Woodcutter's Revival (9 page)

“He returned to New York in 1886 to run for mayor. He finished third by 60,000 votes. With these setbacks and tragedies he never gave up. In 1895, he wanted to run for mayor again. Edith, his new wife was carrying their fourth child, so she persuaded him not to run. His friend, Henry Cabot Lodge, noticed him sulking around about not running and encouraged him to accept an appointment form Mayor Strong to be New York Police Commissioner. Henry told him he could fight corruption from that level.

“Teddy accepted. He and Jacob Riis, a journalist conducted mid night raids in the lower east side of Manhattan and found unsafe factories and unsanitary conditions in the tenement slums. He experienced the overcrowding of Lower East Side Manhattan. He also fought to clean up corruption in the police force. He and Riis found and exposed ‘lazy' cops, fought against corrupt officials and for pay and promotions based upon performance rather than politics.

“He realized it was the battle, public journalism and political persuasion that would change things, not force. That was where he gained the values that later became his national agenda for reform.

“There was something else T.R. gained from his police commissioner days. He had a nostalgic fondness for the Colt 38. There were other, more powerful guns around, but since the police used the Colt, Teddy liked it. The irony was that he carried a Colt in Cuba. It had been issued to the captain of the battle ship Maine. When the Maine exploded in Savanna Harbor, Navy divers recovered it.

“The sinking of the Maine was the single motive most likely responsible to incite public sentiment in favor of invading the Spaniards. Two hundred and sixty men died in the explosion. There was speculation that they did not even blow it up. People said, ‘Maybe we did to start the war.' Others said, ‘It might have been accidental.'

Michael continued, “I think the best thing to emphasize is life's priorities. T.R. always kept a Bible next to himself, whether in training or in war. One of his favorite passages was one in which the Master was speaking to a group of teachers of the law and religious leaders – the Pharisees. He was warning them about religion as opposed to real-life faith; ‘Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law; justice and mercy and faithfulness…'

“You see, just as in those days, there are people who like to use the law for their benefit. They are not necessarily religious leaders, but those who like to control and manipulate others, by force if necessary. They don't understand the difference between power and authority. To them, the end justifies the means.”

“What is the difference?”

“Power is the ability to put restraint upon others by force. The force might be the law of the land. It might be Biblical Law – the Ten Commandments, withholding monetary benefits; physical punishment or even the threat of death. Most of those who have the power on their side, for whatever reason espouse the benefits of law and order, and submission to authority.

“These same people are the ones who least desire to be under authority. Authority is not force. It is gained by respect, much like the respect of a child for his mother, or a friend's respect for another friend. Authority is earned. The best leaders are those who lead with authority. They do not have to threaten to get people to follow them. They do not see themselves as being better than the individuals being led, or entitled in any way as if they deserve to be in leadership by birthright. They will not ask anybody to do something they would not do themselves.”

“How is respect earned?”

“I can't answer that completely, because it can vary from situation to situation. I can give you an example. On our way back from Cuba, I had a bout of dysentery. T.R. did not need to attempt to impress us. We had won the war and were returning home to a hero's welcome. If I had the strength, I would not have allowed him to do what he did. He took a place in the coach, while he had me placed in his private berth. Even before that, the men would have gladly followed him into hell and back.”

“What was so different about him than most leaders?”

“He had self respect. That is how you gain authority. People who have to resort to power to get others to follow them lack respect for themselves. They have to attempt to gain the admiration of others, in a vain attempt to gain self esteem. Respect is earned by trust and gaining the confidence of others. A person who lacks self respect cannot value others. A person who does not trust others can usually not be trusted. They think others are out to get them because of their own warped system of discerning motives.

“Without respect and trust, authority breaks down. When authority breaks down, power takes over. Under the force or power, people are not given any choice in the matter. They are manipulated to do what the one holding the power desires. Authority, in contrast, considers what is best for those under authority. Power does not endure because people eventually overthrow it.

