3 o'clock
They were much surprised to find that Colonel Harris had returned to the city ; it was believed that he had actually set sail for Europe . The committee unfortunately was a radical one , and did not represent the average thoughtful and conservative type of workingmen . Evidently the committee had been selected for the purpose of intimidating capital , as their manner did not indicate a conciliatory policy . Mr. Burns , acting as spokesman , said , `` Mr. Mayor , it is 3 o'clock , and we are back again promptly , as you requested , and you see that our committee is increased by several thousand workingmen on the street below who have come to demand bread of a soulless corporation . Mayor Duty , what do you advise us to do ? '' The Mayor was nervous as he replied , `` Mr. Burns and members of the committee , I confess that so many thousands of honest and upturned faces of workingmen move my heart . If I were able it would give me pleasure first to ask you all to partake of a good meal , for more satisfactory business is usually accomplished after people are well fed .