Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-11-03
LOCAL NEWS.

The workmen and mechanics employed on the
Treasury extension, who struck yesterday on
account Of what they conceived to be the un-
just demands of those controlling them, had an
adjourned meeting this morning at emperance
Hall at 10 O'Clock. The committee appointed
to wait upon Secretary Chase, through their
chairman, Mr.. John A. Ross, of the carpenters
branch, reported that the committee had had an
interview with Secretary Chase at Q o'clock this
morning, and that while the Secretary does not
approve Of the course the mechanics and labor
friend he desires all to go to work, and he would
sec If some arrangement could not be made
whereby their grievances could be remedied.
He MT. Chase) thought the complaints might
have reached him without the resort of the men
to strike but (said Mr.. Ross we told him that
we could not have secured our just demands
without pursuing this course. The committee
told Secretary Chase that they could not take
the word Of the man over them, MIR. Rogers,)
because he had heretofore violated his word
solemnly given. The Secretary promised to
consider the matter and give the strikers an
swer in writing some time during the day.
MIR. Pray suggested that the meeting insist
upon having its rights or nothing at all, and he
therefore moved that the men remain idle until
the Secretary Of the Treasury accords them
their just rights. [Applause.l
Mr.. Ross advised the meeting to do nothing
hastily. He was, with the majority of the
meeting heart and soul, but he thought they
should dispassionately consider the suggestion
OF Secretary Chase, which was given in an
evident friendly spirit. In the interview with
the action OF the men locked as though they did
not desire to work for the Government, but he
(Mr. Ross) had assured the Secretary that they
were DESTROYS Of working for the Government;
but that they insisted upon their rights as rAen
and mechanics. The Secretary said the men
were free to act as they saw ft, but his advice
was that all should go to work. He (Mr. Ross)
thought n confidence should be placed in Mr..
Chase's promises, and that the men should
trust him.
Mr. Pray hoped there would be no division
OF sentiment on this subject. uUnited,n said
he, ''we stand, divided we fall"
Mr. Ie.o"rna., sa1 e-UIeIaTy Tie Iueetins,
quest Of Secretary Chase. The meeting had
appealed to him (Secretary CO. and laid their
grievances before him. He had promised to
consider the matter, and he tMr. Co. would not
dare, in the face of the country, to retract what
he had so solemnly promised. Secretary Chase
WAS ma man and gentleman am A9a one IL Fh36m n
could not we? Let us try him, and if he too
deceives us, then we can resort to some other
power. But he {the speaker) wanted 1t under
ing would do that would he acquiesce in; but
he hoped the meeting would repose the req uired
confidence in the Secretary.
Mr.. Pray reminded the meeting that men in
high places could deceive as we'll as those Oc-
cupying lower positions. Let us put no conf
dence in any one until something positive is
done or suggested.
Mr.. Letournan said he would be among the
last TO do anything in violation of the rights of
the mechanic. But If in this matter a forcibls
doubt was expressed Of Secretary Chase's hon
esty of intention, he would not blame him Mr..
Co. if he gave q disagreeable answer to the re-
quest of the committee
Other parties held that the proper way was
to stay away from work until the decision of
the Secretary was known.
Mr.. Ross urged the meeting to rely upon the
promise Of Secretary Chase. He (the Secreta-
ry) had promised to give written reply, and
ii the men were not satisfied with that reply
they could quit work again. He thought it
would be well to give the matter trial.
Mr.. Pray here withdrew his motion. and
requested the president of the meeting (Mr.
Ross) to make statement Of what had trans.
pired at the interview, and then to suggest
what had best be done.
Mr.. Ross said that was hard task for him
to perform. He had confidence II Secretary
Chase, but he did not like to make any further
Suggestion than he had made. But believing
Mr.. Chase to be a perfect gentleman, and
man OF honor and truth, he would advi the
men to 60 to work. He (Mr. Ross) believed
that when Secretary Chase advised the men to
20 to work he was actuated by spirit of
friendliness toward them.
Mr. Letournan also urged the men to place
confidence in the Secretary; to try him and see
if he would prove false. He believed, however,
that Mr. Chase would do all he had promised
After some further discussion II was decided
afternoon, and await on the Treasury ground
after working hours, the reply ofthe Secretary.
1t was also understood that no man should
be considered discharged. All were to 60 to
wsrk as though nothing had happened, and
then If the reply Of the Secretary was not salts.
factory, other action could be taken.
Some discussion aiss sprung up as to asso-
ticipate in the strike, but 1t was decided that it
was best at present not to take any special
notice of them.
afternoon at one O'Clock, and 60 to work. Before
separating, three enthusiastic cheers were
given for Secretary Chase.