Now shut your mouths.
Now shut your mouths.
First Sentry.
I'm not through with this yet.
I'm not through with this yet.
(Picks up his rifle and goes back on his beat)
Second Sentry.
Damn pretty soldier you are.
Damn pretty soldier you are.
Haskell.
Do you hear?
Do you hear?
(Militiamen are seen climbing on top of the lumber stacks. Others appear at the gate. Captain Haskell walks left where a noise is heard down the street. Presently a squad of militia enters with fifteen or twenty strike-breakers. Behind them, with the officer in charge, comes Jergens, who is speaking to the crowd of strikers that follows. In front of the crowd walks Sam Williams. Mingling among the men are seen Dicey, King, and Masters. Some women and children straggle in and linger, left. On this side of the crowd, silent, watching everything, is Harvey Anderson)
Jergens.
The world is big and we can get the men.
The world is big and we can get the men.
Sam Williams.
That's all right, Mr. Jergens.
That's all right, Mr. Jergens.
Jergens.
All we want,And more too.
All we want,And more too.
Sam Williams.
That's all right.
That's all right.
Jergens.
We've shown you that.If not, stick it out; that's all I've got to say.
We've shown you that.If not, stick it out; that's all I've got to say.
Sam Williams.
The point is now about the saws. Will youPut the guards on?
The point is now about the saws. Will youPut the guards on?
Voice.
(From the crowd)
There where the boys were killed.
There where the boys were killed.
Jergens.
We will or will not, as it suits ourselves.
We will or will not, as it suits ourselves.
Voice.
(From the crowd)
About our places, Sam.
About our places, Sam.
Sam Williams.
If they come back,You'll give the boys the places that they had,All of them?
If they come back,You'll give the boys the places that they had,All of them?
(The militia, with the strike-breakers, pass into the mill-yard)
Voice..
(From the crowd)
Will we get our places back?
Will we get our places back?
Jergens.
The places that have not been filled are yours.As for discharging men that we've brought here,Not one.
The places that have not been filled are yours.As for discharging men that we've brought here,Not one.
(He says something to Haskell, then turns to the crowd)
Now just one word. When these gates close,You're out. You understand that, do you? OutNot for to-day, to-morrow, or six weeks,But all time. You've got just ten minutes left.Then, Captain, close these gates.
Now just one word. When these gates close,You're out. You understand that, do you? OutNot for to-day, to-morrow, or six weeks,But all time. You've got just ten minutes left.Then, Captain, close these gates.
Haskell.
All right, sir.
All right, sir.
(Jergens passes into the mill-yard)
Voice.
(From the crowd)
Well?
Well?
Another Voice.
What do you say, Sam?
What do you say, Sam?
Jim King.
Williams has had his say.And you see where we are.
Williams has had his say.And you see where we are.
Rome Masters.
Hear Wes!
Hear Wes!
Jim King.
Wes!
Wes!
Several.
Sam!
Sam!
Sam Williams.
I don't know, comrades, as I ought to say,Seeing as I don't gain or lose in this.For I'm of them that have no place in there.But if you want my——
I don't know, comrades, as I ought to say,Seeing as I don't gain or lose in this.For I'm of them that have no place in there.But if you want my——
Cries.
Yes, go on! Go on!
Yes, go on! Go on!
Sam Williams.
Well, comrades, it's the Union first with me.That props the rest. You take that prop awayAnd everything comes down. We've climbed a bitSince we first organized. And what we've won,What is it that keeps it won? The Union, comrades,Is just another name for all of us.
Well, comrades, it's the Union first with me.That props the rest. You take that prop awayAnd everything comes down. We've climbed a bitSince we first organized. And what we've won,What is it that keeps it won? The Union, comrades,Is just another name for all of us.
Jergens.
(Appearing at the gate)
Another thing. If you don't come to workWe'll want those shacks up there. Remember that.
Another thing. If you don't come to workWe'll want those shacks up there. Remember that.
(Goes out)
Sam Williams.
