The Empire Builders 31-01-05 (67) Bert Pond, Worrier and Baby

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Empire Builders 31-01-05 (67) – "Bert Pond, Worrier and Baby"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 28, 2026
Original Air Date: January 5, 1931
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio (presenting a dramatized radio play)
Featured Performers: Harvey Hayes (Old Timer), Lucille Houston (Laura Gray), Bob White (Bert Pond), Betty White (Baby), Bernadine Flynn (Mother)

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Overview

This episode of Empire Builders, presented by the Great Northern Railway, captures both the economic anxieties and the resilient spirit during the Great Depression’s early years. The drama revolves around Bert Pond, a mill owner beset by worries about hard times, his nephew’s romance with a progressive social worker, and an unexpected encounter with an abandoned baby aboard a train. Through witty banter and social commentary, the episode examines how worry and pessimism can spread, the impact of cutting jobs, and the vital importance of maintaining hope and community during difficult times.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Summary

1. Economic Hard Times and the Spirit of Optimism (00:01 – 02:47)

• The episode opens with a message underscoring the Great Northern Railway’s role in supporting economic recovery and providing dependable services, despite widespread talk of depression.
• The narrator notes, “...with all the talk about depression, there still are people and organizations who are too busy working for good times to wail about hard times.” (01:08)

2. Meet Bert Pond and the Old Timer: Worrying About Business (02:47 – 08:03)

• Bert Pond and the Old Timer reconnect on the Empire Builder train, reminiscing about past hard times and Bert’s tendency to worry.
• Bert admits he’s lost his knack for worrying, with the Old Timer noting, “Maybe it’s because I don’t do an awful lot of worrying anymore, Ben. Used to be a pretty good hand at worrying. Especially over things that it wasn’t no good to worry about.” (03:22)
• Discussion of previous economic downturns reveals a cycle of crisis and recovery and highlights how past worries often proved unfounded.

3. The Payroll Crisis and Family Tensions (06:08 – 08:44)

• Bert details his intention to cut his mill’s payroll in half despite business being only “8% under” the previous year. He even plans to fire his nephew Jim (the superintendent) for not immediately following his order.
• Old Timer objects, “And you want to cut your payroll in half. Say, Bert Pond, I’m ashamed. Right when things are due for an upturn.” (07:52)

4. Laura Gray: The Social Worker and Bert’s Fears (08:44 – 13:54)

• We learn Jim’s sweetheart, Laura Gray, is a social worker inspiring “highfalutin notions” in him about worker welfare. Bert is suspicious and dismissive: “I don’t aim to have no woman snooping around my mill.” (08:43)
• Laura and Old Timer discuss the telegram: Laura admits to encouraging Jim to oppose his uncle’s drastic payroll cuts. She’s deeply concerned about the wellbeing of mill workers’ families.

5. Comic Relief and Social Reflection: The Baby Incident (10:12 – 21:17)

• A frantic mother asks Bert to watch her baby momentarily; chaos ensues when the train departs before she returns, leaving Bert (mistaken for the baby’s grandpa) in charge.
• The scene is full of humor, confusion, and gentle ribbing, as Bert awkwardly tries to comfort the baby: “Now look here, darn it, the baby’s starting to fret again.” (18:31)
• Laura and the Old Timer soon step in, with Laura expertly caring for the baby and offering optimistic, pragmatic advice about social responsibility and the unseen costs of penny-pinching.

6. Discussion on Social Responsibility and the ‘Invisible Payroll’ (21:19 – 26:06)

• Laura chides Bert for focusing solely on profits and not on the repercussions of payroll cuts:
  • “Every man, woman and child in America is on your payroll, whether they have jobs or not. And directly or indirectly, you have to feed them and clothe them.” (23:02 – Laura)
  • She explains the concept of the 'invisible payroll' – the social safety nets and community costs that rise as employment falls.
• Bert defiantly insists, “No orphan home's gonna have this baby,” but Laura, with the social worker’s authority, counters that his actions reverberate far beyond his own concerns.

7. Turning Point and Resolution: Reversing Course (26:07 – 27:15)

• In a moment of conscience, Bert reverses his decision: “Very well then. All right, I won't chop the payroll. Darn me, I’ll add to it. From now on, you’re going to be our efficiency expert...” (26:36)
• Laura agrees to stay involved, moving toward a hopeful reconciliation.