“A simple way to determine if a leader is practicing authority or power is to listen whether the person has a sense of humor. If a person has enough self respect to poke fun at themselves, they are not going to think you are out to overthrow them. If a leader is always serious and defensive, watch out!

Stewart was attempting to soak in every detail of the conversation. He reflectively added, “So, no matter what you are doing, it is best to defend the rights of others, especially those who are not able to defend their own rights, and treat others the way you want to be treated?”

“The principal applies whether you are a king, a president, a parent, an employee or a friend. Always treat people with the utmost respect. You cannot do it if you do not respect yourself.”

“Yes, I understand!”

“Treating others as you want to be treated is The Golden Rule. Our society has come to believe another golden rule – he who has the gold, rules.

“There's something else about respect. We can never own people. Sometimes we act as if we could, but if we respect others we have enough confidence in their judgment to allow them to make mistakes. If they fail, we help them pick up the pieces.

“We must continually make people less dependent upon ourselves. Then, if they choose to be with us, it is not because they have to be. If we force people into anything, they will look for ways out, even if they do what is required, they will do it only minimally – their hearts will not be in it.

“So, giving me that crutch is an example of what I am talking about. Nobody has said you have to stay here and help me. You have decided to because you value life and I think you might have some respect for me. I like that. Instead of choosing to be needed, which is a strong motivation for a lot of people; you have attempted to help me stand on my own.

“Eventually, I will put that thing on a mantle with other trophies. I know you well enough to know you will not be hurt when I no longer choose to use your gift. In fact, you will rejoice with me because I have overcome my infirmity. We have shared authority. I have some age on you. You have physical capacity I need. Through mutual respect, we both benefit. We understand and accept our strength and limitations without excuse or regret.”

“Michael, I might have saved your life, but you have given me so much life. I feel I am indebted to you,” Stewart said with a tear in his eye and a strain in his voice.

“Stewart, you have made this the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. That only reminds me, you never know what life holds in store for you. I was laying on the trail, near dead, just two months ago, and now I have gained the best friend I have ever had.”

“So have I.”

Chapter Nine

R
aymond was asked to spend Thanksgiving at the Thomases. He would have to leave for Wellspring on Saturday morning on the “Ten-Fifty-Five” in order to be settled in for classes on Monday morning. There would not be much to pack as he only had his old clothes and the new pants and shirts Mr. Thomas told him to purchase. As he folded, unfolded and refolded the clothes, mostly out of nervousness, he thought it curious that he should be present at the Thomas house again.

He listened over and over to the voices in his head – the voices of Mr. Thomas, Victoria and his own - rethinking the logical reasons offered why he was chosen to be foreman. Still, he wondered why he should progress to that position so rapidly.

What might Stewart be doing? Had he found a place in Wellspring? Had he found a job? Would it be difficult to find him? He remembered that his altered plans included catching a train about this time. He thought to himself, “Who knows, if I am able to find Stewart, maybe I'll just write the Thomases a thank note for all they have done and stay in Wellspring as I intended.”

He could not admit to himself, although the feeling was at the back of his mind, that he might stay up here forever. He knew it was just a job. What had been offered to him was an excellent opportunity, but he was young enough to believe, with some more schooling, he would probably be able to create positive situations in the future. He knew he would not stay here just for a job.

He was able to admit to himself that the only reason he would stay here was the remotest possibility to win Victoria's heart. He figured the personal aspects would develop. After all, she had to be the one who mentioned to Mr. Thomas that he would be a good candidate for foreman.

As Raymond walked through town, he could see the last visible signs of autumn. There were very few leaves remaining on the aspens. The sky took on a dark gray pallor. A light snow began to fall. Winter was beginning to dominate the scene. He was surprised how much earlier the mountains yielded to the demands of winter than his prairie farm. The unpaved streets in Discovery were muddy and the buildings were dirty.

Back on the farm, the roads or lanes could handle the amount of traffic without getting too muddy, except in the rainy season. They had hauled so much gravel to fill the holes in the drive. Even at that, there was much less concentration of traffic on the farm, and enough space to go a little wider over fresh ground so as to avoid cutting deep ruts.

