Further Adventures of Quincy Adams Sawyer and Mason Corner Folks by Charles Felton Pidgin
page 19 of 336 (05%)
page 19 of 336 (05%)
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"I will consider the question carefully," said Quincy, wearily, as he
laid down the bill, and Senator Downing departed. The next bill was what was called "a labour measure." It gave members of trade unions a right demanded by them, called "peaceful picketing;" in other words, during a strike, the right to use argument, persuasion, in fact any rightful inducement to keep a non- union man from working for the "struck" firm or corporation. The bill had been passed by a majority of 48 in the House, and by the narrow margin of one vote in the Senate. A tie had been expected when the President of the Senate, who was a prominent manufacturer was counted upon to kill the bill. If the Governor vetoed it, the Senate would probably sustain the veto, throwing the greater responsibility upon him, each member voting against the bill sheltering himself behind the veto. Thus do partisans play politics with the head of their party. While he was reading the bill the lieutenant-governor was ushered in again. "Downing has been talking with me about his bill. He says you are going to veto it." "I did not say so. I asked him his reasons for turning over public property for private use and gain, and he did not seem well-prepared to answer me." Mr. Evans replied, "The best reason, to my mind is, that the heaviest tax payers, members of our party, are all in favour of the bill." "Are they numerous enough to elect a governor who will do their bidding?" |
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