8. Uplifting Musical and Closing Lessons (27:16 – 29:07)

• The cast ends with a buoyant song about “good times are coming,” encouraging listeners to remain upbeat and proactive.
• The narrator returns with a real-world reminder about fighting for prosperity and the ongoing investments (like the California extension) undertaken by the Great Northern Railway.
• “1921 did reward fighters. 1931 too will reward fighters. Business is far from dead. It must be fought for...” (28:13)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On worry vs. action:

  • “Why, all of a sudden, I’d find out that what I was worrying about had up and gotten readjusted like.”
    — Old Timer (03:51)

• On business cycles:

  • “Hard times never last as long as most folks figure they will. They come around every so often, but before you know it, they’re gone again.”
    — Old Timer (05:22)

• On social responsibility:

  • “You just cut wages. And every man, woman and child in America is on your payroll, whether they have jobs or not…”
    — Laura Gray (23:02)

• On hope and collective effort:

  • “Good times are coming so cheer up, let’s be carefree and start a humming / Then all your troubles will clear up. Make life a song and a dance. Give care its kick in the pants…”
    — Ensemble Song (27:19)

• On the role of industry:

  • “Business is far from dead. It must be fought for. And those who fight will reap the rewards… 1931 too will reward fighters.”
    — Narrator (28:13)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:08] Great Northern Railway’s role in recovery
• [02:47] Bert Pond and Old Timer discuss past and present worries
• [06:08] Bert’s drastic plans for the mill payroll
• [08:44] Introduction of Laura Gray and discussion of Jim's telegram
• [10:12 – 11:42] The baby is left with Bert, leading to comedic confusion
• [18:08] Bert’s prized railroad watch destroyed by baby
• [21:19] Laura explains the 'invisible payroll'
• [23:02] Laura’s passionate speech on social responsibility
• [26:36] Bert rethinks and decides not to cut payroll
• [27:16] Uplifting closing song
• [28:13] Narrator’s final encouragement and historical parallel

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Overall Tone & Style

The episode combines wry humor with earnest social commentary, capturing both the anxieties of its era and a belief in resilience through community, optimism, and ethical leadership. Dialogue is lively and colloquial, with sharp exchanges between Bert, the Old Timer, and Laura Gray — ranging from comedic arguments to heartfelt appeals for understanding and generosity.

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This summary provides a thorough guide to the episode’s plot, characters, major messages, and standout moments, making it accessible and engaging for listeners new and old.

Transcript

[A]

Northern Railway presents Empire Builders.

[B]

It's.

[A]

Tonight's Empire Builders playlist comes to you as a reminder that with all the talk about depression, there still are people and organizations who are too busy working for good times to wail about hard times. The territory served by the Great Northern Railway is busy creating prosperity. And the Great Northern Railway itself is lending a hand in this constructive endeavor. The Great Northern Railway has made available to producers and shippers throughout this great northwest empire a transportation service that represents the acme in dependability and efficiency. Among the services provided for shippers by the Great Northern are pass through plates on the long hauls between terminals, speedy package car service between important shipping points, swift long distance refrigerator train service for food products, specialized equipment to serve such industries as the iron mines of northern Minnesota, the copper mines of Montana and the lumber interests of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Great Northern freight representatives as well as travel bureaus are located in many of the cities from which this program is broadcast. These expert traffic men will be glad to serve you. Well, well.

[B]

Dog my cat. If it ain't Bert Fun. Howdy, Bert.

[C]

Hello, old timer.

[B]

It's mighty good to be seeing you again, Bert. Quite a spell since the last time we run into each other.

[C]

Tried to spell. That was on the Empire Builder too.

[B]

Yes, sir, it was.

[C]

Well, I. I can't say you've changed much, old timer. No, you're looking just about the same as ever.

[B]

Is that so, Bert? Just about the same.

[C]

I wouldn't say offend that you look.

[B]

A bit older than you did then. Well, thanks, Ben.

[C]

Yeah, you sure do keep try.

[A]

It beats me how you do it.

[B]

Well, maybe it's because I don't do an awful lot of worrying anymore, Ben. You know, I used to be a pretty good hand at worrying. Especially over things that it wasn't no good to worry about.

