Mr. Bartholomew sat down amid a volley of applause, after which there was a long silence, he being really the only practical man among them; or, to speak more correctly, the only man who had practice in this kind of movement, and knew how to conduct it.
"The first thing we've got to do, you know," he said, looking around, "is to propose a resolution forming ourselves into a distinct body. As the chairman of the meeting, I can't propose any resolution; it is for one of you to do it."
"All right, chairman," said a bold boot and shoe maker, "I do it."
"What?" inquired Mr. Bartholomew.
"Propose it," said the bold boot and shoe maker.
"Propose what?" asked Mr. Bartholomew.
"That we're a distinct body," said the bold boot and shoe maker.
"I seconds it," said another boot and shoe maker, starting up, and sinking instantly into his chair, covered with confusion. It was the first public speech he had ever made.
"No, no, that won't do," said Mr. Bartholomew, "you must put it in words--understandable words. You propose that we form ourselves into a working-man's club. That's your proposition, ain't it?"
"That's it," said the bold boot and shoe maker.