RIOT REIGNS

Anarchists and Socialists Attack the McCormick Reaper Works

Policemen are Hastily Called to Protect the Property Threatened by the Mob.

In the Ensuing Battle Many of the Assaulting Party Are Fatally Wounded.

Switchmen Say They Will Help the Freight-Handlers if They Form a Union.

Packers Yield to the Demand of Their Men, and All Trouble is Averted.

Industrial Disturbances

The Situation

The exciting event of yesterday as regards the labor troubles that are now paralyzing the business and imperiling the peace of the city of Chicago was the riot at McCormick's reapear-works, and the necessary killing of three rioters and the wounding of ten or twelve more by the police in the defense of the property. The entire affair was the legitimate result of the socialistic and incendiary doctrines that have been so loudly and persistently preached by a foreign and dangerous element of the city's population.

As regards the strike proper, of which the riot was in no manner an effect, but simply a diversion caused by criminal causes which have been for a long time pent up, and only desired an excuse to burst forth, the most notable feature of the day was the meeting of the railroad managers and the determination they arrived at to stand together and act as a unit in the troubles which the roads are now passing through. An element which considerably complicates the situation was suddenly injected into it yesterday by the announcement by the switchmen that if the freight-handlers, who are the only railroad employés now striking, would form a union, -- they being now an unorganized body, -- the switchmen would refuse to handle all cars packed by non-union men. The result of such action would undoubtedly be to cause a general strike among all the roads, with all of its disastrous consequences.

The packers have practically conceded to all the demands of their men, although in some instances mutual concessions were made, and so all trouble in the town of Lake, which yesterday morning seemed imminent, has been averted. The affairs with the lumber, furniture, and iron interests are practically unchanged from Saturday, and will continue as at present for some time to come. Many of the troubles in these industries are simply a sympathetic outgrowth of a disturbed labor market, and will disappear as soon as the present strike fever is over.

It is computed that at present there are sixty thousand idle men in Chicago, who a week ago were at work and adding to the wealth of the community, and earning honest livelihoods for themselves. The wages of these men was about $125,000 a day. To this add $100,000 a day for the loss to the establishments which are affected, $100,000 for the resulting damage to general business, and $25,000 for the money spent by the idle men in saloons, which they would save if they were at work, and a total loss of $350,000 a day is arrived at, a loss which is absolute, and which can not be regained or supplied by any future endeavors.

A BLOODY BATTLE

The ringing of a bell yesterday started the most serious riot that has occurred in Chicago for a decade, and the red-flag branch of the striking workmen again demonstrated its destructive and bloodthirsty instinct by making an assault on the McCormick reaper-works, and having a pitched battle with the police. The fight was brisk for about twenty minutes, and the mob of anarchists had it all their own way for upward of half an hour, before a dozen wagon-loads of police arrived and dispersed the rioters, but not until some hundreds of shots had been fired by both sides, and several of the strikers dangerously if not fatally wounded.

The riot originated at a mass-meeting of lumber-yard, planing-mill, and factory hands on the prairie at the corner of Wood street and Blue Island avenue, where over five thousand idle men congregated to listen to the wild and incendiary mouthings of socialistic leaders, who preached destruction and assassination as the only way for the workingman to gain his rights. They urged upon the willing listeners to set law at defiance and inaugurate a reign of terror as the only way to break the power of capital and secure their freedom. Said one speaker, who was vociferously cheered, "With revolver and knife in hand, and bombs in your pockets, march on to revolution and liberty." As each successive harangue was concluded the mob of strikers yelled and shouted themselves hoarse, calling upon some leader in the anarchist ranks to address them. One Nick Wolna, a Polish speaker, was delivering an inflammatory address, when

THE BELL IN THE CUPOLA

of the McCormick works struck 6, the signal for the men at work to quit. It was just 3:30 o'clock, and as the sound was wafted across the prairie to the excited mob, many of whom were familiar with the signal, the speaker paused in his harangue, and pointing his hand to the reaper-works shouted in Polish, "To the factory, the 'scabs' are coming out." The command was obeyed instantly, and the surging mass of infuriated men turned and ran toward the gates through which they knew the workmen would come. It was a run of over four blocks, but the throng of departing laborers at the works were not fast enough in leaving to escape the approaching rioters. As they filed out of the gate to the number of seven hundred, the mob reached the wide, open lot in front of the factory, and, pouring over the roadway, began a race across the prairie to intercept the workmen. These saw the advancing host, and rightly judging that its appearance boded no good to them, they one and all turned tail and scampered back into the yards of the works, the watchmen closed the great gates and barred them, and the besieged men took up positions in the windows to watch events. Hardly had the bolts been pushed into place and the watchmen safely in the building when the leaders of the mob came up and began the

WORK OF DESTRUCTION.

