Chapter 22: The Benevolent Capitalist

Although Annie knew that given her total net worth and the limited effort she could realistically contribute, it was laughable to discuss equity in the face of a million-dollar investment, she did not give up. On the contrary, she felt that in such a situation, it was even more important to demonstrate her value.

Annie was indeed a resourceful person. The time spent in theater workshops became an opportunity to expand her network. By befriending the tailors who designed costumes for the theater, she gathered a wealth of information about garment factories in Chicago. This information helped Logan successfully acquire one of the larger factories at a favorable price. Through this, Logan gained insight into the factories of this era.

The factory Logan acquired was located in a modern steel-frame high-rise. The building stood ten stories tall, reaching 135 feet, with each floor offering about 9,000 square feet of usable space. The garment factory occupied two full floors. It was only then that Logan realized most production facilities in Chicago were not the massive industrial complexes built by titans like Henry Ford, nor the sprawling visions imagined by Fritz Lang in his futuristic masterpiece *Metropolis*. Instead, they were smaller, more intimate "loft factories." This particular building housed dozens of independent garment workshops, forming a miniature industrial supply chain.

Inside the factory, Logan observed Otis elevators, Bell telephones, and Singer sewing machines, alongside designated safety exits, stairwells, and fire buckets. "No Smoking" signs were plastered on the walls to prevent fires. It looked nothing like the notorious sweatshops one might expect, did it?

Hardly. That was only because one had yet to see the specific working conditions. Each floor was crammed with two hundred sewing machines arranged in over a dozen narrow rows. Workers sat back-to-back, surrounded by cutting tables, garment racks, bolts of fabric, clothing, and heaps of debris, filling the 9,000-square-foot space to capacity.

As the factory manager accompanied Logan and Annie on the tour, he explained, "The workforce consists entirely of women. A man’s wages are at least double that of a woman, so hiring women effectively reduces costs, and they are easier to manage." He continued, "They must strictly adhere to all factory regulations. Their meals, bathroom breaks, and arrival and departure times are all closely monitored. They work 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week."

Logan remained expressionless. "Can you truly guarantee them one day off per week?"

The manager offered a sheepish smile. "Well, while there is a set day of rest, the seasonal nature of the garment industry means they rarely get to take it." Seeing that Logan remained stoic, he gathered the courage to continue, "During the peak season, production increases and the women are required to work overtime. Sometimes they work until 9:00 PM, starting from 7:00 AM."

Logan felt there was no need to ask about overtime pay. "What are the workers' wages?"

"The factory determines pay based on individual skill. From the lowest-level thread-trimming trainees to skilled sample makers, each level corresponds to a different pay scale." The manager gauged the new owner’s reaction before adding cautiously, "Generally speaking, a skilled woman who has mastered the sewing machine and has experience earns between eight and twelve dollars a week..."

Annie followed behind Logan, listening in silence and watching the women. The factory windows were mostly kept shut to maintain a humidity level suitable for thread and cotton, which kept the factory in a state of sweltering heat. The air was thick with lint, and the sound of coughing was frequent. Beyond that, one had to endure the constant clatter of hundreds of machines working in unison, as if the sewing machines were living inside one's own ears. Even so, the women worked silently, with no time to spare even a glance at the new owner.

Annie knew that many of these women, like herself, had come to Chicago from the countryside. They hoped not only to earn a wage and achieve economic independence but also to see and experience the wonders of the city. Most had little education or specialized skills and relied on their labor to survive; entering the garment industry was considered a relatively decent option.

Most of Chicago’s garment production took place in small, home-style workshops characterized by long hours, abysmal pay, gender discrimination, and abuse from owners. Thus, the women were often eager to work in larger factories. Yet, these "large" garment factories were merely camouflaged sweatshops.

"…From their wages, we deduct costs for needles, thread, electricity, and machine wear and tear, as they utilize factory resources," the manager added. "And sometimes, they incur additional fees, such as fines or compensation for damaged goods..."

Annie knew that if she hadn't chosen to work in a bar, or if she hadn't been "tricked" by Logan, she might well have been one of them. She felt fortunate to have hitched her wagon to someone like Logan, and she became even more desperate to integrate herself into his business empire rather than remaining an expendable laborer.

Thinking this, Annie leaned closer to Logan, as if to signal that their relationship was something extraordinary. Logan didn't notice; he was lost in his own thoughts. He reflected that such working conditions and intensity, if placed in the America of a century later, would never attract a native worker—even a homeless person would sooner starve than enter such a factory, leaving only undocumented immigrants to fill the roles. Yet, in this present day, even native-born American men toiled day and night in thousands of factories with conditions potentially even worse. It was no wonder that the American economy, already the largest in the world, was still in such a rapid ascent.

After the tour, Logan gave the manager instructions: "You will convert the current production setup into an assembly line. Also, improve the environment—install ventilation in the windows so dust and stale air can escape. Fire exits must be kept completely clear. And one more thing: no child labor."

The manager listened intently, a look of incredulous admiration appearing on his face. "Boss, such a heart is truly rare! You are a truly kind man!" He leaned in, lowering his voice to a confidential, earnest tone. "But if I may speak frankly, there is no need for such expense. For these women, simply not docking their pay would already be an immense act of grace!"

Hearing these strangely familiar words, Logan was momentarily speechless. His original plan was based on nothing more than the cold logic of modern management: improving the environment would boost focus; reducing injuries meant fewer work stoppages; and banning child labor would extend the lifespan of his workforce. Ultimately, it was all for the sake of extracting productivity more durably and efficiently.

Logan initially thought the manager was being sarcastic, but seeing the man's sincere and world-weary eyes, he realized the man genuinely believed his new boss was being charitable. Even Annie looked at him with pride, thinking, *This guy might be a bit of a scoundrel, but he’s a boss with a conscience!*

Logan could only say nothing. What else was there to say? Society was indeed progressing. At the very least, a century later, his behavior—refusing to raise wages, denying extra vacation, and demanding even higher efficiency—would only earn him the title of a ruthless capitalist, rather than being hailed as a kind-hearted philanthropist.