It is the dominating policy of Pinkerton's National Detective Agency, and, consequently, the chief aim of the secret operative to prevent, if possible, the formation of a union at the plant of the client, or, if he finds a union already flourishing, to keep it in
8 The Pinkerton Labor Spy.
check, and to do everything in his power to disrupt it.
It is a simple matter to prevent the formation of a union; but to destroy one after it has gained a foothold IS a hard and complicated proposition. Yet, the Agency's phenomenal growth in fame and power since 1892, and more particularly within the last three years, is almost entirely due to the successful accomplishment of this kind of work, and it is their boast that they have no rival or competitor who can parallel their achievements in this field.
Infinite care is exercised at all times by the officials of the Agency to preserve the incognito of the secret operative, firk, because of the possible danger attendant upon .discovery, and, second, because the operative is thereaC er a marked man, and his usefulness to the Agency is ended.
Within a few days after his employment, the secret operative is given a number by the superintendent, and told to use that number as a substitute for his regular signature on all reports, letters and expense bills.
The superintendent of the office and his assistant superintendents are the only ones aware of the operative's name. To the clerical department which handles his accounts and typewrites his reports, and even to the client who pays for his services, the operative is known merely as a certain number.