The ground was thickly strewn with large stones and pieces of ballast-rock, used to harden the road-bed of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy tracks, and these were utilized by the mob. The main building was only a short distance inside the yard fence, and the rocks and stones flew thick and fast toward the windows. The imprisoned men withdrew speedily out of range, and in less than fifteen minutes over five hundred window panes were smashed in. A few of the more daring men inside ventured to come out into the yard and get behind the fence. They hoped that the fury of the mob was expended in its glass-breaking exploit, and an opportunity would present itself for them to escape. The canal slip in the rear of the factory prevented any exit from the premises in that direction, but it also served to keep the mob from entering that way, a fact that eased the minds of the men to a very considerable extent. As soon as it became know that there were some men in the yards, the rioters redoubled efforts to get at them, and began to scale the high fence. Then the first shot was fired by someone inside the works. It was immediately followed by a half-dozen other shots. The [assaulting] party fell back for a few moments, but then advanced again, and with a rush burst the gate and were in possession of the yard. The watchman's house was the first object that caught their eyes, and the door was broken in by a kick, and the work of demolition commenced at once. The little shanty, for it was a mere lodge for the gatekeeper, was soon a total wreck. Everything movable was thrown out, the sashes were smashed, the stove overthrown and broken into a dozen pieces, and, not content with this, the two steps leading into the house were pulled up and carried off. Then the factory itself became the

OBJECT OF ATTACK.

A heavy crowbar was found, and with a few strokes the double doors on the lower floor were burst in, and a yell of vindictive fierceness gave warning that the mob was in possession. At this moment the patrol-wagon from Hinman street station came tearing up Blue Island avenue with Sergt. Enright and ten policemen standing up in the center, holding their clubs ready for action. With a rush the wagon whirled round from the avenue to the factory gate, the throng parting to save being run over, but no sooner had the wagon turned off the street than a shower of stones and flat pieces of granite fell about them. Some of the officers were hit, but they had no time to lose if the factory was to be saved, and, dashing into the yard, the police made a rush for the rioters, who were engaged in breaking in the doors.

Clubs were the only weapons used here, and in a few minutes the yard was cleared and the gate again closed. The police took up their position in front of it and ordered the mob back. The small force failed to cow them, and the stones came thick and fast. Sergt. Enright advanced and undertook to speak, but his pacific intent was met with another shower of stones. Some struck him, and three or four officers advanced to his aid. It was the

SIGNAL FOR THE BATTLE.

A striker deliberately drew a revolver and pointing it at the little knot of policemen, pulled the trigger. The bullet went wide of its mark, but the sound aroused the fury of the mob still more, and a few seconds later came a dozen sharp reports from as many pistols in the hands of the rioters. The police realized that clubs and peaceful talk were no longer serviceable, and drawing their own weapons they returned the fire. It was not to kill, however, all the bullets going over the heads of the crowd. They could not have missed hitting some rioter had they fired low. Finding that no harm resulted from the volley from the police, the mob again took courage, and stones and bullets began to fly unpleasantly close to the little force of officers, who wisely deployed in skirmishing order to lessen the risk. The poor marksmanship of the shooters alone saved them from

ANNIHILATION.

Then the popping of the revolvers became frequent, and the police fired low, now hitting several of the mob in the legs and thighs. This had a wholesome effect, and they slowly retreated, firing stray shots as they went.

