Ep.303 - Calumet "K" Series, Episode 11

Jason shares Chapter 11 of "Calumet K" by Merwin Webster. Bannon holds council of war on wharf with Hilda, Max, Peterson. Explains Grady's blackmail won't deliver: "He'd call the men off just the same after he'd struck us for all he thought we'd stand." Can't reason with laborers directly, "they don't want facts or reason, what they like is Grady's oratory." Key principle: "Strike as high as you can. The biggest man who will let you in his office. It's the small fry that make the trouble." Tells Hilda railroad story: as alderman in Yoger, chained up BYP train to tracks until railroad paid $430 city debt. Visits RS Carver, president of Central District American Federation of Labor. Makes systematic case Grady is blackmailer: meets at night not office, wants Sunday meeting in Chicago not jobsite, gives oratory not specifics. Carver: "I don't see any reason why I should help you." Bannon: "If there's any chance what I said is true, better for your credit to settle quietly. Do your investigating in advance." Next morning "James" appears asking for job, Bannon recognizes him as Carver's investigator, hires him immediately.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why you can't reason with manipulated crowds: "They don't want facts or reason. What they like is Grady's oratory. They'd resolve I was a thief and a liar and vindicate Grady more than ever"

• Strike as high as you can principle: "The general manager of a railroad is always easier to get on with than the division superintendent, it's the small fry that make trouble"

• Building systematic case against blackmailer: night meetings not office, Sunday in Chicago not jobsite, oratory not specifics, learns deadline/budget then sends warning letter

• The creative problem-solving story: chaining train to tracks to collect city debt shows Bannon's pattern of unconventional solutions

• Getting investigation started: Carver can't officially investigate but sends "James", Bannon recognizes him instantly and hires him to ground floor

"Strike as high as you can. The biggest man who will let you in his office. It's the small fry that make the trouble."

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