And we need something bigger than we are,Don't we, if they do with their mills and lands?You heard Aug. Jergens what he said just nowWhen Chris here called to him, 'But you unite.'You heard him say, 'That's none of your affair.'Then how's it their affair if we unite?Logs you can't handle, but you saw them up,Then you can handle them. It's the same with us;They want to handle us to suit themselves.Comrades, I don't see if you go in thereHow you'll not have to come out here again;Unless you mean to bear whatever comes.You'll hear no big voice, 'Then we'll all go out,'That's kept their hands from off you many a time.Or is it their mercy that you're counting on?Poor hold you've got there. One window yonderOf Egerton's big house would put the guardsAbout the saws. But you hear what he says.And it's our lives he's talking of.
And we need something bigger than we are,Don't we, if they do with their mills and lands?You heard Aug. Jergens what he said just nowWhen Chris here called to him, 'But you unite.'You heard him say, 'That's none of your affair.'Then how's it their affair if we unite?Logs you can't handle, but you saw them up,Then you can handle them. It's the same with us;They want to handle us to suit themselves.Comrades, I don't see if you go in thereHow you'll not have to come out here again;Unless you mean to bear whatever comes.You'll hear no big voice, 'Then we'll all go out,'That's kept their hands from off you many a time.Or is it their mercy that you're counting on?Poor hold you've got there. One window yonderOf Egerton's big house would put the guardsAbout the saws. But you hear what he says.And it's our lives he's talking of.
A Woman.
(To another who begins to cry)
Never mind.
Never mind.
Sam Williams.
What is it that gives him power to talk that way?Why is it he can do that,
What is it that gives him power to talk that way?Why is it he can do that,
(Lifts his hand)
and trains come inWith soldiers? We can't do it. And they're twoAnd we're four hundred.
and trains come inWith soldiers? We can't do it. And they're twoAnd we're four hundred.
Jim King.
That don't get us bread.
That don't get us bread.
Sam Williams.
Is it because they own the mills and lands?It's only when they own us that they're strong.Comrades, you've come now where the ways divide.There's bigger gates than these stand open hereIf you'll just stick together. 'Tain't to-dayI'm thinking of. There's a green shore somewhereIf you'll just turn your faces from that gate.But if you're going to give your Union upWhen they say if you don't we'll close these gates,You'll have no peace. They'll hold it over youTo force you down. Comrades, the day will comeWhen you'll regret it if you go in there,Giving your Union up. But that's with you.
Is it because they own the mills and lands?It's only when they own us that they're strong.Comrades, you've come now where the ways divide.There's bigger gates than these stand open hereIf you'll just stick together. 'Tain't to-dayI'm thinking of. There's a green shore somewhereIf you'll just turn your faces from that gate.But if you're going to give your Union upWhen they say if you don't we'll close these gates,You'll have no peace. They'll hold it over youTo force you down. Comrades, the day will comeWhen you'll regret it if you go in there,Giving your Union up. But that's with you.
Chris Knudson.
Sam's right. We can't be slaves, men.
Sam's right. We can't be slaves, men.
King and Masters.
Wes! Hear Wes!
Wes! Hear Wes!
Chris Knudson.
Let's march on out to Egerton's big houseAnd call the Governor out and lay our caseBefore him.
Let's march on out to Egerton's big houseAnd call the Governor out and lay our caseBefore him.
Cries.
Right! That's right!
Right! That's right!
A Voice.
First let's go homeAnd get the women folk and all march out.
First let's go homeAnd get the women folk and all march out.
Mike Hawley.
You talk like fools. Ain't Braddock, too, a slave?He's 'bout as big to Egerton as your thumb.
You talk like fools. Ain't Braddock, too, a slave?He's 'bout as big to Egerton as your thumb.
Wes Dicey.