While these scenes were being enacted at the factory entrance, the police from every station on the West side were hurrying to the spot. Lieut. Shepherd of the Hinman street station, the nearest to the scene of the riot, had not come with the first wagon, and it was some time before he realized the gravity of the situation. Mustering all his available men and securing a reinforcement from Twelfth street, he came up in the rear of the mob with fifty officers. At South Oakley street and Blue Island avenue they scattered the crowd collected there, and had a short skirmish with some of the leaders, all of whom were armed. Nick Wolna, who had first started the mob toward the factory, pointed his weapon in Shepherd's face, and would doubtless have murdered the lieutenant had not the officer at that moment brought his club down on the wrist of the would-be murderer and caused the revolver to drop from his hand. Advancing rapidly along the front of the rioters the fresh force of police drove them back, and soon the entire open space in front of the great reaper-works was cleared. Eight men were arrested by the police at this stage, and were taken into the yard in a patrol-wagon for safe keeping. All this occurred in the space of half an hour, and about 4 o'clock the patrol-wagons began to come up fast, bringing a force of 250 officers, but they were not needed to

PROTECT THE FACTORY

or the men employed there. The mob left the vicinity as soon as they saw the strong force, and scattered over the neighboring vacant lots, taking with them the wounded rioters, of which there must have been at least a dozen. The exact number of wounded can not be accurately ascertained, owing to the impossibility of obtaining information from the rioters or their sympathizers, but from the observation of eye-witnesses and the persons residing and working on the adjacent streets, who assert that they saw men being carried off the battleground bleeding from bullet-wounds, it is more than probable that twelve is a low estimate of the number shot during the affair.

As Lieut. Stanton came up Blue Island avenue from West Lake street police station, he and his men were assaulted by

THE RETREATING MOB,

and they captured two of the most prominent assailants.

The force that arrived at short intervals was composed of the following commands: Capt. Simon O'Donnell with 100 men, Lieuts. Shepherd, Johnson, and Croak with 75, Lieut. Stanton with 24, Lieut. Laughlin from the armory with 36, and Lieut. Byrnes with 18 from Deering street. A small detachment also came from Rawson street station.

At 5 o'clock everything was quiet, and the imprisoned men in the factory were escorted to their homes, going in a body down to Blue Island avenue and Sixteenth street, the men dropping out as they reached a cross-street near their home. No trouble was met with in getting the workmen out.

The name of the most seriously wounded rioter is Joseph Vojtiks, residing at No. [422] West Seventeenth sereet. He was found in a saloon near the scene of the fight, with a bad wound in the left groin. He had been laid on a table and no medical attendance called, the only thing done by his friends being to stop the flow of blood by a bandage. He was very low when found, and it is probable the

WOUND IS FATAL.

He requested to be taken home, and the Twelfth street wagon was called into duty for the purpose. Four officers and a friend went with the wounded man, it being thought that was sufficient to see him safely housed, but the brutality and vindictiveness of the anarchists was not calmed by the fact by the fact that one of their own number was being cared for by the police, and when the wagon reached the corner of Centre avenue and Seventeenth street, where a large crowd of strikers had assembled, a [rush] was made for it, and in spite of the shouts of the officers that there was a wounded man [in] the wagon the assailants tried to tip it over. The officers were compelled to use their [clubs] to prevent being thrown into the gutter, and this led

TO MORE RIOTING.

Stones were thrown, and a man named Joseph Hess mounted on a barrel near by and incited the mob to hang the officers. Officers Casey and Kayser got down to hold the crowd back, and were assaulted with stones, sticks, and every sort of weapon that could be found. Hess drew a revolver, in which he was emulated by some others in the crowd. Kayser received a blow on the hand from a club, and promptly pulling his revolver he fired at the man who had hit him. The man fell, and was carried away by his comrades. If the statement of Kayser is correct, he fired to kill, and there is no doubt that he was justified in so doing. The wagon continued on its way as best it could, and finally got out of the crowd. Officer [Casey] was missing, and although he subsequently turned up all right, he had a lively time in escaping. The intention to hang him

was quite apparent, and he saw the only way to avoid such an ignominious death was to run. He did run, and to his speed he now attributes the safety of his neck. Kayser and the other two officers succeeded in arresting Hess and two other rioters, whom they took to the Twelfth street station. On the corner of Blue Island avenue and Oakley street is a car barn, and into this refuge a man named Tyman was brought, with a bullet-wound in his arm.

It was only a flesh wound, and after washing and bandaging it Tyman went to his home. A small drug store on the corner of Western avenue and Coulter street was made the [rendezvous] of some of the wounded persons, and the druggist admitted having plastered up the head of a man who staggered into his store with an ugly wound back of his ear, but whether it was from a club or bullet he could not say. The man was a stranger, and went away after being treated.

A curious casualty was the shooting off of the right forefinger of a man who was looking on at the fight between the mob and the officers. The saloon in front of which he stood bears marks of the affray. Two holes in the window-glass and one in the awning show where bullets from the officers' weapons had gone over the heads of the rioters.

