The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-05-13
Spread Eagle Speeches on
Merino Flats.
Gubsrnatorial Candidate and Rgitator
Boomer Talks Of the Spirit OF '76.
A Number of Men Who Would Prefer TO
Work for "A Living DenouHce Strike.
THE NEWS BUREAU. oLSEYvILLE,
No. Hartford Avenue.


The notices posted in the several mills
here giving notice ola com bine and gem
eral shut down on the 18th day of May
were put into effect Saturday noon and
today none of the mills where
such notices are posted Is In
operation. All is silence, except the
running OF a few looms weaving samples,
the owners having no trouble In obtain
ing weavers in sufficient number to per-
form this work, it being essential TO get
out samples for the fan trade. The cool
ness of the early morning hours was
not conducive TO the early rising
of many of the operatives, and II was
after s o'clock before many strikers were
astir on the square. Shortly after 8 o'clock
the center of attraction was the Merlno
Flats, the scene Of the strike meetings of
1888.
William j. Welch, chairman OF the At
lantic strikers, collector of the local
union and a resident OF Pawtucket, called
the meeting TO order and spoke to the as
sembly, which numbered some 1900 per-
sons, on the condition of the union
and the manner in which 1t
was proposed to conduct the strike,
namely that a committee of three bo
chosen by each room in the various mills
and these delegates assemble at Textile
Hall at as early an hour as possible to
consider ways and means TO raise funds.
"Scour the entire country" ssid the
speaker "and make this strike a success
Win now or the manufacturer will put
his heel on your neck and keep IL there"
He encouraged and won applause from
the crowd by stating that it was reported
that the manufacturers were contemplat-
ing an advance of ~ per cent, and would
be liable TO make concessions in few
days.
George f.. Boomer, socialist candidate
for Governor at the last election, was the
next speaker. He dwelt on the needs Of
the operatives standing together, urging
that the principles that were at stake
in 1776, when our forefathers struck
for liberty are being trampled
upon at this time. "Strike to uphold the
principles OF your forefathers." "Stand
out TO your utmost resources" were closing
sentences of his speech which was OF con-
siderable length.
Peter McDurmott was the only
mill 49," i've who has recently
foil, wed hi occupation who spoke.
He on~., o.A the benefit OF belonging to
the union. He said: al you are in the
union you get something out OF il. III
you are not you will be obliged TO depend
upon what charity you can get. Don't
believe the papers. They are false. They
are controlled by the manufacturers. Do
not believe any statement they contain in
regard to the strike until you hear 1t in
your meetings"
MuCn cNlSls IN regard 10
persons prominent in the councils OF the
Socialistic party conducting the meeting,
and feeling Is growing that Is rapidly
causing breac h in ther anks of the strikers
that will be hard TO heal IL it is allowed
to grow and no one seems able TO check
il.
The non-union weavers and general
workers are expressing themselves freely
today since they have been locked out as
regards the strike.
Said weaver in the Riverside Mills
who owns property in the place: sit is
foolish strike. What can they expect to
gain against the manufacturers?
81 tell you those who have any interest
In Olneyville are not responsible for this
condition Of affairs.
II am no speaker, but IL could get up
and talk 1 would tell the people not to be
fooled with the belief that they could
tire the mill owners out.
at can't be done. We must accept the
most We can get and wait for the better
market for the goods that will come.
Then we will get better wages"
Manufacturers to Meet.
II is expected that a special meeting OF
the manufacturers will be called this week.
Report has it that IL may occur tomorrow
evening, although at least one of the
combine disc!aimed any knowledge of
such meeting at noon today.
Brief Locals.
Representative John Il. Kenyon OF
Johnston and David Ray OF East Provi-
dence, are enjoying few days fishing of
Prudence Island.
Financial town meeting will occur two
weeks from today and the June election
IN three weeks.
The Republican caucus for the nomin-
alton of town officers will be held May %.
Town Treasurer Davis reports 81 OF the
80 liquor licenses granted in the town OF
Johnston paid for within the ten-day
limit.
The regular monthly meeting OF the
Rough and Ready Fire Company occurs
this evening.
w. g. Perkins, secretary OF the Y. M.
Z. A. OF Columbus, o., spoke at the
Broadway Baptist Church last evening.
The ladies OF the choir OF the Church
OF the Messiah will hold an entertainment
in Irons Hall Tuesday evening. Lady
minstrels will constitute a portion OF the
program.
The Epworth League celebrated their
sixth anniversary at the Methodist Taber-
nacle yesterday.