“I should have said three free meals a day,” laughingly replied the speaker, and, continuing, “and automobiles will call for and return each employe home.
“The chief will meet each operator at the door when he quits for the day and ask him the state of his health, how he enjoyed his work, and if he has any grievance to relate. The manager, too, will greet operators all at the landing of the elevator and ask them if they care to ‘draw’ today.”
“Oh, my, that strikes me about right,” cried out Fred Loomis, and many others showed their appreciation of the innovation.
“All operators will be treated with much consideration and distinction, especial attention being given to pacifying all recalcitrants and smoothing out all kicks and complaints which may arise, but it is thought the programme outlined will wipe out all differences.”
Colonel Crain’s speech was followed with wild applause and a big demonstration. The band played “Happy Days” on the harps.
After order had been restored, Colonel Crain was asked to speak on the “old timers,” it being remarked that he should be quite at home on that topic.
“Yes, I know a few of them,” began Mark. “They came and went when I was in Kansas City, and we always had a delightful time.
“Present,” interrupted the voice of Mr. Delong, amid applause.
“Here also,” broke in the familiar voice of Mr. Spink, who received an encore.
“Then there was Frank Farley, Dan Martin, Billy Foy, Jim Cook, Milton Geowey, Harry Smith, John Topliff--”
“Don’t forget me,” broke in Fred Swain, as he swung into sight on the arm of Bob Rankin.
“I’m not going to overlook you,” continued Crain; “I remember the time you wanted to take a trip with me from the window of the tenth floor of the Chicago office, without an aeroplane.”
This remark evoked much merriment among the old timers of Chicago.
“Well, gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to meet and greet you all here today and to realize that we do not have to put a sub. on and that all the wires are always working O. K.”
“That is because you have the pick of the construction department,” smilingly remarked M. C. Bristol, and the assemblage acquiesced.
“Let’s get back to the original text,” said Billy West, who had been deeply interested in Mr. Crain’s address. “I would like to hear more of the future of the telegraph and I greatly enjoy hearing Colonel Crain’s remarks.”