The Iron Heel by Jack London
page 205 of 321 (63%)
page 205 of 321 (63%)
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hours a day. In 1906 A.D., the Supreme Court of the United
States declared this law to be unconstitutional. In part the decision read: "There is no reasonable ground for interfering with the liberty of persons or the right of free contract by determining the hours of labor in the occupation of a baker." "You run ahead too fast," O'Connor answered. "You don't know all the ways out. There is another way out. We know what we're about. We're sick of strikes. They've got us beaten that way to a frazzle. But I don't think we'll ever need to call our men out again." "What is your way out?" Ernest demanded bluntly. O'Connor laughed and shook his head. "I can tell you this much: We've not been asleep. And we're not dreaming now." "There's nothing to be afraid of, or ashamed of, I hope," Ernest challenged. "I guess we know our business best," was the retort. "It's a dark business, from the way you hide it," Ernest said with growing anger. "We've paid for our experience in sweat and blood, and we've earned all that's coming to us," was the reply. "Charity begins at home." "If you're afraid to tell me your way out, I'll tell it to you." Ernest's blood was up. "You're going in for grab-sharing. You've made |
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