At the earliest stage of the assault on the factory,

THE PLUCKY CONDUCT

of Officer West, of Hinman street station, is worthy of mention. He was on duty with Officer Conley at the entrance, and as he saw the crowd rushing across the vacant space he stepped out and ordered them to halt. A shower of stones was the only reply he got, and after pausing a moment to again warn them away he saw it was useless and turned back to rejoin his brother officer, who was now near the Reaper house, on the avenue. The back of the officer inspired the mob with a courage that, had he faced them, would have vanished, and he was struck on the back, head, and legs by stones that came flying after him. He was compelled to run, and did so none too soon, for the temper of the mob at that time meant death to all policemen. When aid came, West was found in the ranks, nursing a sore head and a lame knee while not engaged in dodging stones.

It was generally supposed that the rioters attacked the men at work in the reaper factory because they were working ten hours on the old pay, and that it was not known to the mass of strikers that the eight-hour day had been established in the works, and ten hours' pay allowed. This is an error, a talk with one of the rioters showing that it was well known that the short day had been established. The truth appeared to be that the seven hundred men who went to work yesterday morning were non-unionists, being the new men who were put to work eleven weeks ago when the lockout occurred. When the fourteen hundred men quit work last Friday it was supposed that all would turn up on Monday prepared to go to work, but only the non-union men came, the other portion, or union men, staying away. The men were informed by Supt. Averill that the short day would be inaugurated at once, and to make it known to the truant workmen. This was what caused the anger of the factory, planing-mill, and lumber-yard men--that only so-called "scabs" were at work yesterday and that they had been conceded what the old employes of the firm

HAD BEEN REFUSED.

The following prisoners are at the Twelfth street station: Ignatz Urban, Frank Kauling, Theodore Klapky, Joseph Shuki, John Potolski, Anton Sevieski, Albert Supitar, Hugh McWirter, Anton Stinark, Nick Wolna, Thomas O'Connell, and Joseph Hess. They are booked for riot and carrying concealed weapons, and Hess is also charged with making threats to kill.

MAYOR HARRISON

rode up on his high-stepping nag about 5:30 o'clock and took a view of the situation. All was quiet then, and after a look at the broken window-panes, the bullet-marks, and speaking a word or two of praise to the twenty-five policemen still on the ground, he started back to town. He was hailed by a crowd of loafers who were in front of a saloon. "Come over and treat the boys," cried out a bloated toper, as he staggered into the street and tried to grasp his honor's hand, but the mayor did not like too much familiarity from that sort of humanity, so he gently dug the ribs of his steed and made it dance out of reach of the purple-nosed party. Then his honor turned for home, and as he started he turned gracefully in his saddle and called out, cheerfully: "Go home and soak your heads."

A reporter named Archibald Leckey, employed on an afternoon paper, came very near being killed by the mob, who were listening to the fiery speeches of the socialistic orators on the corner of Wood street and Blue Island avenue. He was seen by some of them to take out his paper and make some notes of the proceedings thereon. A young tough struck him a severe blow in the face, and Lecky turned to escape, when he was surrounded by a yelling mob, and blows began to rain down on his head. He broke away and ran, followed by a hooting crowd that stoned him as they ran. Someone in authority amongst the strikers got between the fleeing reporter and the mob and prevented further violence. It was a narrow escape, and Leckey will not soon attempt to take a socialist meeting verbatim."

The following circular was thrown about the streets last night by

MEN ON HORSEBACK:

Revenge! Workingmen, to Arms!!! Your masters sent out their bloodhounds, the police; they killed six of your brothers at McCormick's this afternoon. They killed the poor wretches because they, like you, had the courage to disobey the supreme will of your bosses. They killed them because they dared to ask for the shortening of the hours of toil. They killed them to show you, "free American citizens," that you must be satisfied and contented with whatever your bosses condescend to allow you, or you will get killed!

You have for years endured the most abject humiliations; you have for years suffered unmeasurable iniquities; you have worked yourself to death; you have endured the pangs of want and hunger; your children you have sacrificed to the factory-lords--in short: You have been miserable and obedient slave all these years: Why? To satisfy the insatiable greed, to fill the coffers of your lazy, thieving master! When you ask them now to lessen the burden he sends his bloodhounds out to shoot you, kill you!

