The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-11-16
THE STRIKING BUTCHERS.
About Two Thousand Men Taken Back Con-
dtiOnally-The Effect of the Strike

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
CHICAGO, Nov. 15.-Only 1000 of the strikers
were taken back to work, to-day, at the stock
yards This action of the packers is explained
in various ways First, there are but about
twenty thousand hogs in the yards, and only a
small force will be needed for day or two and
then, it is stated, the packers do not care to en-
ploy large number of men until they are
assured that the men are acting in good faith.
One packer stated that he had learned the men
had planned to strike again on the Gath. Some
of the strikers say that the packers are working
bluff game. They want all the old men back,
but they have begun taking them back slowly,
in order to make the skilled butchers
who stand aloof, ready and anxious to return
through fear of losing their places permanently.
Armour & Co. said to day that they only took
back small number of the old men, as the force
at their packing houses was nearly full They
said they intended to keep oil the new men at
work as long as they wished to remain. Many
other packers also say the same, but it is be-
leved the problem of dsposing of the new men
will soon solve itself. The majority Of the new
men are afraid to stay. and it is likely will make
themselves scarce as soon as the military guard
is removed. The leading packers have pledged
them protection and permanent work, but they
know the old men have q bitter feel
ing against them and will make their
life at the yards unendurable Quite a number
quit work day and were escorted out of the
yards and to safe distance by the soldiers.
More will doubtless leave tomorrow, and it is
freely predicted that in a week or so. few if any,
non-union men win be found at work. All the
strikers taken back are compelled to sign pa
per in which they agree not to leave their work
without giving their employers two weeks no.
tice. On the other hand, the packers agree not
to discharge any OF their men without giving
them two weeks notice. To still further bind
the agreement, each man is required to deposit
$50 with his employer, this sum to be gradually
taken out of his wages.
One effect of the strike was demonstrated by
a dispatch received by leading packer from one
OF his best customers in the East saying that
the customer WAS buying his beef on the hoof
and should not require any more dressed beef.
1t is stated that dispatches this effect are be-
ginning to arrive in quantities that threaten to
greatly affect the dressed beef trade with the
East
Although good order prevails at the yards in
Packingtown, of the militia will be re-
leased from duty for few days, at least. They
will be relieved by degrees, as things settle down
to the normal condition.
At meeting of the packers association this
afternoon. the question OF the iengtn OF Clm0 IL
would be necessary to keep the deputies and
militia at the yards was discussed. No action
was taken, except to decide that it was advisable
they should be retained for time at least.
after all the houses have filled their complement
of men. The question of requiring guaranty
or forfeit deposit was about the only other sub
ject brought up. Exacting such condition
upon unemployment was generally approved by
those present but the association as body did
not adopt it formally. Legal advice on the mat
ter will be taken. it being feared that form of
agreement has not yet been devised that would
be binding in law.
Contrary to expectations, the day at the stock
yards was more quiet than any for several weeks.
All told, about ten thousand ex-strikers made
formal application for work. Not over 10 per
cent. were given immediate employment The
indications this evening are of a decidedly
peaceful character. No disturbances have been
reported. Thirtyive imported men ut Ar
mour's resigned this afternoon, and were
furnished an escort of troops to the
depot. The men were hooted on the
way, but there was no demonstration of vic.
lence The strikers who have returned TO work
have already began to make it verv unpleasant
for the new men in quiet way. No overt acts
could be charged, but little things occurred this
afternoon calculated to harrow up the feelings
without furnishing q real pretext for com plant.
If things remain as quiet to morrow, General
FItzsimmons says he will recommend to the Gov
ernor that the troops be Withdrawn Wednesday
or Thursday
Coughs and Colds.