, Dick, I have learned to get along in this world, or fight THE DIN NETl PAIL MAN 21 in this world, for I believe , from my own experience, that a poor girl , working in these mills , and shops , has got to fight the battle of her life to keep her honor and make a Hving; but I've shed many tears before I learned to tight, just as this poor girl , here. I've seen her in tears many times and I know just what it is. You hght on , brave Lillian , and you'll win the battle. I began to work in the mill when I was fifteen and I've worked twenty years, and I can hold up my head and defy any man or woman to point to a single stain on my character. All there is against me is that I carry a dinner-pail. Dick— I must go to ray dinner. Mr. Clack has just come in. ( Exits ) Mary — I think that Dick Cadwell is a gentleman , every inch of him. By-the-way ! Our treasurer's name is Cadwell ; I wonder if Dick can be some relation of his V Lillian — Oh no ; if he was he wouldn't be carrying tilling. Mary — Does he go to your house';:' Lillian — Yes , sometimes. Mary — I suppose you're going to marry him . Lillian — Sometime. ( Puts her hand to her mouth . ) Mary — I wouldn't marry a mill-man. You'll have to work in the mill all the days of your life and , especially , a bobbin boy. How are you going to live on a dollar a day? 22 THE D I N N E K PAIL MAN LUlidii — Dick woirt be a bobbin-boy always. I su|tpose you would rather marry a loom-tixer V Mdfi/ , — ((cit/i hands up) Oh ! I would rather marry the Devil , himself! Oh, the son-of- a-gun ! ( Jlr. Clack patttfing by is stopped by Mary who says : ) Mr. Clack , would you be kind enough to look at that loom 'f The shuttle keeps flying out , and I can't get it fixed. I'm afraid it will Hy out and hit some one. Mr. Clack— You seem to be greatly concerned about someone else. You attend to your own business. I am not going to bother with your loom ; if your loom-lixer can't fix your loom, I'm sure I can't. ( I'asses by ) Addresses Z,illian — How do you do, Lillian dear? Ultiaii — Pretty well; thank you. But, Mr. Clack, I would rather you wouid call me just plain: "Lillian". 1 have never been called " dear " by anyone but my own folks , and I shall insist on being called ))lain "Lillian Toms." Clack— Oh , if Dick Cadwell called you that , you wouldn't say anything . Lillian — Mr. Clack , you must remember that you are a married man and Dick Cadwell is not ; and Dick Cadwell is a gentleman. (Hack— Yes. And Dick Cadwell must stop talking to you girls, or he will have to get out of here. THE DINNERPAIL MAN 23 Lillian — Why , Mr. Clack ! Dick don't hinder us girls any ; we take off just as much cloth as the other girls . {Miss Louise Demars , a French- Canadian girl, conies and asks Mary to speal- to Mr. Clack for Iter. >S/ie, too, can't get her loom fixed. ) Clack — ( looking at the ttco girls ) What's the trouble? Mary — She can't get her looms fixed. Clack— She had bettey go home , then ; that's the best I can do for her. ( Ooes aioay ) ( Speed goes on . Looms start up . Loorn-fxer goes by . ) Mary — Will you come and fix my loom':' Fixer looks at her and says : - — Get out , you nuisance ! Mary turns on him and says : — Get out yourself , you drunkard ! You're a bum and a big no-good. Fixer — And what are you? Mary — I'm a lady. Fixer — ( Laughing ) A lady ! Mary — Yes. A lady, and you don't know enough to know it. Oh but you could tell a glass of beer if you see it. { Fixer goes to lootn , slams his tools on floor and commences to 24 THE D I N N E K PAIL MAN toork on looui icit/t biy monkeu-wrench. 'Wrench slips and he falls oit his hacli an Jfoor. Mary has a Jit of lauyhter and holds her sides. F'ixer puts his hands on his back , looks at Mary and says : ) I'll go to Clack and have you turned out. Mary — Mr. Kass , I wasn't laughing at you ; I was looking out of the window and I saw a little bird pulling at a worm , trying to get it f>ut of the ground , and his little bill slipped and he fell right over on his back. ( Goes on laughiny ) Fixer — Oh , you 'd laugh at nothing. Mary — ( N^ods her head ) Yes. ( Fixer works a few minutes longer at loom . then goes away. Looms run about one minute , then shuttle flies ovit and