The intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1887-1891, 1890-11-22
THE MAssILLON TYRANT.

THE MAssILLON TYRANT.
There was much excitement at Mas
siilon Ohio, on November 9TH, when 1t
WAS ascertained that forty-seven work
had quit Russell u Co.'s shops on
account of a thirty-three per cent
reduction given them because they a
voted for John &. Warwick, the demo-
cratic candidate for congress, against
Major Mckinley. The city is aolaze
with Indignation on the part OF work
ingmen OF both parties. The action OF
the firm did not become known until the
afternoon when the workmen came ont
of the shops and made public the wrong
done them. The shops are Immense
concerns in which six or seven num-
dred hands find employment In the
busy season, over foul hundred being
worked the year round. TIE firm
manufactures agricultural machinery,
steam engines and similar articles, their
immense business being mostly in the
south and west. The officers of the
company are:-J.W Walter McClymonds,
president, and T.. ii. Russell, secretary
and Thomas Russell, one of
the oldest members, Is one OF the mana
gers.
During the campaign the Russells,
| who are staunch republicans, interested
themselves deeply in the election OF Mr..
Mckinley, although no coercive meas
ures of an open nature were used upon
their men, ave in one respect. The day
before the election the price lists OF the
piece work men were taken up. These
price lists are slips OH which are
scheduled the prices to be paid for
piece work. On the second day after
the election a large number of the
workmen who are democrats received
their cards with the pricss cut thirty
three per cent. on every article. Other
workmen who were paid by the hour
we're also notified of the enormous
reduction. One OF these, Edward
Sheehan, a machinist, at once rendered
his resignation. 1t was promptly ac-
copied. He was notified of the cut by
Foreman Garrigues, who at the same
time told him that it was not on account
of his conduct or workmanship. The
orders had emanated from G. II. Rus.
sell. Sheehau demanded 10 know
whether 1t was because he was a dem
ocrat, but received no answer. Three
or four others who received revised
cards also left the shops for the day.
Upon hearing of these facts Lieu
tenant Governor Warwick could
scarcely bring himself to believe the
statements. Investigating the story he
found il only too true. He began
preparations to relieve the men who
had been so outrageously treated. A
telegram was sent Micheal D. Harter,
of the fifteenth district, who has large
shops at Mansfield, asking him if he
could not make rOom for those who had
been practically evicted.
Mr.. G. Ii. Russell was asked by Otto
Young, democratic candidate for pro-
bate Judge and a leading lawyer OF
Massillon, If 1t was true that the reduc-
ton had been made and the question
was freezingly evaded. Insisting upon
a reply Mr.. Young was told, thereafter
in our shops free traders will receive
free trade wages,'
A reporter who tried to get Mr. Rus
sell to talk was referred TO the aggriev.
ed workmen.
"But the statement is quite serious.
Is the allegation true2"
81 have nothing to say. See the
men," was the discourteous reply as
the manufacturer strobe hastily across
the street.
In the evening Mr.. Warwick received
enough information to satisfy him be-
yond all doubt that the reduction had
been made solely on the ground
above stated.
Now what are we going to do about
it, fellow democrats? Are We going to
continue to buy Russell threshers and
engines, when Mr.. Russell coerces our
brethren In the faith because they con
scientifically believe that the tariff is
wrong and should he revised in the
of the peoplef We hope not.
this is q free country or it is not.
Look up this matter, farmers, and let
Tom Russell know what you think
about 1t.