[C]

Well, you never had any more worries than I had, old timer.

[B]

You have been a powerful worry upon. But me, I. Well, I'm slipping. I can't do near as good a job of worrying as I used to.

[C]

Well, you don't think it's caused your picking up an ear, Dewey, old timer?

[B]

No, no. Oh no, it's not that. I just found out how darn foolish it was right when I used to be getting in my heaviest worrying licks. Why all of a sudden I'd find out that what I was worrying about had up and gotten readjusted like. Yeah, don't say. Yes sir. That's the way it always turns out.

[C]

Well, I don't know. Now if you had My worries Just.

[B]

How are things going anyway?

[C]

Rotten, rotten, rotten. I'm telling you, old timer, I never saw times worse.

[B]

No, no, no, no, no. Perhaps you know better than that. I remember back in 93 when you had to sell your buggy to buy feed for your horse.

[C]

Yes, I do sort of remember something like that.

[B]

And then you had to borrow my rig so he could go a courting Ellis Emple. You know, it always seemed odd to me that you two didn't get hitched up along about then.

[C]

Well, I reck only. Well, last year times was so hard.

[B]

Well, times weren't too hard for ella. Wanted in 94, she up and married Joe pike over in Bonner's Ferry. Yeah.

[C]

Twas June of 94, you see. I'd been waiting for times to, well, pick up a little more.

[B]

I see. But Joe pike wasn't much sot on waiting, was he? And he wanted any better fix than you were, Bert?

[C]

Not as well fixed, I reckon. I had to live with his folks for a while. Times were so hard. But if I'd known the four times wasn't gonna last no longer than they did.

[B]

Say, four times never last as long as most folks figure they will be. They come around every so often, but before you know it, they're gone again.

[C]

Well, they're worse right now than they've been since 93 anyway, old timer.

[B]

Great catfish and catamounts. Bet you sure are forgetful. Say, how about that spell in 1907 when you were staying up night figuring how you was going to keep the sheriff away from that little mill you had then?

[C]

Yeah, maybe you're right. I was mighty worried then.

[B]

Yes, you was worried some in 1920, weren't you, Bert? You know, right after the government cancelled those war contracts you had.

[C]

I sure was.

[B]

And then. Then you had the best years you ever had, see. I guess your mill's one of the biggest in the state now, ain't it, Bert?

[C]

Well, I should hope to tell you, but I ain't taking any chances of getting caught in this here slump. The fact is I'm on my way up there right now and when I get there.

[B]

Yeah, and what's going to happen when you get there?

[C]

I'll tell you what's going to happen. First off, I'm going to fire that darn moon and nephew of mine. Fast turned catfish you are.

[B]

Well, he's your superintendent, isn't he?

[C]

Well, he won't be after I get there.

[B]

I always thought you was right fond of your nephew.

[C]

What's come up Plenty but the main thing. Well, you see, about a week ago I wired him to cut the payroll in half.

[B]

Oh, scatter my chipmunks. Burke, you didn't do a thing like that, did you?

[C]

Yep, I sure did.

[B]

Say, I'll bet he didn't do it.

[C]

What in thunderation mean? What makes you think that?

[B]

Well, a sort of intuition I guess. Bert. You know that nephew of yours always impressed me as being pretty cool headed.

[C]

Cool headed as a horseradish. Here, you wait a second now, I'll show you something. Here. Here it is.

[B]

You read this telegram, eh? Well, what's it about?

[C]

It's the wire he sent me when I ordered him to chop the payroll. Read it. It's only two words long.

[B]

All right, Bert, thanks.

[C]

Where.

[B]

Says Go? Only two words. Reckon he didn't need to finish it, did he?

[C]

No, but I'll finish him.

[B]

No, no, no, don't go to kicking over the traces. Say, how did your business last year compare with the business this year or the year before?

[C]

Well, business the year before, let's say less, way less. 8%.

[B]

Under 8%. Well, well. And you want to cut your payroll in half. Say, Bert Pond, I'm ashamed. Yeah, right. When things are due for an upturn.

[C]

Well, I'm going to play safe. That's what I'm going to do. What makes you think things are due for enough, sir?

[B]

Why Bert's have begun to pick up already. Every sign is pointing better times ahead.