The buildings had a dust which had been a combination of coal soot, fine wood ash, particles from digging, crushing and blasting. Except for the people and the afternoon sun backlighting the mountains, the town could be depressing. On these autumn days, as soon as the sun began to make shadows a cold chill began to set in. Raymond began to feel the loneliness he so often felt in Discovery. Sure, he liked the other miners, but as hard as he tried to avoid it, his managerial role placed a distance between him and the others.

At work everybody felt the crunch to produce and the despair of working so hard, but never being able to get ahead of the bills. The only times he was able to forget his concerns were when he visited Victoria. That was only true if Mr. Thomas did not attempt to place heavy burdens of guilt on him. The guilt was for being too friendly with the miners, not being serious enough or not pushing them hard enough.

As Raymond approached the Thomas house, a conversation had already begun, “Now Father, I don't want you to talk shop today.”

“Well, you know that was the main reason I agreed to invite him over today. I just have one more thing to bring up. Do you think he is totally committed yet?”

“Father, he has taken a major risk to be foreman. He doesn't seem like a risk-taker, but he has accepted a job with a lot of potential for disaster, not to mention that it stretches his personal comfort beyond complacency. ”

“And a lot of potential for success!” interjected Mr. Thomas.

“Father, you don't have to sell me on the idea. You know I understand the potential for success in the mines. This can wait until tomorrow at the office. He does not leave until Saturday.”

“I know, but I like to kill two birds with one stone. There is not much else to talk about today.”

“You could count your blessings.”

“Um, we make our own blessings! I just don't want to invest a lot of time and training into someone who can't commit. I think being sent for training will bring him on full bore. I am reluctant to have an employee know about an aspect of mining with which I am unfamiliar. He could get too independent. If I had time I'd go, too.”

“Father, you know your organization can only grow if you allow it to grow beyond your own abilities and power. You have to entrust real responsibilities to others.”

“I tried that once with my brother. How did that turn out?”

Ring. Ring.

“We can talk more about that later. That's him! No shop talk!”

After Raymond came in, hung his coat and greeted the Thomases, the talk was mostly awkward small talk. Raymond always attempted, especially in the presence of Mr. Thomas, to appear to be totally engaged in the conversation. He always attempted to convince himself and whoever was present that he was not totally interested in whatever Victoria was doing – that he was ever eager to catch a glimpse of her or listen intently when she talked. It became increasingly evident he was fighting a losing battle. He was less aware of his failed attempts than any other observer.

The only thing Mr. Thomas intended to discuss regarding business was that he had heard good reports about Raymond. Raymond, for the most part, felt somewhat comfortable around Mr. Thomas, except when he was in one of his bothersome, cantankerous moods. Mr. Thomas was usually careful not to demonstrate these moods on holidays and weekends.

Raymond liked to be around Victoria, but he, at times probably felt less comfortable around her than he did being around Mr. Thomas. She held his emotions captive. If she knew the power she had over him, she could have destroyed him at will – if she were of that disposition. Raymond believed Mr. Thomas might have been of that disposition, but he did not have any power over Raymond other than to take his job. Victoria had the power to steal his heart.

He was glad she did not know, at least, she did not appear to him that she knew or even cared what Raymond felt about her. But then, how could she know he was interested? Well, maybe she did not know. Ever since the first meeting, he could not fully compose himself around her. Maybe she did know! That was terrifying! Maybe she was just waiting for the right moment to embarrass him or break his heart. By contrast to his logical thoughts, his inner thoughts still told him he could trust her.

“Did you hear what I said?”

“I am sorry, sir. I was just thinking about what you said.” Raymond fumbled to stall, hoping Mr. Thomas would pick up on the conversation where he had drifted out.

“So, you like fishing for compliments, eh? I was saying that I was hearing good reports about you.”

“Thank you, sir. I hope I am earning the men's respect.”

“Um, well, yes. Of course they respect you. I think maybe, they may even fear you. They know you can recommend disciplinary actions or even dismissal for me to consider. I am sure they don‘t want to be singled out. A little fear is healthy. You will have an advantage when you have knowledge in an area they don't have. That way they'll depend on you more. Knowledge is power! Oh, and be careful about complimenting too much. They'll get a big head.”

