“I want to take this opportunity to repeat publicly what I have frequently declared privately, that inasmuch as this prize is to be given by my father I will not compete for it. I want to say also, in answer to many open charges and mean insinuations, that there are absolutely no strings attached to the gift. It is given in a spirit of unselfish generosity. I am sure that those who have opposed its acceptance have not the best interests of the Company at heart. They have been moved by jealousy and class hatred. We should not let these unjust suspicions and animosities influence us. We should grasp an opportunity that may never come to us again. I hope the vote will be unanimous for the acceptance of this gift. I call for the question.”
The speaker had no sooner taken his seat than Private McCormack arose. The chairman recognized him and sighed. He felt that the storm he had anticipated was about to break.
“In view of the remarks just made,” said McCormack, “I feel that it is my duty to speak. I am opposed to the acceptance of this gift. But I am not moved by jealousy or class hatred. I am not disputing the good intentions of the giver. His motive may be an entirely disinterested one. I do not know. But whether he intends it or not, or whether we intend it or not, if we accept this gift we will be under an obligation to him. If we were not we would have no sense of gratitude. The National Guard has been sufficiently criticized as it is, for taking the side of capital against labor in all clashes between them. No doubt we have been accused unjustly, but the fact remains that we are discredited in the eyes of thousands of good citizens. Don’t let us add to our unpopularity by accepting from a capitalist this gift with its implication of value received or to be received. I hope the proposition will be voted down.”
Before the applause that greeted McCormack’s speech had begun to die down, Private Barriscale was again on his feet. His face was red with anger, and his eyes were flashing resentment. His wrath was kindled now not only against McCormack, but also against all those who, by their applause, had signified their approval of his words.
“I am surprised,” he said, “that remarks such as you have just heard should be greeted with applause by any member of this company. The man who seeks to discredit his comrades in arms, who charges them with being pawns of capital, prejudiced against the poor, willing to accept bribes; such a man should be hissed, not applauded. He has labeled himself. He has shown you where he belongs. But what can you expect of a man whose bosom friend is the infamous Donatello, and whose associates are among the leading radicals of this city? I tell you, Mr. Chairman——”
But he got no further. The hisses of disapproval which greeted his first sentences had now grown into a roar of protest. Halpert McCormack, in spite of his economic vagaries, was respected by and popular with his fellow guardsmen, and they would not listen to this bitter denunciation of him. The room was in an uproar. A half dozen men were loudly demanding recognition by the chair, a score of others were protesting volubly against Barriscale’s ranting, while half as many more were declaring that he was entirely justified in all that he had said.
Then Captain Murray took the matter into his own hands. Those who chanced to be looking at him saw his jaws close together with a snap, and saw fire flash from his eyes. His gavel came down on the block with a mighty crash, once, twice, and thrice.
“Order!” he shouted. “Every man in his seat at once!”
When, a few seconds later, the tumult was quelled, he continued:
“In view of what has just taken place here, and for the sake of harmony in the ranks, I will myself decide what disposition shall be made of Mr. Barriscale’s offer. As there is nothing else before the meeting I will entertain a motion for adjournment.”