[C]

I got to see them first. No, sir, I'm not taking chances. I'm going to whack that payroll down the minute I hit mill town. Or the minute after anyway, just as soon as I can bounce my nephew and that girl of his out of the yard.

[B]

Girl? Did you? Yes.

[C]

He's been shining around the girl. She's. But she's putting all these highfalutin notions in his head. Yes. Yeah, you see, she's one of these here social workers.

[B]

Social workers?

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Hey, that sounds fine.

[C]

Not to me you don't. I don't aim to have no woman snooping around my mill. Well, no, Laura Gray's gonna run the mill anyway.

[B]

Say, what name did you say?

[C]

Laura Gray's the name.

[B]

Laura Gray. Say, you'll have to excuse me a bit.

[C]

Hey, you're not rolling away, are you?

[B]

No, no, I'll. Now if that ain't too good with Ms. Gray right here on the Empire Building.

[C]

Sad.

[B]

Libby, sir. Yes, sir, this is Libby.

[C]

And did we stop here long?

[B]

No sir, only a minute or so.

[A]

We'll be leaving right Away.

[C]

Beg pardon, mister. I promise to get a pillow for a lady. All right, father. Go along with your pillows.

[D]

I, I, Mister, can I. Can I leave my baby here a moment?

[C]

The baby?

[D]

Well, I've got to run back. A moment, please.

[C]

Well, I suppose.

[D]

Oh, thank you. Baby. Baby. My mother's got to leave.

[C]

Baby. Well, well.

[D]

Well. My, my, what a sweet baby. Your grandchild.

[C]

No. Taint girl. Let's sit here.

[D]

Oh, well, what big blue eyes it has, huh? All in six, too. Must be a girl. Is it?

[C]

How should I know? Girl. That' Gosh, all crab apples. What's that?

[D]

What's that?

[C]

Doggone it. That girl ought to be getting back here.

[D]

I've had nine myself and I know now you.

[C]

I tell you, it ain't my baby. Some dressed girl. That's an it. What? What's that? What? A train. Start. Hey, Parker.

[D]

Conductor.

[C]

Somebody. You're pulling off, leaving this kid's mother.

[D]

Well, I can't imagine any mother leaving her baby with a person like you. I'm going right back to my seat.

[C]

Wait a minute.

[B]

Listen here.

[C]

Gosh. Oh, Crab apple. She's starting to cry, too. Now what am I going to do?

[D]

Back again, old timer.

[C]

Good.

[B]

And I reckon I've got some good. Well, I got some news for you, Ms. Gray.

[D]

Oh, don't be so formal, old timer. Call me Laura. And what's this news you have for me?

[B]

Well, you know, after I left you here in the observation mound, then I ran into an old friend of mine, Bert Palm.

[D]

Jim's uncle?

[B]

Yep, Jim's uncle. Oh, he's going to mill town, too. Seems he's got one of his cautious streaks on planning to do a lot of whacking and slashing on the payroll and such.

[D]

I know. I saw the telegram he sent him.

[B]

I reckon maybe you had. But did you happen to see the app Jim sent back?

[D]

Yes. You know, old timer, it may sound awful, but I guess I'm responsible for it.

[B]

Well, I can't say there was any language wasted. Say, and Jim's uncle all burned up over it.

[D]

But it was so absurd, the thing he wanted Jim to do. Now, imagine cutting the payroll in half when business is only 7% under a year ago.

[B]

8%, Laura. Brett said 8%.

[D]

That shows how close he keeps track of things. It was 8%, but December sales cut it to.

[B]

Well, you seem to keep a pretty close check on things, Laura.

[D]

Well, I've seen the statements and the order sheets and I've seen the inventory of reserve stock, and it's down to almost nothing. And advance orders are already picking up. Oh, I tell you, Old Timer, there isn't justification for any cut in payroll.

[B]

Well, I've been trying to tell Bert that, Laura, but I don't know. Sometimes I think Bert can't see any further than the end of his nose. And he's stubborn as the is.

[D]

Oh, I know, but Jim won't cut the payroll. I told Jim if he carries those orders of his uncle's, well, that I wouldn't marry him. There.

[B]

Well now, now that sort of leaves Jim betwixt between betwith her, doesn't it, Laura?

[D]

Well, how do you mean?

