New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-04-09
THE MASSACHUSETTS, SROEMAKERS'
STRIKE.
Correspondence Of The N. Y. Tribune.

Correspondence Of The N. Y. Tribune.
NATIcK, Mass, April s. 1860
Tie late shosmakers' strike In this State, which mas
attracted much attention tbrous hout the coudtry
commenced in this town, and has continued here until
all the other towns in the State and ia NewH4mpshre
have abaId opedit where they manufacture the same
kinds OF goods, 1t Is practically enOed here aud we
ere therefore in condition 10 know its workings and
reeuls and for the benefit Of mechanics AL over the
country propose TO MAKE brief saement 10 relation
thereto.
In the first place, then, may cay that the strike
was the work of very fey individuals, who tooE ed
vantss Of the low scale of price, TO operate upon the
workmen by exaggerated accounts of tho oppression of
bosset al by deGsve promises of aid u case of
tiepity, 10 brig about combination which would ad-
vance THEIR own personal ambition. Tbe wofknsn
generally were reluctant 70 JOIN in IL; and great
many who did go, forced into it by intimidation
and annoyance. The Comm tees visited the shops in
numbers from Elk 10 twents, and by Ate iosulCs
or promises, a5 the temper Of the man YOU'D warrant,
they would remain unu his Dame was affixed 10 the
bill OF wages. Some were MAZE TO believe thai the
manufacturers would yield ID week, and were in
dueed 10 Join as Temporary experiment. BY these
means, in lew days strike made quite fornd 4be
appearance, and cay after day the men marched
through the sree, and in procession brought ,ck 10
the manufactures tho stock which nonstfikers mad
tske make. Large meetings were held aim ,st
every evtnii K, ann ,peeches mace in which tue
most xa9gerots reports Get soat abou. there
being kIeat demand for shoes, and a scarcity of good
hands, ana assurances were given that In very few
days the bosses would come 10 terms. AT the annual
MsTch neeting for choice OF town Oficsrs the excite
meDt reached its hight. The strikers openly boss cd
of their ability TO elect officers; ani Us they had
compact organization. and mnstered In plumbers from
Elk hundred to eight hundred doubled tbeir sue
They nominated full ticket but were defe ated
all except Dg the TasuIer who was chosen before
the other ace were aware OF their strength.
The town meeting de mt nstratedtwo Lhnge, viz: that
the private ambition Of the leading rkefs was one OF
the strong elements in the movement aud tina. all the
other interests Il the place Were opposed 10 it, Men
OF large experience IN all branches OF business ana the
most intelligent and substantial workmsn united
agaEit the strike on the ground that it could prodace
no permanent good TO the WORK men, and was mis-
chevious in ts tendency. The folio Siog results
now manifest: !. bitter hostility between en-
loyer and employed eDgendered by che false stories
end the denonciat ons Of the ,. a loss BY
ldlepets, snd 10 carry the strike, OF soms
SLOT QUO or more. 8. general depression OF all do
1 artments Of trade and business 4. general state
If discomfort in the minds Of workmeu, which, being
onndtd false notions, is Of course without cure,
bnd renders them unhappy and units them ior the Per
ormance of their laboTswhch IN TACT unsettles ,her
minds a. unsteadiness and tendency TO foy
D. Tue efforts of manufacturers 10 avoid the terms OF
the strkers and also TO avoid being placed at their
mercy. when filing contracts, have brought large
ppm6srs of retired workmen back 70 the business 80
that The future competition among workmen ID likely
IN he greater than before the strike commenced aad
"a IN inevitably secure a continuance OF very moderate
prices for work for somo time 10 come.
II il true that better prices are paid now than az the
commence ment Of the strike, and ths fa't claimed