Victoria brought some food into the dining room. She looked at Mr. Thomas with her head tilted forward and a frown, as she looked through her brow – noticed by Mr. Thomas, yet unperceived by Raymond. Mr. Thomas understood the gesture. “I guess that is enough shop talk. It looks like dinner is about ready.”

During dinner Victoria seemed to be more polite than usual. She looked Raymond in the eye more deeply and seemed to hold her glances longer when he gazed back at her. Could it be that she might be interested in him, too? There were not many single men in town. She certainly would not be allowed to be attracted to a miner, except for the remote possibility of one who was management. None of them had any education or liked to read. At least they had no time or energy to read after a full day at the mines. Maybe there was a basis for mutual attraction. Raymond could only hope.

“Victoria, I've never heard you mention a fiancé or a boyfriend.” Raymond almost felt shocked at himself for finding the courage to utter such a bold inquiry. Mr. Thomas looked up from his eating, glancing, unnoticed, at the two people engaged in the conversation.

“Oh, there has been no one of interest to me here and I have been too busy to really think about such a consideration.”

She commented as if it was the first time she had thought of such an arrangement. After she said this, she gave a glance that conveyed more warmth then he had ever seen from her. Maybe he will always be in Discovery.

Saturday rolled around. Raymond was up early packing and repacking. He could not sleep from the excitement. Today would be his first train trip. He thought how his clothes took so little room in the leather suit case Mr. Thomas had loaned him. He thought, “How could I get this back to him if I choose to stay in Wellspring?”

He grabbed the suitcase and headed toward the dining room. He could eat a leisurely breakfast, stop by the office for his paperwork, and walk the two blocks to the depot with plenty of time to spare. As he entered the dining room, he noticed himself looking in the direction of the private dining area. Disappointedly, he acknowledged, “They must be at work already. I'm glad I have to stop by the mine office on my way.”

Raymond ordered breakfast and drank his coffee. He was excited about the trip and the training, but reluctant about entering Wellspring by himself. The weighty cloud of indecision still hung heavy over him. Because of the extra burden he placed upon himself, some of the excitement of the trip was dampened somewhat.

He finished breakfast and casually walked to the mining office. As he entered the door, he saw Victoria at her desk. She looked up, handed him an envelope and said, “Oh Raymond, here is your expense money. You will have cash for every day needs. Keep receipts. The check goes to the Institute as you register. Your train tickets are there, too. You can keep it all in that leather courier.”

“Thank you.”

“And Raymond…” He loved to hear the way she pronounced his name and the way she always did so when talking to him. She reached down beside her desk and hoisted a medium-sized flat box. “I couldn't help but notice your work coat at our house. You can't go to Wellspring wearing that old thing.”

He opened the box and took out a new denim work coat. “Wow, this is too much. How could I ever repay this?”

“You don't ‘repay' gifts. I got it myself.”

Raymond walked toward her and wanted to kiss her, at least give her an affectionate hug, but awkwardly reached out his hand to shake hers in a professional manner. Victoria, perceiving the awkwardness, said, “Oh, give me a hug.”

“Thank you. I will miss, um…Discovery.”

“It's only two weeks. Now go down there and learn all you can. I know you'll do us proud.”

As Raymond walked toward the depot, he could actually not remember if his feet hit the ground. He might have been on Cloud Nine. As he neared the depot, he could see the black column of smoke and the smell the coal and wood burning in the boiler of the locomotive, as the train came clanking into the station. The train was idling, coasting and giving off a deep hiss of excess steam every now and then. The snorting reminded Raymond of an angry bull as he pawed the ground. The train rolled to a stop with the screech of metal rubbing metal.

He showed his ticket to the conductor, who seemed preoccupied as he studied his pocket watch and said, “Ten fifty-five,” with a smile. He stowed the wooden step in the stair well of the train and shouted toward the engine, “All aboard.”