[B]

Well, if Jim don't make the cut, I reckon Bert will fire him. Then if you marry Jim, he won't have no job to keep up a home on.

[D]

It isn't his job I'm worrying about, Old Timer, it's. Oh, it's the jobs of those other workers at the mill. You know, men with families and children and maybe nothing put aside. It's the children and mother who suffer most if.

[C]

Mr. Old Timer.

[D]

Oh, someone's calling you, Old Timer.

[C]

Mr. Old Timer. Hello.

[B]

Well, here I am, Jackson gone.

[C]

Mr. Old Timer. I've been looking all up and down.

[B]

The Empire building for you.

[C]

You have?

[B]

Well, what about Jackson? About that baby. It needs you. Baby? Baby what? Well, what baby, Jackson? Mr. Pond's baby, Bert pawns baby. Scatter my chipmunks, Jackson. Say, what on earth are you talking about? Mr. Pond done got a baby, Ms. Old Timer. He's about a 12 pound baby gal ain't? Good heavens, Jackson, this sounds scandalous. Wasn't that it's clamor. It's what? It's calamitous. I'm afraid I don't quite understand Mr. Pond. Ever since he had the baby he's been wanting this and wanting that and wanting t' other things. He don't know what it is he is wanting.

[C]

Well, suppose I don't mind, but I wish he was more calm and clever like.

[B]

Is there anything particular that he's wanting now, Jackson? Yes, sir. You.

[C]

Me? He's wanting you, Mr. Oldhamer.

[B]

Well, I'll have to run up and see what all this excitement is about. Say, would you excuse me, Laura?

[D]

Sydney.

[B]

Bert Fond. If this ain't a sight for sore eyes. Say, that's a mighty pretty baby you've got there holding onto that nose of yours. Is it a boy or girl?

[C]

Good cash. All crap apples. How should I know? 50 people have asked me that already.

[B]

No, no, now Bert, calm down a bit.

[C]

Here I was sitting all Alone. And a woman has to come and leave this baby with me.

[B]

So you've been taking care of the baby for us. Now, I sort of gathered from Jackson that the baby was threatened. And now here I find her co and smiling as fine as you please.

[C]

Yeah, well, that's cause she's got a hold of my nose. She likes to hold onto her, but don't let her hold onto my nose.

[D]

She whippers.

[B]

What?

[C]

Whippers. Whippers. She whippers until I let her hold my nose again. Oh. Whimpers yes, Everybody's laughing at me too.

[B]

No, no, not laughing, Bert. Just smiling. You know. You know, it always makes people feel kind of good to see a baby making over an old fellow like you or me.

[C]

Well, it ain't Mike. Is my nose. Now you look. Now I'm going to take my hand away. Yeah, yeah. There you are, baby. Now see how much better I can talk now?

[B]

Yes, yes, but the baby don't seem so pleased. It looks like she's clouding up to cry.

[C]

Now, see, old timer? What did I tell you?

[B]

Now, here, wait. Wait a minute. Have you tried letting her hold your watch?

[C]

No, but maybe she would do that. Now, let's see here. Here, baby. Here, here, here. There you are. There you are, pretty watch. Watch go kick.

[B]

You see, she stopped fretting already.

[C]

Sure, she stopped fretting. That's a mighty fine watch. That's the watch the club gives it.

[B]

Looks like a dandy watch to me. Looks like a railroader's watch.

[C]

Yeah, keeps perfect time. Just like a railroader's watch too, and everything. Yeah, you see them things there in the fob? Yeah. They're gold nuggets from the last case.

[B]

It sure is a pretty watch, but.

[C]

Hey, hey, look out. Oh, traffic. Gosh, you threw it on the floor.

[B]

Shatter my chipmunks. That's just what she's done. Well, didn't you hear me holler?

[C]

Oh, yes, yes, I heard you holler. After she'd gone and done it, and I watched the club give me through.

[B]

Well, now, here, I'll pick it up. Maybe it ain't, but it's. The crystal's broke.

[C]

Does it run? I says, is it running?

[B]

No, no, no, Bert, I. I don't hear no tick, tick. But the nuggets ain't hurt none, though.

[C]

Now look here, darn it. The baby's starting to fret again.

[B]

Well, I guess she didn't like it, Bert, when you down on the seat after she threw the watch on the floor. You know, babies are mighty touchy sometimes. Now you Better pick her up again.