It seems to me like, boys, we're in a boat.We've pulled together hard as any menTryin' to make the shore off there. But hereShe's leakin' and our biscuits have give out.The question now is, hadn't we better makeFor this shore here? It ain't the one we want;But here there's bread and water. But they say—And this it is that seems to rub Sam most—'Scuttle your boat or you don't land here.' Well,Scuttle her, then I say.
It seems to me like, boys, we're in a boat.We've pulled together hard as any menTryin' to make the shore off there. But hereShe's leakin' and our biscuits have give out.The question now is, hadn't we better makeFor this shore here? It ain't the one we want;But here there's bread and water. But they say—And this it is that seems to rub Sam most—'Scuttle your boat or you don't land here.' Well,Scuttle her, then I say.
(Hisses from the crowd)
Now you hold on.I love the Union much as any man.And I've stood by her, too, through thick and thin.Ain't I stood by her, boys?
Now you hold on.I love the Union much as any man.And I've stood by her, too, through thick and thin.Ain't I stood by her, boys?
Jim King.
Wes is our friend.
Wes is our friend.
Wes Dicey.
And will again. Then what do I mean? Just this:It's a queer shore ain't got a cove or twoWhere you can hide her. I don't mean to sayThat Sam ain't done his best to captain us;He has. But here she is, she's goin' down,So I say land. For bread tastes mighty good,And air this time o' year won't keep you warmIf you're turned out. Later, we get our strength,We'll patch her up and make for that green shoreSam talks of. But just now it's this or this.
And will again. Then what do I mean? Just this:It's a queer shore ain't got a cove or twoWhere you can hide her. I don't mean to sayThat Sam ain't done his best to captain us;He has. But here she is, she's goin' down,So I say land. For bread tastes mighty good,And air this time o' year won't keep you warmIf you're turned out. Later, we get our strength,We'll patch her up and make for that green shoreSam talks of. But just now it's this or this.
(Points toward the mill, then to the ground)
And if we go down, then where's your Union? Eh?
And if we go down, then where's your Union? Eh?
A Voice.
He's right.
He's right.
Rome Masters.
But if we live, then it lives too.
But if we live, then it lives too.
Wes Dicey.
So it's the Union that I'm speakin' for.
So it's the Union that I'm speakin' for.
Jim King.
He's speakin' for our wives and children too.
He's speakin' for our wives and children too.
A Voice.
What about us whose places have been filled?
What about us whose places have been filled?
Another Voice.
You want us all to go down, eh?
You want us all to go down, eh?
Sam Williams.
No!
No!
Several.
No!
No!
Harvey Anderson.
Pards,I'm one of Egerton's men, if you'll let meButt in here just a minute with a word.You've seen two sides of this thing, but there's three.There's one big black one you don't face at all,Even your Captain here. You're all right, pard,In what you say about their mills and landsNot giving them power; it's their owning you.And if you'll just tear up that bill of saleAnd call the deal off, Egerton's big shadowThat fills the valley, lengthening year by yearUntil your hair stands up, you'll be surprisedHow you can cover it with a six-foot pole.For it's on you he's standing.
Pards,I'm one of Egerton's men, if you'll let meButt in here just a minute with a word.You've seen two sides of this thing, but there's three.There's one big black one you don't face at all,Even your Captain here. You're all right, pard,In what you say about their mills and landsNot giving them power; it's their owning you.And if you'll just tear up that bill of saleAnd call the deal off, Egerton's big shadowThat fills the valley, lengthening year by yearUntil your hair stands up, you'll be surprisedHow you can cover it with a six-foot pole.For it's on you he's standing.
Wes Dicey.
Who are you?
Who are you?
Harvey Anderson.
But look here, pards, are you calling off this saleOr simply trying, as it seems to me,To make him take the goods at the old price?
But look here, pards, are you calling off this saleOr simply trying, as it seems to me,To make him take the goods at the old price?
Haskell.
What have you got to do with it?
What have you got to do with it?
Harvey Anderson.
And what's the price?Where's all that gone?
And what's the price?Where's all that gone?
(Points to the mountains)
Were those just weeds up thereThat's been cleared off to get a better view?Or Christmas trees?