hits Lillian on temple just as Dick passes by with box on his shoulder. Lillian puts hand to temple, staggers and falls. Dick drops box and is at Lillian's side. Holds her head and calls for help. Mary comes and is greatly excited. Runs and gets wash-basin with water and bathes her temple. Takes her handkerchief and binds up her head Takes her shoes off and rubs her feet. Other girls come and help. Clack happens that way . ) Clack— What's iill this rumpus ? Mary— Rumpus ! T should think so ! I told you , Mr. Clack , that loom would hurt someone. Clack — ( .Pointing to Mary\s loork ) You go to your work , and stay there ( and to the other girls ) Go to your work , every one of you. ( Girls all obey with the exception of Mary., a faitlifnl friend to Lillian ) Clack — {to Mary) THE DINNER-PAIL MAN 25 Didn't I tell you to go to your work V Mary — I shall stay by this poor girl if I'm turned out a thousand times. {Stoops doion ami rubs Lillian^ s feet ^ smooths her temple, etc.) Clack — ( to Did- ) You haven't any business here, so you can go right along about your work. Dick— I shall stay here until Miss Toms recovers. Clack- - You will , will you? We'll see about that. Get up and go to your work. ( Takes Dick hy the collar) Dick — {to Mary) Come and hold Miss Toms a minute . ( On .his feet, to (lack) I command you, Mr. Clack, never to lay your hands on me again ! Clack — What do you mean, you young scamp? Commanding me! Take that ! ( Deals Dick a blow but it fall^ short ; Dick deals one in veturn which lands on Clack's optic and knocks him down. Clack rises to his feet and says : ) I shall call an officer and have you put where you belong. ( Dick makes no reply to this, but gets down and assists Mary. Ambulance comes and takes I.illian. Officer comes and arrests Dick; Dick makes no resistance. Strike is on in weave-room. All get together. Calls for Billy Toms. Billy enters ) What's up here , friends ? Mary Bamhart — Your Lillian got hit by a shuttle and fainted and the ambulance has taken her away and Dick's arrested. Billy— Why didn't someone come and tell me about this? Mary — Mr. Clack wouldn't let us. We're on a strike and we want you. 26 THE DINNER-PAIL MAN Mr. Toms , to go to the agent , Mr. Maynott , tell him that we can't get om- looms fixed and we refuse to go to work unless we can have someone that can fix them as we are losing from two to three dollars , some weeks, from our looms being stopped so much for the want of fixing. Billy— My friends: T would gladly represent you, and take it as a great honor to be the representative of my fellow-workmen ; but I have had so much trouble in the past that I don't feel like accepting this honor at this time. All together — You must go , Mr. Toms. Billy— My friends: Ten years ago this month, I left England for America with not a dollar in my pocket and , Avorse still , I left a wife and little girl with scarcely enough to eat for the morrow ; and tongue cannot describe the hardships that befell me on my voyage over, and it was all because I was the leader of a union. The help wanted an increase in their wages and I was sent as a representative to the office of the m\\\. They refused to give the increase , so the help went out on a strike , and everybody seemed to blame me for it. At last they sent for the help and told them that , if they would drop me, they (the mill-owners ) would grant the increase. They dropped me ; and that aint all : I was driAcn out of my country , through starvation. And now, my friends, you have heard my story I hope you will appoint someone else. Mary — ( stepping foricard and extending her hand to Billy ) I do solemnly promise , so help me God ! that whatever happens to you in representing us I, Mary Burnhart, will share it with you. All together — THE DINNER-PAIL MAN 27 So will we. Mary — With this assurance, Avill you represent us, Mr. Tom. ( Billy hoxos his he2kd for a moment^ then straightens up and says : ) Yes, I will: for I am sure that you are an honest and earnest people and mean to be fair with everybody ; and , by representing you, I believe that I am doing ray duty to God and man. ( All retire , vnth a shout ) Billy — ( turning ) Friends! Now then , if you want me for a leader, you must stop that shouting. We are all ladies and gentlemen , and we must conduct ourselves as such. All- Yes. , That's true. Act 3 . Scene 1 . ( This scene is laid in Agent Mnynotfs office. Billy 7''oms , as operatives^ representative , is announced by office boy) Billy — ( entering office : ) Mr. Maynott, I come to you in behalf of my fellow laborers. Will you hear our grievance ? 