TOBACCO LEAVES 



he regales his auditors, the workmen, for 

 an hour and a half with selected readings, 

 declamations, and anecdotes. He is an 

 employee of the employees. He is paid 

 by them and ruled by them. For it is they 

 who by vote determine whether he shall 

 furnish them with humour or tragedy, 

 descriptive matter or rippling verse. 



A summary of the reader's work during 

 an entire week gives a good insight into 

 the mental calibre and status of the cigar- 

 makers. It will contain a condensed ac- 

 count of current events, taken from the 

 daily and weekly press. A page or two of 

 history, or works of travel which elucidate 

 issues of the hour. A poem or two. A 

 number of jests some broad and Rabbe- 

 laisian, others refined and brilliant. A 

 chapter, daily, from a standard work of 

 fiction. A story of a great lawsuit, and, 

 it may be, a review of the new play or 

 light opera. 



25 