Were those just weeds up thereThat's been cleared off to get a better view?Or Christmas trees?
Jim King.
Who are you?
Who are you?
Harvey Anderson.
And loaded, too,With food and clothes and homes and silks and gemsAnd punch that bubbles till she runs down here,Flushing the soldier boys until they're gayAnd on their mettle. Is his name EgertonThat planted all those pines?
And loaded, too,With food and clothes and homes and silks and gemsAnd punch that bubbles till she runs down here,Flushing the soldier boys until they're gayAnd on their mettle. Is his name EgertonThat planted all those pines?
(Points to the sky)
Wes Dicey.
What's it to you?
What's it to you?
Harvey Anderson.
Worked all these years and yet you've got no bread?
Worked all these years and yet you've got no bread?
Haskell.
(Coming toward him)
What business is it of yours what these men do?
What business is it of yours what these men do?
Harvey Anderson.
Handled all that and yet you've got no roofTo cover you!
Handled all that and yet you've got no roofTo cover you!
Buck Bentley.
(Following Haskell)
Look here, Cap.
Look here, Cap.
Harvey Anderson.
And this man comesAnd cracks his whip, 'We'll oust you.' What do you say?
And this man comesAnd cracks his whip, 'We'll oust you.' What do you say?
Buck Bentley.
We came down here to see the square thing done,Not to take sides and try to break this strike.
We came down here to see the square thing done,Not to take sides and try to break this strike.
(Haskell stares at him in amazement)
Harvey Anderson.
What's your name?
What's your name?
Buck Bentley.
Bentley.
Bentley.
Harvey Anderson.
I'll remember that.And my name's Anderson.
I'll remember that.And my name's Anderson.
(They shake hands)
Haskell.
(Beckoning to the militiamen about the gate)
Three or four of you.I give you ten days in the guard house, Buck.
Three or four of you.I give you ten days in the guard house, Buck.
Harvey Anderson.
You won't be there two hours, pard, take my word.There's something going to drop here pretty soon.
You won't be there two hours, pard, take my word.There's something going to drop here pretty soon.
Haskell.
(Calls after the militiamen)
Tell Mr. Jergens to step here a minute.
Tell Mr. Jergens to step here a minute.
(Bentley is led away into the mill-yard)
Harvey Anderson.
(To the crowd)
God playing Santa Claus among the pines—Why ain't you fellows had your stockings up?Or if you have, what are you doing hereWeighing yourselves out on the same old scales,Men against bread? Pard, let me ask you this:Suppose you do land with your Union boat,The bosses on the shore saying all right;What is it you land for? Grub for another cruise?And you'll go back then to the fishing groundsAnd sink your nets again? Who'll get the catchThis time? Them that's had it all these years?You've made a big haul here, it seems to me,Minnows and all. Hundreds of miles like that.When are you fellows going to dry your nets,Haul up your boat and say, 'Let's weigh the fish'?What do you say, pard?
God playing Santa Claus among the pines—Why ain't you fellows had your stockings up?Or if you have, what are you doing hereWeighing yourselves out on the same old scales,Men against bread? Pard, let me ask you this:Suppose you do land with your Union boat,The bosses on the shore saying all right;What is it you land for? Grub for another cruise?And you'll go back then to the fishing groundsAnd sink your nets again? Who'll get the catchThis time? Them that's had it all these years?You've made a big haul here, it seems to me,Minnows and all. Hundreds of miles like that.When are you fellows going to dry your nets,Haul up your boat and say, 'Let's weigh the fish'?What do you say, pard?
Sam Williams.
You a Union man?
You a Union man?
Harvey Anderson.
I don't know much about your Union, pard.It's all right, I suppose, far as it goes.But tell me this—and here's your black side, men—Long as they own the sea
I don't know much about your Union, pard.It's all right, I suppose, far as it goes.But tell me this—and here's your black side, men—Long as they own the sea
(Points to the mountains and the plains)
and own the shore,
and own the shore,
(Points to the mill)
You think they'll care much, pard, who owns the boat?And how'll they not own you? You tell me that.
