Waterbury Democrat., 1901-06-27
RANKS BROKEN.
Plume ans Atwood Men Re- turned to Work To-day
TICKETS UNABLE TO PERSUADE


 O'clock-About as Many More Re
 ported at Noon-Report That They
 Have Been Promised an Increase in
 wages-Action at ScovilPs Said to
 Be the Cause.
 On the eve of what the striking ma chinists were sure was a victory the men that were employed at Plume & Atwood's voted last evening to return to work this morning, despite all re- monstrance and advice. And the men carried that vote into effect to-day. Nat urally therefore the interest in the strike was centered to-day around the factory named. and the action of ma- chinists was the talk of the rest of the men.
 To the outsider this IS looked upon as a big and significant break in the rank of the strikers. but to behold the men in their headquarters and hear them discuss the action of their late fellow strikers one would quickly ar- rive at another opinion. Nevertheless 1t is counted that the discharge of a number of men from the Scoviu com pany Tuesday evening few minutes before the close of the work day has already borne fruit; that it was well timed by the general of the manufac- turers' combination, C. F. Goss, presi- dent of the Scovill company, and there Is an impression that he acted upon advice given direct from the ranks of strikers.
 The action of the Plume & Atwood's men was not a surprise to the rest of the strikers. It had been in the air for the past three weeks that only very strong and attractive measures would prevent them from making an open ing in the ranks. It was reported that they had been holding meetings at the homes of the men, sometimes in saloon fin the center of the city; to-day 1t was ascertained that this saloon is located on Grand street.
 About ten days ago the first open mtimation- that the Plume & Atwood men were weakening was heard. A meeting was called of the shop com mittee and every man was asked to state his feelings truthfulIy and with out fear. A crisis was in the air. Ey- cry man. at least, a great many of thems twenty-two or three in all. said something and though each said he spoke as he felt. the men of the other shops doubted their expressions. for all stated that they were satisfied with the trend of affairs and would not re- turn to work. A vote was taken and 1t was determined not to return to work.
 All eyes were naturally directed to- ward these men from that moment Another meeting was held at which were present members of the Brass Workers association. Again each man felt compelled to speak his mind and once more action was taken by vote 10 not return to work. The members from the visiting association encourag. ed them and feeling of reinsurance seemed to prevail.
 But yesterday the ranks of tba men were disturbed again for the third time by rumOrs that at last the men of Plume & Atwood's concern had defi- niteiy made up their minds to return to work. A meeting was called and large ly attended last evening and those who were loudest in conforming any inclin ation of their fellow workers to 90 back on the strike, now that it was more than half fought and victory was inn minent, these were the first to report at the factory this morning. Notwith standing this action the other men felt that at last the crisis had come and a break would take place. This morn ing large number of them were at the Plume & Atwood factory to satisfy themselves on this critical point. Three of the Plume & Atwood men had reached the factory before the whistle blew for work and about ten more were on the street ito watch results. not counting the men from the other factories. Effort was made to induce the three men to come out, but in vain. The other ten then held a meeting On the street and until about $50 o'clock they argued and exhorted for and against going back to work. Result. seven of the ten reported at the office. making ten men at work out of the tWenty-two. A surrender had been made when victory. as the men viewed tuC OuIlOOk, was aI 0anQ.
 By this action. these men have made themselves liable to expulsion from the association. but it is taken for granted that they are indifferent to results in that respect.
 But there were still twelve men out and what step they would take was the subject of the mornings conversa- ton at headquarters. It was taken for granted that they too would return to work at noon; and they did, some of them. Of the twenty-two men, about three are still out There was lively but not stormy times around the gate of the factory this noon. Some of those who were going back on the strike were held by those who were not, try ing to induce them to stay out. The windows of the factory and of the Ring shop were thronged with anxious faces. -Ali was of no avail, and, in the words of one of the pickets, '.Why man, didn't one of the young fellows, an apprentice take them away from me" This was said merely to show the mems strong inclination to return to work
 As to the cause of their return, no explanation is given. The committee would not give any to the pickets, nor