People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 August 1894 — PUT AN END TO THE STRIKE. [ARTICLE]

PUT AN END TO THE STRIKE.

How the Master of Balliol Dealt witli University Washerwomen. A sympathetic biographer, and one who is evidently acquainted with his subject, contributes to Cornhill some rare “Memories of the Master of Balliol.” The master was a keen judge of human nature, and in the anecdotes comprised in this paper there are evidences of his keen insight into character. One trivial, though characteristic, incident narrated is quoted as follows by the Toronto Empire: Jewett’s brevity of speech and dispatch of business never shone more than on the great occasion of his dealing with the refractory washerwomen -of Balliol. These worthy dames struck for higher wages in one department. Twelve collars for a shillihg was, I believe, the statutory price. They camo to interview the master. “The washerwomen have come to see you,” said the butler. “Show the ladies tip,” said the master. They clumped into the room to find him fiddling with the poker at the ashes in the grate. He turned round. “Will you wash twelve collars for a shilling?” They began to expostulate. He touched the bell. In came the butler. “Show the ladies down.” “They seem very sorry, sir—would like to see you again.” “Show them up.” “Will you wash twelve collars for a shilling?” piped the cheery little voice. A stalwart speaker began to make explanations. He touched the bell. “Show these ladles down,” said he, and down they went. Again the butler expressed a hope that he would see them. “Certainly; show them up.” They entered the room. “Will you wash twelve collars for a shilling?” “We will,” they cried. “Thank you—good-day, good-day,” said the master; and, touching the bell, said: “Knight, show these ladies down" —and the strike was over.