[C]

Yes, I guess you're right. Here. Here you go now, baby. Here. Say, old timer. Yeah? Field dog. Darn me. Now, why don't I look what I'm doing.

[B]

I guess you don't know much about babies. Oh, but by the way, did you happen to see any package or letter or anything that might have been left? The baby?

[C]

No, don't. Yes, yes, yes, there was a package, but I. Oh, I give it to the porter to throw out. There wasn't nothing in it but some dish towels.

[B]

Dish towels? Yeah, I reckon, Bert, that. That was a mistake.

[C]

Say, old timer, now. Now what are we going to do here?

[B]

Now, there's just one thing I reckon. Say, there's a girl on this Empire Builder bird who I understand's a mighty good hand with babies.

[C]

They have a fetcher. That's fine. Good. Is there someone you know, old timer?

[B]

Yes, and I figure you're going to know her right well, too. You see, B, She's Laura Cray.

[C]

You darn little skeez.

[D]

Oh, the darling baby. Here. Oh, I must hold it.

[C]

Well, you. You better be careful, miss. You better be careful where you hold it.

[D]

Oh, well, I don't mind a little thing like that, do I, baby? Here.

[B]

Hey, you folks. Now, now, give me time to introduce you. Mr. Pond, Ms. Gray. Ms. Gray, Bert Pond.

[C]

How do you do, Mr. Honey, don't.

[D]

Baby and I are going to have to leave you right now because I.

[B]

Reckon the maid on the Empire Builder can maybe help out in just such an emergency as this. Laura.

[C]

Hey, now, young lady, don't you keep that baby too long. Tain't yours.

[D]

Nor yours, Mr. Kahn. How do you like that?

[C]

Well, I never. So. So that's Laura Gray, is it?

[B]

Yes, that's Laura Gray.

[C]

Well. Well, do you think she'll bring the baby back?

[B]

I don't know. Anyway, what'. What difference does it make to you?

[C]

Nothing.

[B]

Yeah, I figured that, Bert.

[C]

Well, I don't think much of that mother, though, leaving her baby here and not coming back.

[B]

Oh, you don't, eh?

[C]

No, I don't. Throwing her baby on somebody else's hands to take care of.

[B]

Well, Bert, I wouldn't be too critical until I knew something about what her problems were. You know, maybe she's had a 8% reduction in her income and it's reducing overhead.

[C]

Old timer, what are you trying to be?

[D]

I guess folks only took a minute. Our baby's fresh as a rosebud.

[C]

Miss Gray, does it cost very much to have a baby?

[D]

Oh, yes, indeed. And to Keep them can be very expensive.

[C]

Well. Well, I was. I was just thinking when times get better, I. I might provide for this here baby.

[D]

Well, I'm sure that would be too great an expense for you, Ms. Park.

[C]

Oh, is that so? Well, let me tell you something, young lady. I own the mill at Milltown. I'm Jim Pond's uncle, that's who. Uncle of the fellow you're engaged to.

[D]

But now I. I think maybe I'll break the engagement.

[C]

Why?

[D]

Because I'm afraid that. Well, we wouldn't agree, you and I. You're such a confirmed pessimist. You thus make life unhappy for both Jim and me.

[C]

Where am I? Why, what do you mean? Me, a pessimist?

[D]

Worse than that, Mr. Tom. You're a calamity, Howlett. You're one of the very men who make depressions who go about at the least flurry, knocking off payrolls and frightening business. Oh, maybe you think you're an industrial leader, but you're just a big industrial scarecrow.

[C]

Now you look here, Miss Gray. Don't you know the time's hard? I'm cutting my payroll because I. Oh.

[D]

You never cut payroll, you just cut wages. And every man, woman and child in America is on your payroll, whether they have jobs or not. And directly or indirectly you have to feed them and clothe them. Oh, the sick, the age, the orphan and the founding, like this baby here, are on your payroll. And old Tiger's payroll and mine.

[C]

I never heard of such thing.

[D]

Yes you have, but you haven't listened. Why, America's payroll, its invisible payroll runs into millions, even in the very best of times. But every able bodied man is employed.

[C]

You mean like these here community chests?