3Ir. Maynott — Well , what is it ? Billy— We have a loom-fixer that can't fix looms and the weavers are bothered very much ; so much that some of them tell me that they have lost as much as two dollars , and sometimes three dollars in a single week with their looms being stopped for the want of fixing. 28 THE DINNER-PAIL MAN Mr. 3Iaynott — Has Mr. Clack been informed that such work was going on 'i Billy— Yes Sir ; repeatedly ; and they tell rae that he only laughs at it. Mr. Maynott — I don't believe any such thing ; I don't believe that Mr. Clack would allow any such work to go on in his room and only laugh at it, as you say. It's all a trumped-up lie; it's all because your loom- fixer don't belong to you* union. You have been making a fuss over this for sometime , and now you've gone on a strike ; but you'll never have a union loom-fixer , just as long as I'm here. So you might as well go back to work . But wait a moment ! ( xSYejos to phone ) Give me 3464. Yes. ( Sits dovji ) So you're the representative of this union ? Billy— Yes , Sir. I have the honor to be the representative of my fellow- workmen . Mr. Maynott — Great honor! I should think that they would have chosen someone else ; but I don't suppose it makes much difference; they're a bad set , at their best. Billh— Mr. Maynott , the dinner-pail man is just as much as the man who rests his elbows on a mahogany desk , although he has no place to rest his elbows except a cotton-loom at the noon hour. Maynott — Toms , how did you come to this country '? Billy— I don't consider that it would be of any benefit to you if I THE DINNER-PAIL MAN 29 should tell you ; I consider that my business. I might ask you how you came to get this position as agent of these great mills, but I'll be a man and mind my own business. One thing I'm proud of , and that is: that poverty is no crime! I came here , not to talk of my- self , nor for myself , but for my fellow-laborers. Maynott — Toms , I think you had better go somewhere else to work ; this city isn't big enough for you. Billy-— [aside God help me ! ) Mr. Maynott, I've been chosen by my fellow-laborei's to come to you , and for this cause , I am turned out of work. But , never- the-less, I shall always be true to the dinner-pail man. Maynott — What do you mean by "the dinner-pail man"? Is that a new name for your union ? Billh— Mr. Maynott, haven't you ever seen the dinner-pail man , As he passes by with pail in hand ? You ought to know him, as he passes your door For he is one of your employees. His strength and labor he doesn't repent , So don't deprive him his dollar and cent. This wide , wide world , as long as it stands , Shall always be blest with the dinner-pail man. There is room for him , and room for thee , And the same air you breathe , to him ' tis free. He's a part of this world , in God's word , I've read ; So don't deprive him of his daily bread. 30 THE DIN NEE-PAIL MAN God made this world for great and small , So don't reach out to take it all. The dinnei'-pail man is nothing new , To you and to others he's always true. So don't crush him down — let's fill up Ills pail And he will surely never fail. The dinner-pail man ! Oh, the dinner-pail man ! " Down him ! " they say , " Oh , down him , if you can ! " But down him you can't; it will never be done. Why? Because he belongs to the union. These unions are not for a few , But for all men and women who prove themselves true. ( Phone rings ) Jfr. MaynoU — Is this Mr. Cad well? There is a strike here in one of the rooms. Yes. In what room — did you say? It's in Mr. Clack's room. Yes, yes. All right. To-morrow at 11 , did you say ? From 3 to 5 ? Yes. All right, (to Toms) Sit down , Mr. Toms. You may tell your people that Mr. Cadwell , the ^treasurer of the corporation, Avill be here to-morrow and