You think they'll care much, pard, who owns the boat?And how'll they not own you? You tell me that.
(Williams and the crowd stand silent)
Harvey Anderson.
What do you say?
What do you say?
Haskell.
(Watch in hand)
You've got two minutes left.
You've got two minutes left.
Harvey Anderson.
Two minutes left of freedom. What do you say?You've got no North to look to, you white men.
Two minutes left of freedom. What do you say?You've got no North to look to, you white men.
A Woman.
(With a child in her arms)
If you go in there, John, don't you come home.
If you go in there, John, don't you come home.
Harvey Anderson.
Bully for you, sister!
Bully for you, sister!
The Woman.
Don't you dare come home.We ain't starved with you, you to sell yourself.
Don't you dare come home.We ain't starved with you, you to sell yourself.
Wes Dicey.
It's either go back, boys, or we'll be tramps.
It's either go back, boys, or we'll be tramps.
Harvey Anderson.
There's thousands of them off there good as you.You'd sell your soul to Egerton for bread.They keep theirs and go round the back door.
There's thousands of them off there good as you.You'd sell your soul to Egerton for bread.They keep theirs and go round the back door.
Voice.
(From the crowd)
Well?
Well?
Jim King.
Listen to me.
Listen to me.
Sam Williams.
Comrades, they can't start up;They've not the men.
Comrades, they can't start up;They've not the men.
Wes Dicey.
Suppose theydon'tstart up?Suppose they shut down till the ice blocks there?Then where'll we be?
Suppose theydon'tstart up?Suppose they shut down till the ice blocks there?Then where'll we be?
Jim King.
You'll hear the children cry.
You'll hear the children cry.
Harvey Anderson.
Shut up your mouths or, if you're married men,Let your wives speak. 'You'll hear the children cry!'Where in the hell do you hail from any way?Or have they starved you till you've lost your grit?
Shut up your mouths or, if you're married men,Let your wives speak. 'You'll hear the children cry!'Where in the hell do you hail from any way?Or have they starved you till you've lost your grit?
Haskell.
One minute.
One minute.
Voice.
(From the crowd)
Bread!
Bread!
Another.
What will we do, Sam?
What will we do, Sam?
Another.
Vote!
Vote!
Sam Williams.
I've said my last word.
I've said my last word.
Wes Dicey.
We've no time to vote.
We've no time to vote.
Voice.
(From afar, right)
Wait!
Wait!
Jim King.
Be quick.
Be quick.
Harvey Anderson.
Hold on!
Hold on!
Wes Dicey.
Boys, suppose they say,'First come, first served, and we don't need the rest'?
Boys, suppose they say,'First come, first served, and we don't need the rest'?
Jim King.
(Calling attention to the first flakes of snow)
Look at these flakes, men!
Look at these flakes, men!
(There is a stampede for the gate)
An Old Woman.
Run, Tommy!
Run, Tommy!
Harvey Anderson.
(Drawing from his pocket a long blue revolver)
Halt!The first man puts his foot inside that gateI'll kill him.
Halt!The first man puts his foot inside that gateI'll kill him.
Voice.
(Right as before, now near by)
One word before you go in there!
One word before you go in there!
(Harry Egerton enters breathless)
Harry Egerton.
Pardon me; I have run some seven milesTo be here ere the sun went down, for IKnew what it meant to you.
Pardon me; I have run some seven milesTo be here ere the sun went down, for IKnew what it meant to you.
(Stands for a moment collecting himself)
Men, my friends,What is it you are about to do?
Men, my friends,What is it you are about to do?
Harvey Anderson.
They're going back.
They're going back.
Harvey Anderson.
(As Harry Egerton seems about to speak)
Now listen, boys, for now you'll hear a wordThat you'll remember till the crack o' doom.
