Manager McParland, the inventor of the worldfamous Inner Circle, doubtless in time actually deceived himself into believing the product of his fancy to be a substantial reality.
However, irrespective of the exact state of Mr. McParland's mind, and regardless of the outcome of his struggle with the Western Federation of Miners, the undisputed fact remains that there is a body of men employed by the Pinkerton Agency who, for hire, have plotted, and still conspire against the public welfare and peace; who have assisted and still aid and abet the tyrannical corporations in their attempts to
24 The Pinkerton Labor Spy.
rob the laborer of his rights as an American citizen: who are ever inciting employer and employee to warfare when both are anxious for peace; who are a public menace while masquerading as a public necessity; who know no shame, honor, nor pity.
This body of men comprises the assistant superintendents, superintendents, general superintendents, division managers, assistant general manager, general manager and principals; in short, the entire executive personnel of Pinkerton's National Detective Agency.
The assistant superintendents come together each afternoon between the hours of five and six in the superintendent's office, where, presided over by the superintendent, they go through the formality of taking "time." In its simplest sense, taking time would merely mean charging each client with the regular per diem of the operative in his employ ; but taken in its broader sense, and as understood at die Agency offices, taking time has a deeper import.