wishes to meet from thi-ee to five delegates of your union, at 11 o'clock, sharp. They are to meet in this office' That will be all. {Billy lences office ) {Mr. Maynott , to Su2^erh(te)ident) I don't see why such men are not kept under lock and key ; they are dangerous men ; tliey are always at the head of some movement to create trouble somewhere- Now , you see , this man , Toms , seems to have a fair education and , consequently, these poor, ignorant people in the mills listen to whatever he says. Now that's wrong. If I had my way, those THE DINNER-PAIL MAN 31 poor people would have a limited education. It doesn't do to give them too much schooling : they get to knowing too much, [3Ir. Maynott and Superintendent leaoe office.) ( Curtain ) Scene 2. Police Station. Lillian in 2)ol ice station , talking v:ith Dick, vnth her head bandaged. Dick- Why , how do you do , Lillian 'i Lillian — Pretty well, but my head pains me some. nick— You should not have come : you are not fit to be out so soon ; and , beside , this is no place for ladies. Lillian — I suppose so ; and it is no place for gentlemen , either. Oh , Dick ! I couldn't stay in the house after they told me you was here— and on my account , too. Dick — I suppose you w'on't care for me , now that I am a jail-bird. Lillian — It's not your fault. Dick — Now , Lillian , I am going to tell you who I am : I am the son of M. D. Cadwell , treasurer of the corporation that you and I have been working for. 32 THE DINNER-PAIL MAN Lillian- - Why , Dick ! How is it that you have been working as a bobbin-boy ? Dick— You shall know all about it to-morroAv. The reason I came here was to right a wrong , and I think that I have. Tell your father that he needn't worry about his job in the mill; he can keep it as long as he wishes. Good-bye. Try to be at the othce to-morrow if you can. Don't tell anyone what I have told you. Good-bye. Scene 3. {Billy Tom.s'' house. Lillian has just returned home.) Lilian — Good news, father! Good news , mother ! Billy— Why ! What's up now ? Lillian — You can keep your job in the mill just as long as you want it. Billy — {Rising up from his chair) Why , who told you so V Lillian — I've just come from the police station to see Dick and he told me so. Billy— Poor fellow ! I've not much faith in what he saj-s , he's in the police station. I only wish it was so. I suppose it would be different if he could have his say ; but what can a poor bobbin-boy do when Mr. Maynott says: " No . " ? THE DINNER-PAIL MAN 33 Lillian — But, pa, Dick is notabobbin-bo}' anymore, he's Mr. Cadwell's son ! Billy— I knoAv that he's Mr. Cadwell's son ; child , he couldn't be Mr. Maynott's son and be Dick Cad well, ( Lillian gets up and leaves (he room ) Mrs. Totns — To-morrow is the day-before-Christmas , Billy. Billy— . That's so ! I never thought of it before. Then comes the infernal machine , I suppose. Well , I must go to the hall and tell those people what Mr. Maynott said. Mrs. Toms — Why don't you stop and see Dick on your way down ? Billy— I think I shall. Mrs. Toms — Oh , dear! It seems as if misfortune followed us everywhere we go. Billy is out of work again, poor fellow! Well it's just as Lillian says: "In some way, or other, the Lord will provide. " ( thinks a minute) It won't make much difference; it's only two days more. I'll do it! Billy's out and Lillian's gone to bed. {goes and yets box) That's Billy's infernal machine. All these ten long years I have been longing to see what is in this little box. I shall know this very night. {Takes key and unlocks box., takes out Pa2:)ers ., Gold Jeicelry , Gold Watch and Chain., takes up papers and reads tJieni , falls in a faint but recovers and says : ) I mustn't be foolish. It's all true. Poor Lillian ! She shall know all this soon. Just think of it! Our Lillian heiress to I ^^C. 34 THE DINNER-PAIL MAN Lord Rockwell's estate , with all his millions ! Why , she's a millionairess ! And her working in the mills all these years! Lady Rockwell: that's her name ! ( She takes other papers and reads. Hears noise , j^icks up papers ) My grief! He is coming and he mustn't see these papers. ( Curtain ) Scene 4. Mr. Maynott's Office. Delegates — Billy Toms, Mary