Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1886-11-17
RETURN TO WORK.
The Chicago Stock Yards Strike Brought
to an End.


to an End.
At q meeting of the Chicago strikers
on the evening of the 18th, an order
was read from Grand Master Workman
Powderly declaring the strike off and
directing the men to go back to work
on Monday. Many of the strikers ex-
pressed great dissatisfaction with the
order, but the discipline of the Knights
of Labor prevailed. All efforts to ar
range compromise with the packers
had failed, and as it was ascertained
that the wages paid there were consid-
erably larger than in Kansas City,
Milwaukee, Boston or New York, Del
egate Carlton advised Powderly to end
the strike, as it was not practicable to
continue it longer. It is generally un-
derstood that the packers will not
dismiss the new men they have hired
during the week, and in consequence
not more than two-thirds OF Ghe strik-
ers will be able to get work at the
yards.
The following is the letter from Grand
Master Workman Powderly:
PHILADELPHIA, Pa, Nov. 1O.-G. B. Bar
ry, Chicago: In circular issued March 13,
1885, stated the policy of the Knights of
Labor on the eight-hour question. That
circular was read and approved by the gen.
eral executive board before it went out. It
was afterwards approved by the entire or
der. In opposition to that circular the men
at the stock wards struck for eight hours.
The order of the Knights of Labor was not
brought into the controversy, hence no &C.
ton was necessary. During the session OF
the general assembly the men at the stock
yards struck again. You were sent to try
and settle the strike, but ip case of failure
the order was not to be involved or asked
for assessments. You settle the strike by
ordering the men back at the old hours.
They have, III violation OF law and your or
der, and without notifying US, again struck
for eight hours. The board instructs you
and Carlton, who will be with you to-day,
to settle the strike by putting the men back
at old hours, until the order of the Knights
of Labor takes definite action on the eight
hours plan. II the men refuse, take their
charters. We must have obedience and dis
cipline.
By order of the Grand Executive Board.
T. V. PowDERLY, Chairman.
About 4:3O O'Clock in the afternoon
q crowd of nearly 1000 strikers gath
cred about the dwelling of the Ar
mour's employe who was attacked the
day before while attempting to move
his household goods to another neigh
borhood. The ire of the strikers
against this man is owing to the fact
that he is a Knight of Labor and re-
fused to 60 out with the others. He
again had his goods upon wagons
when set upon by the mob. Company
E, of the First Regiment, arrived be-
fore much damage was done and
4 ell
Company E then divided into detach-
ments which were stationed at the
street corners in the vicinity, patrol
wagon load of Pinkerton's men being
left to protect the goods of the unpop-
ular employee. Another crowd was
quickly organized and had nearly
overpowered the Pinkerton guard
when Company G of the Second arrived
on adouble quick and charging through
the mob arrested six men and put the
others to rout. No casualties are
reported.
A Chicago dispatch of the 18th says:
The great strike at the stock yards is
over. Tonight meetings were held by
the labor assemblies, and the question
put to the vast crowd present, "Work
and obey Powderly," "Refuse to work,
disobey Powderly, and lose your
Knights of Labor charters" At first
the great meeting in Germania Hall, at
which 5000 men were present, acted
in angry spirit, and for moment it
was thought that a bloody battle
would takeplac on the floor, but Dele
gates Carlton and Barry were on the
platform and held the mob steady.
Hoots and cries of coward" failed &c
move the delegates. Suddenly the
crowd became quiet, and the question
was put again, "Work tomorrow, or
no work." and scarcely had the ques-
tion been stated when q deafening
yell of eyes, yes, work, work to-mor-
row." went up, and Delegate Carlton
smiled. The strike was over The
scenes in Germania Hall were dupli-
Gated in the other halls, and the feel
ing of doubt and uncertainty that
prevailed this morning and up to 8
O'Clock tonight was swept away.
Nothing remains now but for the men
to apply for work at the packing
houses in the morning and make the
best terms they can. Thepackers say
that the 1000 or 8, 900 imported men
will stay, and if SO, just SO many
strikers of the high grade class will be
without work. The ending of the
strike as it did tonight gives to the
packers the palm of victory, as the
men have not an iota of claim for
recognition left them. 1t is quite GER
tain chat bloody conflicts will take
place between the imported men and
the bafled strikers when thelatter ap-
ply for places no longer vacant.
Every preparation is making for
troubled times at the stock yards, be-
cause of the disappointment of the
strikers.
PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.