Waterbury Democrat., 1901-05-23

The directors of the Scovill Manufac- turing Go, at a special meeting held yesterday afternoon to decide whether or not they should grant the request of the International Association of Ma chinists for a nine-hour work day without reduction of wages, decided in the negative and so informedNa com mfttee of the machinists employed in the factory. The answer was brief and given in decisive tone of voice, in manner that would indicate a de termination to abide by the decision of the directors. So that the turning point in the strike has not yet been reached.
 This action is a great disappointment not only to the strikers who were confident of receiving an answer in the affirmative, or at least an answer that would bring about speedy end Of the strike to the satisfaction of all, but also to the public in general. Every body seemed confident that the Scoyill Co would take the initiative in grant ing the machinists request. It IS being granted every day throughout the country Various reports state the number of shops or factories that have yielded to be about 1000, and in all the big centers consultations toward effecting an agreement are in progress. The local men who are still out are confident that they will win in the end let it be far or near. long or snort. The action of the Scovill Go, instead standing it disappointed them, has only served to whet their anxiety for a clean out and out victory. They recognize that the contention will be more severe than it was at first ex- pected to be and they rest secure in the Knowledge that there is large and to an extent unlimited fund be hind them Every day the number of men "out'' is decreasing and therefore the landscape brightens for those who had seen poor prospect of settlement.
 This morning the men gathered at their headquarters as bright as ever.- The men of each factory went into ses- sion and made their daily reports and selected their pickets for the following day.
 The buffers employed by the clock company did not take action on the vote of the machiniSts on strike at that concern recommending them to quit The turner's, who were also requested to go out, are not organized, 1t appears, so that they cannot take action upon the recommendation. This evening the whole body of machinists will hold their usual weekly meeting. The buffers will also meet and take up the machinists' recommendation. Regard ing any strike for sympathy the police hope that such will not occur. There are now at the lowest estimation over $50 men daily on the streets. For funately they are craftsmen of a high degree and men of good sense who see che benefits of organization. To in crease the number, however, means additional vigilance on the part of the police and also forbearance, for it would be difficult and could not be ex- pected that in a large crowd of pnem- ployed men excesses of some charae- ter would not occur, and unpleasant comment on the mems conduct would therefore be unavoidable.
 This mornings meeting lasted until 10 o'clock. Cheers interrupted the speakers at intervals and in other ways the men showed no abatement of their cheerful spirits.
 The Blake & Johnson Machine com pany received a large order today. This was good news to the machinists.
 This evening the buffers will meet and decide upon the rec ommendation to strike in sympathy for the Clock factory strikers. Action regarding the situation at the Scovili Manufacturing company will also be taken
 The E. J. Manville Machine com pany has posted a notice on their of flee door granting a half holiday on Saturday This does not conciliate the strikers one bit. They look upon it as an attempt to aIienate their af- fections" from the association. and in- sist that if the association is the only obstacle to a settlement that settle ment may be as we'll made now as later, for to slight the union they will mot
 This afternooE the men spent at the driving park, which was rendered them yesterday by-T. H. Hayes. one of the corporation that has leased the place. They had a good time. The trolley company gave each man that had a clear card a free passage. business men furnished the wherewithal to a days fun in the open air. for which the men would have it known they are thankful for so much encouragement They also desire to have it understood that while they appreciate this gene rosity, their rules prohibit intoxicat- ing refreshments in their headquar- te-s
 Membership is increasing daily. This forenoon eight applications were re- ceived. One man presented himself to pay up his dues. His books showed that he must not have paid a penny in some years, for assessments. dues and one thing and another amounted to over $20 The man was informed he was in bad standing and that the best and least costliest way to rejofn would be to apply for a reinstatement which would cost far less than S20 He was persistent claiming he had the protection of the association for a long time and he was willing to pay for #.