At times the assistant superintendent does a truly meritorious and charitable act by recommending im-
i8 The Pinkerton Labor Spy.
proved ventilation, or the purchase of new tools and machinery. However, when suggesting improvements of this kind, the Agency endeavors to prove to the client that the benefits accruing would more than compensate for the expense. The summary concludes by advising the client to wage an unrelenting war against unions and unionism, and assuring him of the Agency's hearty support in this worthy cause.
And many a client has such faith in the Pinkerton Agency that in time he does not discharge an employee or install an improvement until advised to do so by tlie operative or the assistant superintendent.
Were this the extent of the Agency's encroachments, it is possible that some excuse might be advanced; but it is guilty of on . sin for which no apology may be offered. This is the Agenc/s constant endeavor to prevent the settlement of industrial conflicts by arbitration, by urging its clients to stand firm in their hostile attitude toward labor, and assuring them that ultimately they will be the victors. The justice or injustice of Labor's demands does not appeal to them; the immense losses of their clients do not worry them; and the suffering of the public does not interest them.
It is doubtful whether the Agency would have ever acquired the power it now possesses were it not for its peculiar system of canvassing for new business. And the Agency, it should be clearly understood, does not believe in waiting with folded hands for crimes to occur in order to get busy; instead, it hustles for business much the same as does any other progressive commercial institution. The only difference is, that the Pinkerton Agency does not hire special canvassers, but compels its talented assistant superintendents, superintendents and division