The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1901-07-23

have adjusted the matter at once. After
the conference between Mr.. Shaw and
MIR. Holt, Mr.. Shaw declined to intcr-
fere in the matter. Continuing his -
marks Mr.. Blake advised the men to go
carefully in making their decision He
deplored the unfortunate condition Of
things but counselled moderation. He.
too, advised unity Of action and pledged
himself to abide by whatever decision
was reached. and to do all he could to
bring about the result the men desired.
Mr.. Blake called attention to the con-
duct and the management Of the recent
strike, in the public estimation, and
urged upon the men the necessity Of
not forfeitng that good opinion He
asked them to vote upon the question
when it was presented for their votes
with view of retaining the popular
good will and sympathy.
The men listened atentively and ac-
casionally appaudcd the speakers. The
discussion became general and was
participated in by very many of tho
men. The sentiment was undoubtedly
for strike A vote then would doubt
less have been largely in favor of an
immediate strike. TIE sentiment univer.
sally expressed was one of resentment
for the promotion Of the two men who
bad Joined the strikers eight weeks ago
and had deserted them. 1t was regarded
as a plain case Of rewarding treason. and
snub for the men who hal held out in
the strike for principle. There was a
clamor for vote on the question Of
strike or no strike several men being on
their feet at once. and the chairman hal
difficulty in deciding who was entitled
to the floor and what motion was en-
titled to precedence. George W. Ro-
berts Editor of The Sun. had coma
into the room and was greeted with 4
round of applause. In response to n
man Lannan asked Mr.. Roberts to
speak to the men. as he had been an at
tentive listener to all that had tram
sprcd In responding to this invitation
Mr.. Roberts followed the cue given by
Mr.. Campbell and Mr.. Blake. He eX-
pressed his entire sympathy with the
workingmen of the city in any and all
efforts for the bctterment of their con-
diton. He wanted the men to under.
stand and believe that he spoke from
his heart out in advising them. He
deprecated new strike, and urged the
men to think long and seriously before
voting to renew the strike conditions.
He pointed out the difference between
this new proposed strike and the onn
settled week ago.
In the strike for shorter hours the
whole country sympathizcd with them
and the great International Organiza-
ton of Machinists were pledged to their
support In this strike they must stand
alone. 1t was question whether they
could ld draw again upon the sympathy
of the people of this city. The popula"
opinion would probably be against them
in what appeared to be an attempt to
Interfere with the business Of the firm
in the selection Of its forcmcn, and if
the popular approval was forfeited that
swould mean failure. A strike now
would disturb what the people hoped
was a permanent settlement of the late
strike. and it was due to them that
their desires about the matter be respect
ed. A strike now would send those men
who had lust won a notable victory
away to other towns in search of work.
ne people no Hpl witt tii'll w Eo II !
difficulty of getting work elsewhere
would be increased and this would prob
ably bring hardship upon their families.
These things new strike would surely
involve. On the other side the question
was one Of retaining their places under
disagrocahlc circumstances. In bearing
the disagrccablc part of the condition
they would be together, would retain
their homes. their employment and
standing in the community. IT came to
be in this view Of the matter a question
Of choosing the least of two evils. Mr.,
Roberts urged the men not to decide
hastily hut after thorough discussion to
vote in accord with their best Judgment.
The discussion became general again.
The pro and con of the question appear.
ed to he evenly balanced. motion to
strike and stay out until the objection
able foremen were replaced was made
and seconded. That motion was follow
ed by motion to amend by making the
vote by secret ballot. That precipitatcd
another lively discussion. The amend
ment was voted down. The question
was called for and put, the aye and nay
vote was too close for decision. A call
was made for rising vote The men
stood up and were counted. The tellers
reported A votes for the strike and 80
for return to work. This result was
greeted with applause. The moro
thoughtful of the men. however, were
not satisfied with the vote, it was too
close. The men who had voted to return
to work dssentrd. The question of
mt IjSpnSpnI
The men who wanted to return to work
reminded those who voted to strike that
there was no money with which to sup
port this strike. Someone made Il
motion that there should bc no strike
benefits paid The chair ruled the mo-
ton out of order.
A motion was made to reconsider the
motion adopted approving strike. The
aye and nay vote was too close for 4
decision. and the chair ordered Il division
of the house. The division resulted in n
twothird vote for reconsideration. The
original motion was then put the count
being made by rising vote. The tcllcrs,
Mcssrs. ]. II. Campbell and Thomas
johnson. reported AZ votes for return
TO work and SO votes for n strike. The
announcement OF Tue result WIS ETV'tcu
with applause.
Then the question occurred upon when
the men would return to work. W. IL.
Blake urged the men to return at once.
He announced that he was authorized
to say that if the men"rcturncd to work
at once they would he allowed full time
for the day. 1t was then nearly,
o'clock. A motion was adopted to re-
turn to work this morning at o'clock.
The meeting then adjourned.
Since the Harlan & IIollingsworth
q i. ,i,.t lnl