Winds of Change

Winston asked Stephens a direct question, “What do we do with all the slaves, as they are called, if and when change dictates their freedom?”
Stephens paused momentarily and replied, “First and foremost, Winston, we must grant them their freedom. Now, with that said, there is a fine line between freedom and being free. Will they enjoy freedom as you and I know it, I think not. In the case of Hillshire, I would surmise that all the inhabitants would prefer business as usual. However, a new means of management will be dictated. There are no laws which dictate a measure of payment for services rendered. If and when that time comes, if I were you, I would formulate a system of payment based solely upon production. For example, all your key people could be responsible, much as they are now, for their prospective areas of operation and would perhaps receive a share of the proceeds from the yields of the crops they produce from planting to market. The downside to that is teaching them how to manage money and more importantly what the monetary system is all about. I hope that gives you some relief from your demise.”
Winston agreed and asked one last question, “If secession does become a reality, what do those of us in the south with substantial bank accounts do with our money? There will undoubtedly be a confederation of the southern states which will dictate the printing of their own money. At that point ours will be completely useless for the operation of our businesses. Do all the long years of prosperity simply disappear?”
Mister Stephens replied, “Winston, what I am about to tell you is a well-guarded secret within the realm of politics. There are means in which those in the “Inner Circle” will be allowed to exchange “American Dollars” for gold at various depositories in our great land, the closest of which is in Kentucky. Therefore, we shall become “Knights of the Golden Circle”, as it were. Gold has an international monetary value and is accepted by all as payment for whatever intent presented. I will be exchanging mine, Colonel Winslow’s and yours in ten days’ time if, of course, you wish me to do so.”
Winston simply said, “Mister Stephens, you just tell me when to be here with the cash and I will forever be in your debt, Sir. Time is money and I do not intend to waste neither on a wager of the outcome of the coming election.”