You've a good knack
of disposing of your own and other folks' money, and I thought you
could help me out."
Quincy did not speak for some time. Finally he said, "Uncle Ike, the
Town Hall in Fernborough is but one mile from the centre of the city
of Cottonton. That city is peopled, principally, with low-paid cotton
mill operatives. Their employers, as a rule, are more intent on
dividends than the moral or physical condition of their help.
Accidents are common in the mills, many are broken down in health by
overwork, and those who become mothers are forced by necessity to
resume work in the mills before their strength is restored."
Uncle Ike shut his teeth with a snap. "That's worse than hoarding
money as I've done. Mine may, as you say, do good in the future, but
theirs is degrading human beings at the present. I wish I could do
something for them, especially the mothers. It's a shame _they_ have
to suffer."
"You can do something, Uncle Ike. My suggestion is, that you leave
the bulk of your fortune to build a hospital in Fernborough, but
provide in your will that the mill operatives of Cottonton, or all
its poorer inhabitants, if you so wish it, shall be entitled to free
treatment therein."
"I'll do it," cried Uncle Ike. "As soon as I get settled at 'Zeke's,
I'll send for Squire Rundlett to come and make out my will. You've
taken a big load off my mind, Mr.
Pages:
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91