union-breakers. In the succeeding chapters some of the actual doings of veteran secret operatives will be faithfully recounted.
The Pinkerton Agency never advertises for nor hires real detectives, for the simple reason, astonishing as it may seem, that it is never in need of such persons; and if the best detective of London, Paris or New York were to apply for a position at any office of the Agency he would be informed there was really
The PiNKERTON Labor Spy. ii
no opening at the present time. A polite, meaningless promise might be handed out.
Whenever a criminal case comes up, it is turned over to a general operative, or if no general operative is at liberty, the superintendent or one of his assistants handles it. This arrangement therefore obviates the necessity of employing tried and experienced detectives.
Though the Agency's system of hiring new operatives insures secrecy, yet it is very simple. Let us assume that an office is in need of a new general operative. As this class of operatives is principally recruited from the ranks of salesmen, the office in question will insert an advertisement similar to the following, in every newspaper in the city :
WANTED— A bright, experienced salesman to handle good line; salary and commission. Excellent opportunity for right man to connect with first-class house. State age, experience and references. W-276-Post
This ad is allowed to run several days, after which one of the clerks makes a round of the newspaper offices, collects all the answers and turns them over to the superintendent. This official carefully examines each application, noting particularly the age, experience and language of every applicant. He tihen grades the papers on their merits as skilfully and