Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-10-27
FIERCE RIOT|NC
Against Imported Labor
At Ludlow, Mass,
Workmen Stoned and Beaten.
| Shots Fired ---Severa| Arrests.
Mills CIosed...About $500 People
IdIe... More Trouble Feared.

Ludlow, Mass, Oct. 2G.-Riotng
strikebreakers to replace striking bag
Sirg weavers at the mills of the Lud
low Manufacturing Associates, was
followed today by the closing dow
of the entire plant, causing the en-.
forced idleneSs of about $500 employees
including men. women, boys and girls
No one was seriously hurt in the dis.
turbances OF yesterday, last night anC
early today, but several arrests wer,
made. a conference between the lead
ers of the strike and officials of the
mills was arranged for this noon.
The trouble originated in the an
nouncement OF the company on Sept
10 last that a reduction in wages fol
bagging weaving would go into effect
on Sept. IL, the reason assigned beins
increasing competition. particularly
with iute mills in India, which the
company claimed threatened the de
struction of its business On Sept. 1:
the bageing WeaVerS, numbering about
$50. went out on strike Since that
time the entire bagging department has
been shut down, throwing out of en-
nloyment about $50 hands in addition
to the strikers.
Yesterday. however. the company re-
opened the department, putting to work
1hout dozen Greek strikebreakers
brought here from Chicopee. The
strikers and their sympathizers, mostly
Polanders, gathered in great numbers
in the streets when they heard of the
company's proposed action. and on
their way to the mills the strikebreak-
erS were assailed with stones and other
missiles. There was great excitement
fer a time. but finally the Greeks
reached the mills and the police sue.
ceeded in subduirg the rioters, making
four arrests. The four men taken into
custody were taken before a special
session of :he district court and sen.
fenced to IL days in Jail each. bul upon
their appealing they were admitted to
bail of 500 each. 1t was found that
the Injuries of the strikebreakers and
of the strikers whom they struck In
self defence were confined to cuts and
bruises. The Greeks worked all day
and when they left the mills late in
the afternoon they returned to their
boarding places unmolested.
Last evening the strikers and other
employees held a meeting at which the
carders agreed to remain away from
the mills today. the idea being that
this would leave the strikebreakers
without stock upon which to work Ar.
ter the meeting the night was given
over to demonstration in the streets.
Crowds of foreigners paraded through
the business section. shouting and
singing. occasionally ringing in the fire
alarm to add to the excitement. and
breaking a few windows. No serious
damage was done, however, and no one
was hurt.
At one time the disturbance threat
ened to become more serious when one
Of tine Greek strikebreakers ventured
into the streets. He was espied by a
gruur of strikers. who threatened to
attack him. The Greek, believing him.
SELF in danger, drew revolver and
fred. The shot went wild and he was
promptly arrested
After conference among mill off,
ciais carly today at which the sit
latIor was discussed Agent Sidney
stevens announced that the mills