Burnhart, Lillian Toms (head bandaged ) , Nellie Conners , James Burns. ( 3Ir. Clack and Jim Kass enter ) Mary — ( to Lillian ) Oh , see that son-of-a-gun ! ( 31r. Cadwell and Mr. Maynott enter ) Mr. Cadirell — ( takiny off his hat ) Good Morning , Ladies and Gentlemen. ( Mr. 3Iaynott says ?hone) Is that you, Mr. Rankin? Have you got a young man by the name of Dick CadAvell? Let him go and I will stand all the damages. Tell him that he is wanted at Mr. Maynott's office. If you are afraid to let him go, send an officer with him. It's Mr. Cadwell. All right ( sets doion and drums 09i chair). Mr. 3Iaynott — Here comes Mr. Rankin with his team. His team must have been all hitched up. ( Dick and Mr. Rankin enter). Dick— Halloo , father ? Mr. C a die ell — My son ! ( Dick looks around and sees Lillian. Goes to her and takes her 36 THE DINNER-PAIL MAN hand and speaks a feio words in a low tone.) Mr. Cadwell — ( looking at his loatch ) Dick , we are waiting for you to settle this. I am going to leave it all to you , if the}^ all agree to it. What do you say, ladies and gentlemen ? All together — We are satisfied with Dick. Mr. Cadwell ~ Conie , Dick , and tell your story. Dick— My story is short and it won't take long to tell it. ( takes Lillian by the ha7id and leads Iter to his father) Father, I will introduce you to Miss Toms. This is the lady who was hit by a shuttle that flew from a loom which had been out of repair for a month and the loom-fixer either could not, or would not fix it, and I can prove it by the operator ; she is here. Ma/ry — Yes ! The son-of-a-gun ! Mr. Cadtcell — ( turning to Maynott) Why keep such a man? ( Maynott ansioers nothing) . Offlce hoy enters and says : — A "Mrs. Toms " is here and wishes to come in. Mr. Maynott— Tell her it is impossible at this time. Mr. Cadwell — Who is this Mrs. Toms? Billy— She is my wife. Mr. Cadwell — Let her come in. ( turning to 31a,ynott ) It's all right , is it not ? THE DINNER-PAIL MAN 87 J//-. Maynott — I guess so. ( Mrs. Toms etiters and is yioeii a chair ) 3Irs. I'oms — Ladies and Gentlemen : I don't know as it is right for me to come here , bnt I came on my own impulse. I have here a little box and it's contents will let people know who we are , and what we are. It may be of some interest to Mr. Richard Cadwell. V»'ill you read these papers ? Dick reads ; tlien reads them aloud — To my niece, l^illian Rockwell Toms, my Brother James ' only infant child : — I do bequeath and will my Estate in Naas , County of Kildare and also my County Seat in Oldham , all , together with notes and bonds ; she being the rightful heiress to all the Rockwell Estate, with the title of " Lady Rockwell. " ( then reads other papers. ) To my cousin , William Toms , 1 bequeath and will all my mill property known as " The Oldham Mills , " Manchester , England ; provided the said William Toms provides a suitable home for my Brother James' infant child, Lillian Rockwell Tc.ms, until she' reaches the age of eighteen years, her birthday falling on Christmas [ !Siyned : ^ Lord William Rockwell Toms, Admr H. W. Hazelton , Magistrate. [ 'Witness : ] James McKinnon. Dick — ( takiny Lillian by the hand) Father, this is Lady Rockwell, my future wife; and you, Mr. Toms, you are the sole owner of the Oldham Mills, Manchester, England. J^illy. - ( risl*ty from his chair ) What ! r the owner of the mill I was driven out of! Well , Bv 38 THE DIN NEE-PAIL MAN the bloody , bleeding bugger. I'll be buggered and a ' alf . ( 3Ir. Cadtrell looks at his watch. Did- steps for vard and pohiting at Clack and I£ass , says : ) For the benefit of these poor people who are working in that weaving room , I say : those two men are not fit to be in a weaving room. 3fr. Cadioell — Do you hear that , Mr. Maynott ? ( Mr. Maynott nods ) Well, then, I shall expect you to act accordingly. {All come for vKird ., except Mr. ^faynott.. Clack and Kass) Billy— Although a mill-owner I shall never go back on the dinner-pail man. Lillian — In some way , or other , the Lord will provide. Good night. ^ 1904 LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS Hi 016 103 572 5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS llilllliilllllllilll 016 103 572 5