“Mr. Evans,” and the Governor seemed to increase in stature, “I fully understand your last remark--if it becomes necessary. You shall have an open field. I prize the great honour that has been conferred upon me by placing me here, but I must confess I dislike the duties, circumscribed as they are by personal and political influences. I can understand, now, why a ruler wishes to be an autocrat. It is the only way in which he can make his personality a part of his body. I shall not be a candidate for re-election this autumn. I wish my personal freedom of action, and I prize it more than fame or power.” “May I mention your decision to the leaders of the party?” “If you so desire. From this moment I am to be untrammelled except by my official oath.” Mr. Evans took his leave, evidently pleased with a part of what he had heard, and in a short time was closeted with some leading politicians in a private room of a prominent hotel. The Governor resumed his reading of the labour bill, but was aroused from his contemplation of its provisions by the entrance of Mr. Amos Acton. Mr. Acton was secretary of a manufacturer's association. He was tall and spare. His hair was sandy in hue, and his mouth twitched nervously. “Your Excellency, I came to see you about that picketing bill. If it becomes a law our manufacturers will be driven from the State. They are now seriously handicapped by the vigorous provisions of existing laws. I trust your Excellency will not add to our present burdens.” “I have read the bill, Mr. Acton. It seems conservative, with full provision for the protection of life and property.” “That's not the question. When Union men strike we must have the Non-Union men to fill their places; but this bill says the Non-Union man shan't work.” “It says the Union man may persuade him, peacefully, not to work.” “We all know what that means. If he does work, he will be called a 'scab' and his family will be ostracized in every possible way.” “It is hard to draw the line,” said the governor. “You say, or imply, that every man has a right to work for whoever will employ him. Granted. But do you always give him work when he wants it? Do you pay him what he asks, or do you not fix the rate of wage? You must realize the fact that collective bargaining has superseded dealing with the individual.” “Some of us do not allow that,” said Mr. Acton. “I know it, and that causes the difficulty. Your relations with your employees should be based upon trade agreements, legalized and strongly adhered to by both sides.” “I have just come from a meeting of leading manufacturers,” said Mr. Acton, “and they wished me to express to you their urgent request, I may say solicitation, that you will veto this bill.” After Mr. Acton's departure, Quincy rang for his secretary, to whom he delivered the papers containing his official decisions. Mr. Williams was renominated for the position that he had so long and so ably filled.