The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-05
LABOR MATTERS.
Ihe Boycott nc Galveston-Threats Co lex
tend the Decree TO City Merchants.

The Boycott nc Galveston-Threats Co Ex-
tend the Decree TO City Merchants.
Galveston Special.
The Knights of Labor boycott OF the Mallory
Steamship Company is slowly but surely assum-
Ding an ugly aspect Pursuant to the call issued
ny the State executive board, now in secret SEES
slon at Tyler, Tex, there was q general meeting
IN this city last night OF the eleven local assem-
blies here. Over six hundred knights were
present, and the session continued until near
midnight Strict secrecy was enjoined, and, not
withssanding the large attendance, it is difficult
TO obtain full and intelligent account OF their
doings The meeting was devoted to discussion
OF the boycott, and perfect unanimity prevailed
regarding the declaration of war against
the steamship company. Discussions and
acrimonious discussions prevailed. however,
touching the progress and manner Of
carrying out the boycott. The large majority
of knights are for aggressive measures, and, if
necessary for general strikes ON all railroads
trading with the Mallory line. The more con-
seryative and intelligent Knights advocated mod
GRAFTON, and held out the Importance of winning
over the large business houses to their side, and
thus forcing the refractory steamship company to
terms This policy was finally determined upon,
although ivesixths of the Knights present de-
ciared they had no faith in such policy sue
ceeding. yet they would give it trial out of
consideration for the minority, who had the best
takers on their side Pursuant to this under
standing a committee of fourteen Knights was
appointed to visit all the merchan' and shippers
in the city and solicit them personally to cease
patronizing the Mallory line This committee,
by subdivisions, called on every prominent bust
ness firm during the day, but, so far can be
tanned, not single house gave them salts
factory reply. excepting one firm. which fastened
to change its orders the first day of boycott
In fact, refusals greeted them at all the larger
and more important establishments. one million
aiFe merchant positively refusing to talk with
the COMMITTEES until they had reimbursed him
for his losses of many thousands of dollars by
the November boycott AT the largest establish
ments. such T.. g. H. Blum, p. j. Wallis g.
Brothers, Kaufman & Runge. and other firms,
the canvassing committee coldly received,
and told that nothing they might say or do would
induce these houses to change their present bust
ness relations with the Mallory company. In
every instance the individual replies were noted
in writing by the secretaries accompanying the
Knights, the exact language being preserved
where the same was possible. The Knights
claim three firms. but only one of these (Messrs.
G0Rgan Brotherst admit their observance of the
boycott. The other two say they will cease
doing business with the boycotted line when it is
apparent TO their business interest to do SO.
The eanvassing Knights are disguised with
their days work, and will report their
replies to the local executive board
They now threaten to issue boycotting
decree against ali the leading wholesale
and retail firms of the city and spread the
same over the entire State where these firms do
business. While such step appears ludicrous
on its face, it is franght with financial disaster
to many struggling houses that cannot afford to
have their trade unsettled The order of the
Knights throughout the State is very powerful
numerically, and in such an issue thousands of
small country merchants, out of fear or sympa-
thy, might trade exclusively with north Texas
houses, which would result in such changes in
the business world of Galveston as no man can
fcresee. The boycott is certainly approaching
its crisis. Either this general boycott against
merchants of the city will shortly ensue, else
the Knights will transfer the fight to the railroads
As soon the local executive boards report the
failure OF their intimidation policy to the State
executive board, the public may expect some
master stroke from that body. for the determine
tion and hate exhibited by the Knights toward
the Mallory company grows stronger each day.
The steamship Lampasas received her cargo to-
day as usual No interference was offered to
the colored laborers. She cleared this evening.
and sails tomorrow on regular time
The committees from the Knights of Labor
continued their visits among the business
houses, yesterday, requesting the withdrawal of
their patronage from the Mallory line They
received, however, no more encouragement from
the retail firms than they did from the wholesale
houses. It is said that the business men of the
city have united in pledge to support the NAL
Tory company.