He
said they had not enough to keep body and soul together, and that right
well did their employers know it. He said there should be an increase of
a half-dollar a day, or there would be a strike.
Carnac dealt with the matter quickly and quietly. He said Luc Baste had
not been among them a long time and evidently did not know what was the
cost of living in Montreal. He said the men got good wages, and in any
case it was not for him to settle a thing of such importance. This was
for the head of the firm, John Grier, when he returned. The wages had
been raised two years before, and he doubted that John Grier would
consent to a further rise. All other men on the river seemed satisfied
and he doubted these ought to have a cent more a day. They were getting
the full value of the work. He begged all present to think twice before
they brought about catastrophe. It would be a catastrophe if John
Grier's mills should stop working and Belloc's mills should go on as
before. It was not like Grier's men to do this sort of thing.
The men seemed impressed, and, presently, after one of them thanking him,
the deputation withdrew, Luc Baste talking excitedly as they went. The
manager of the main mill, with grave face, said:
"No, Mr. Grier, I don't think they'll be satisfied.
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