The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-12-19
WeyboSset WeaYerS Decided YeSter-
day 10 accept the Schedule.
RIVERSIDE WEAVERS In SESSION.
ON Them Rests tho Responsibility for the
Continuation OF the Strike brought
to Terms by the Business Mems Conn
mittce- Notes of tho Con fiict.


practically an event OF the past. When
the Weybosset weavers laid down their
arms yesterday afternoon the public
knew that the backbone of the great
conflict was broken. Ii only remains for
the Riverside weavers to signify their ap-
proval OF the schedule. That this will be
done is a foregone conclusion.
There was a potent cause back Of the
action OF the Weybosset weavers yester-
day. Their sudden break was due to
pressure brought to bear upon them by
the committee of business men.
All day yesterday that committee
was in earnest session and when they ad-
journed an ultimatum TO the strikers had
been prepared. 1t was found to be abso-
lutely impossible for the merchants of the
city TO contribute further aid to the bel
ligerent operatives. .2,he limit Of
credit had been reached. A
deputation of the business mems
committee waited upon the strikers and
laid the facts plainly before them. They
were informed that unless they terminal
ed the strike at once the business men
would take hand and settle it for them by
cutting off the supplies, This argument
proved more potential than all other
forces combined and the Weybosset weav-
ers threw up their hands and acknow-
lodged themselves ready to go back to
work at the schedule offered.
Riverside Help Met Today.
1t only remained for the Riverside
weavers to lower their bayonets and ac-
cept the inevitable. A meeting was
called for 2:30 p. m. today.
~ he IL, IL,
on from New York to attend
business men and the break in
the Weybosset ranks was discussed
and the Riverside men faced their true
situation stripped of all its roseate prom
ises of ultimate success and Invested OF
the glamour OF herosip with which labor
agitators had sought to cloth it,
laid before them. They alone
blocked the path which the strikers must
tread to lead them out of the land of
hunger and cold. They saw that the busi-
ness men had acted in no hasty or ill-ad-
vised spirit. The problem had resolved
itself into question of food and clothing,
and the business men of Olneyville could
no longer supply these.
Mills to start Soon.
Pending the action of the Riverside
operatives, the various mill owners are
discussing the matter OF starting up. The
exact time cannot be definitely ascertained
until the decision of the Riverside help
has been announced. Mr.. Fletcher told
a representative OF THE NEWS today that
the mills would probably start
up this week il the River
side help gives in, although there has
been some talk Of postponing the start
ing until after Christmas. So-called
"scabs" who are competent will be re-
tanned. This will leave some OF the old
weavers out in the cold.
On the streets.
Olneyville square was filled with
strikers today who are awaiting
with ill-concealed anxiety the
result OF the Riverside committees
deliberation. There are few of them now
who are not anxious to go back and any
hitch in the program will be i'll received.
The strike has taught its lesson and the
strikers have thoroughly learned it. They
want TO go 10 work.
The relief committee has been having
hard luck of late. Last weeks grocery
bills have not been met, and the money is
not yet in sight. The clergy of Olneyville
have done much TO alleviate the distress
OF the strikers and have maintained reg
ular relief system.
strike Notes.
The loom fixers meet at D. m. tonight
in Knights of Labor hall.
The relief committee have decided not
TO give out checks for groceries today.
There were many long faces returning
from German hall this morning. One wo-
said she had nothing in the house and her
child and herself would have TO subsist
on the loaf OF bread given to her at tho
store each day, and she has neither butter,
sugar nor tea.
The worsted help met at 2 p. IN. today
in Foresters hall.
NcGuy stated.
A meeting Of the grand council Of the
Olneyvillo labor organizations which has
been formed recently will be held next
month. The chief business will be the
election Of permanent officers. IL is cx-
pected that Mr.. McGuy will be appointed
secretary and treasurer.
tart Up Tomorrow.
The Fletcher mills and the Taft & Vice.
den mill will be opened for work tomor-
row, and the doors will hardly be opened
before the operatives make a rush hack to
work. IL will be a day oil rejoicing.
ss ~