Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-12-08
THE HATTERs' STRIKE.
The Union Refuses to Allow the Men to
Return % WoTk-NO Mischief
Done and No Troops Called
For.

NEW YORK, Dec. 6,
The Associated Press has received the fol.
lowing from b. w. Naples, editor of the
Norwalk. Conn, Hour. which gives the
strikers side of the trouble there
NoRwALK, Dec. 6.
The sensational articles in the morning
papers about riots and riotous proceedings
in South Norwalk are entirely unfounded.
The hatters are quiet, though determined.
They say they cannot earn a living with
the wages offered by the bosses. and are
therefore on a strike Personally, and by
many reporters | have constantly since the
strike investigated every prejudisl report, and
have not yet learned of one case of intmida-
ton or of violence. Harters coming here
from other towns are met and expostulated
with ard have usually returned whence they
came, sometimes with money furnished them
by the hasters' company, but they have not
been intimidated or threatened.
The case which l am investigating may
break this honorable record, though it appears
that the mischief was not done by the hat
ters.
Manufacturers claim that the prices here
tofore paid have in many cases been too
high. They desire to regulate the differ
ences. Since the published reduction, which
they did not deem permanent. the strikers
have been offered work if they would relin-
quish their claims on the Union which or
dered the strike, and attend to business as
before
large number seem willing to return to
gsrk, but the union stands in their way. The
meeting last evening as a general thing, was
orderly, although many timid people feared
an outbreak. None occurred and the situa-
tion today remains unchanged. The leaders
disclaim that the men are bent on any breach
of the peace, and will participate in none if il
is possible to avoid it, although they see m
determined TO prevent if possible any hands
from outside the town taking their places.
Sheriff Schwartz expresses himself conf.
dent of maintaining order without the neces-
sity OF calling troops, as has been reported
would be done. Gen. Smith of the National
| Guards and Col. Watson of the fourth regi,
ment, have no apprehension thet the militia
wonld be called out, and fear no tronble that
will necessitate such action. 1t is reported
that Gov. Waller will visit the scene of the
disturbance during the day. The streets are
full of idle men and crowds of them are
watching the trains for outside workmen, but
as a general thing the men are quiet and
| orderly up to this writing.
Sheriff Schwartz just sent the following
despatch for publication:
The report in the morning papers in regard
to the labor riots are greatly exaggerated.
We had some excitement last evening but no
riot. All is quiet at 1915 7. NJ, and the
outlook is likely to remain so.
C. SCHWARTZ.
Adjutant General.
South Norwalk telegraphed Gov. Waller
this forenoon that there was no need of mill
tia interference, and had not been from the
start. The citizens were law abiding and
interested in maintaining quiet.
The despatch sent last evening was done in
the heat of excitement and was unwarranted,
and was brought about by gang of boys
following Andrew j. Croint, hat manufac-
turer, about the streets and hooting him, and
not from any of the strikers themselves. The
executive committee of the hatters' union
held a meeting today, at which several
speeches were made to the effect that the men
had no other object in view than that of pro-
tecting their rights.
NEW HAVEN. Conn, Dec. 7.
The striking hatters at South Norwalk
have formed hat manufacturers association
and over 81, 600 Is already subscribed to the
scheme. The building will be erected at
once. The factories are still guarded, and
the manufacturers still profess fear of vio-
lent outbreak.