Now listen, boys, for now you'll hear a wordThat you'll remember till the crack o' doom.
Harry Egerton.
I wouldn't do it, friends, if I were you.What will to-morrow be and the next dayAnd years to come if you surrender now?You have your strength and right is on your side.I in my father's offices have struckThe balances between you men and him.I know what part you've had of all these treesAnd what part he has had, and in my heartI know there is a balance on your side.Things can't go on forever in this way.
I wouldn't do it, friends, if I were you.What will to-morrow be and the next dayAnd years to come if you surrender now?You have your strength and right is on your side.I in my father's offices have struckThe balances between you men and him.I know what part you've had of all these treesAnd what part he has had, and in my heartI know there is a balance on your side.Things can't go on forever in this way.
Harvey Anderson.
Now the snow falls they're afraid the wolf will howl.
Now the snow falls they're afraid the wolf will howl.
Harry Egerton.
Will you be stronger then a year from now,Your Union broken up, your wages less,And this defeat behind you dampening all?Or do you intend henceforth never to liftThe voice of protest, silent whatever comes?God will provide, my friends. Do not give up.
Will you be stronger then a year from now,Your Union broken up, your wages less,And this defeat behind you dampening all?Or do you intend henceforth never to liftThe voice of protest, silent whatever comes?God will provide, my friends. Do not give up.
Harvey Anderson.
(Comes to him)
Tell 'em about it, partner.
Tell 'em about it, partner.
Harry Egerton.
Not yet.
Not yet.
Harvey Anderson.
Why?
Why?
Harry Egerton.
Their enemies would say it was the gold.And we must show them that they're wrong.
Their enemies would say it was the gold.And we must show them that they're wrong.
A Workman.
Look out!
Look out!
Jergens.
(With a stick he has picked up comes from the mill-yard)
What do you mean by interfering here?
What do you mean by interfering here?
(He discovers Harvey Anderson talking with Harry Egerton and turns, evidently for an explanation, to Haskell)
Harvey Anderson.
You've filed your claim though?
You've filed your claim though?
Harry Egerton.
Yes.
Yes.
(Jubilant, Harvey Anderson turns and, catching up one of the mill-boys, lifts him over his head and slides him down his back, holding him by the feet. Jergens advances toward him)
A Workman.
Look out, comrade!
Look out, comrade!
Harvey Anderson.
I wouldn't try it, pard, if I were you.
I wouldn't try it, pard, if I were you.
Jergens.
(To the men)
You'll rue this day!
You'll rue this day!
(To Harvey Anderson)
We'll fix you!
We'll fix you!
(To the militia)
Close these gates!
Close these gates!
(Glowers at Harry Egerton)
Clear these streets, Captain!
Clear these streets, Captain!
Harry Egerton.
Stand where you are, my friends.
Stand where you are, my friends.
Jergens.
Captain, I order you to clear these streets.
Captain, I order you to clear these streets.
Harry Egerton.
Be careful, Captain Haskell, what you do.This is a public place.
Be careful, Captain Haskell, what you do.This is a public place.
A Militiaman.
What's the word, Cap.?
What's the word, Cap.?
Haskell.
(To the militiaman, irritably)
Who's in command here, I should like to know?
Who's in command here, I should like to know?
Jergens.
Your father will attend to you, young man.
Your father will attend to you, young man.
(Beside himself with rage, disappears down the street, left)
Harry Egerton.
Now then go quietly to your homes, my friends,And I to-night will see what I can do.
Now then go quietly to your homes, my friends,And I to-night will see what I can do.
Sam Williams.
(Comes toward him)
Mr. Egerton.
Mr. Egerton.
(Holds out his hand)
Harry Egerton.
Yes, Sam.
Yes, Sam.
(Takes his hand)
Sam Williams.
(To the crowd)
Comrades,I never thought we'd live to see this day.
Comrades,I never thought we'd live to see this day.
(The men crowd about them)
Harry Egerton.
Some of you men are hungry.
Some of you men are hungry.
The Men.