[D]

That's just one part of the invisible payroll. And every cut you make on that visible payroll, the one you see and keep books on, every cut you make on that merely adds to America's big invisible payroll that you and I have to help pay.

[C]

Well, I must say, I never look at it quite like that.

[D]

I know you have to pay. You've only thought in terms of profits and dividends instead of in terms of human life and happiness. And when you don't think in terms of happiness and life, you're cutting profits. You know, unhappy suffering people don't buy much.

[B]

Say Laura's right about that, Bert.

[C]

Wow.

[D]

Right now your profits have fallen only 7%. And if you're sensible, Mr. Pound, they won't stop anymore. They'll gain.

[C]

Gain? Wow.

[D]

Absolutely. And the world is just about ready to start buying again. Supplies are down why, your own reserve stocks have almost vanished. And your part of the world, Mr. Kahn, will start buying more than ever before from you if you don't keep them. Promise.

[C]

What do you mean, keep them from it?

[D]

By cutting production, efficiency, quality, and most of all, buying power.

[C]

Yes, well, that all sounds very well in theory, Ms. Gray, but in practice.

[D]

Now you have to be shown.

[C]

Do you?

[D]

All right, here's your example. This baby, asleep here, deserted by her mother. That baby had a job just being a baby at her own mother could care for, bringing joy and contentment and hope and, oh, everything worth living for to mother. And the mother had a job, too, being a mother. Why, they were the two greatest jobs in the world. The mother had another job too, Mr. Pond, until you made that first payroll cut. The small one in mill town. When she lost that job, three jobs were gone. Whom did you give them to?

[C]

Who did I give them to?

[D]

Yes, whom did you give them to? Oh, I. I don't want to try to imagine what the mother's job is. Now, let's just think about whom you're giving this baby's job to. What orphan home?

[C]

Now look here, no orphan home's gonna have this baby.

[D]

Oh, don't be too sure about that. You forget that I'm a social worker and I can place this child where it's best for it. Why, you couldn't begin to care for it.

[C]

Well, now, couldn't. Couldn't you and Jim and I. Couldn't we sort of all together? Well, I don't care. I want to help Laura.

[D]

No, I'm. I'm afraid not. You see, Mr. Pond, this payroll slashing is sort of epidemic. One does it and another follows just because. And just because is many a person's beaten, not just a woman's beaten. And if you make that 50% cut at the mill, well, I'm going to cut Jim off too, just because.

[C]

No, no, no, please, Ms. Gray, don't you go doing that. Why? Why, why? Think of this baby.

[D]

Oh, all the thinking, Mr. Pond.

[C]

No, no. Yes. Oh, well, very well then. All right, I won't chop the payroll. Darn me, I'll add to it. From now on, you're going to be our efficiency expert, and I.

[D]

And as nearly this baby's mother as I can possibly be. Oh, look, he's away.

[C]

That darn little Stevie.

[D]

Whatcha boo whatcha boo whatcha. I hope.

[C]

Yay. Ho.

[D]

Good times are coming, Good times are.

[C]

Coming so cheer up, let's be carefree and start a hummus Then all your.

[D]

Troubles will clear up make life a song and a dance Give carrots with.

[C]

Kick in the pants Just yell and.

[D]

Tell the world you're happy.

[C]

Good times are coming.

[A]

Ten years ago, when hysterical people were weeping over a so called business depression, a great metropolitan newspaper came out boldly with the slogan 1921 will reward fighters. Every reader of that newspaper saw himself as a potential fighter. Every manufacturer and every businessman who read that slogan took heart. 1921 did reward fighters. 1931 too will reward fighters.

[B]

Business is far from dead.

[A]

It must be fought for. And those who fight will reap the Rewards. Now as 10 years ago, the Great Northern Railway and the Western Pacific Railway are jointly engaged in a $15 million project, notably the California extension, now under construction and to be completed and ready for operation early next year. The Great Northern Railway faces this year of 1931 with conf. Tonight's Empire Builders playlist again featured Harvey Hayes as the old timer. Laura Gray the social worker was Lucille Houston. Bert Pond was Bob White, the baby, Betty White, and the mother, Bernadine Flynn. This is Ted Pearson speaking. Empire Builders comes to you every Monday night from the Chicago studios of the National Broadcasting Company.

[B]

And this is Westinghouse, kyw, the Chicago Herald and the J Station.