If you are men, if you are the sons of your grand sires, who have shed their blood to free you, then you will rise in your might, Hercules, and destroy the hideous monster that seeks to destroy you. To arms we call you, to arms!Your Brothers.

REFERRING TO THE DISTURBANCE

that occurred near the McCormick works yesterday afternoon, Mr. Cyrus McCormick said last evening that the employes of his works were in no manner connected with or responsible for the trouble. He said August Spies was talking to a gang of men which was made up chiefly of anarchists, shortly before 4 o'clock. About this time the bell of the works tolled for the men to quit. "Some brilliant anarchist," said Mr. McCormick, "conceived the idea of going for our men, and headed a procession for that purpose. They were excited and boisterous in their manner, had tackled our men in such a manner as to cause them to run back inside the gate. When our men were out of their way their blood was up to such a heat that they were wild, and having been unable to reach the men, commenced throwing stones at the windows of the factory. Supt. Averill pulled the alarm and the patrol came and fired on the mob, scattering it in every direction. About forty shots were fired, and I understood eight or ten were wounded. If the patrol had not come at once I have no idea what the mob might have done. When the police began firing the mob turned from our men and commenced throwing clubs and stones at the police. I understand the officers captured two or three wagon-loads of them before they got away. After, the mob left our men went out and went quietly to their homes. There was no trouble with our men, and no one can tell whatever caused the mob of anarchists to make a break at our employes. I do not apprehend any further difficulty, but expect our men will be at work to-morrow as usual, and that they will go right along."

OTHER DISTURBANCES.

Noble street, between Chapin and Division streets, presented a lively and novel spectacle yesterday afternoon. About five hundred girls, employed in the tailoring establishments in the vicinity, were on a strike. Like the men, they wanted ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. The men stood in the background and cheered them on, occasionally firing off revolvers to encourage the female strikers. In some of the establishments the girls refused to quit work, and the strikers showed their displeasure by throwing stones at the houses and breaking the windows. Four establishments were thus bombarded until the proprietors were glad to let the girls go and join their riotous sisters on the street.

The girls were dressed in their working clothes just as they left their work, and many of them carried bundles. When the riotous proceedings were at their height, the police charged down on the mob and the girls, not used to such a sight, fled precipitately to their homes.

Yesterday morning the employes of Stein, Hirsh & Co., starch manufacturers, on Archer avenue, went to work as usual. About 10:30 A. M. the works were visited by a gang of Bohemian strikers, well-loaded up with ten-rod whisky, who ordered the men to quit work. At first the demand was refused, but on threats being added to argument, the men quit work in a body. About five girls remained in the drying-room who refused to go out, but the gallant socialists were determined that even they should be prevented from earning enough to pay for their week's lodgings, and ordered them out also. On their still refusing, stones were thrown at the window of the room at which they worked, and what moral pressure failed to do fear, accomplished and the girls quit.

The employes informed the firm that they had no complaint whatever. They did not want eight hours or anything else, and left their employment entirely through fear of the consequences of remaining. One or two men stood firm, and then the strikers resorted to other and somewhat novel means of forcing compliance with their demands. They sought out the men's wives, and told them that unless they induced their husbands to quit work they would be killed. The women at once went to the works and pleaded with their husbands so successfully that they quit.

Messrs. Stein, Hirsh & Co. say that the probability is they will shut down now for the summer.

A detail of police from the Central station nipped a prospective riot in the bud yesterday afternoon in the vicinity of Wabash avenue and River street, where Norton & Brothers' sheet metal goods and can factory is located. About half-past 1 o'clock nearly 250 striking tinkers and sheet metal workers descended upon the Nortons' factory, and insisted that the men employed therein should quit work and join the army of strikers. The workmen, through their foreman, politely refused to do anything of the kind, as they were well satisfied with their position. The ringleaders of the strikers swore that the men would come out or the strikers would take possession of the establishment and drive them out. Again the workmen refused to quit work, and the mob started to rush up stairs when suddenly the doors were barred and the police alarm rung up. In a few minutes a patrol wagon loaded with blue coats came dashing down the street, and the mob, taking in the situation at a glance, scattered in all directions like so many scared rats. No arrests were made. When asked how it was that their men remained at work when the rest of the sheet metal workers were on a strike a member of the firm made the following statement: "We have agreed to give all employes who have worked for us six months or more under regulations mutually satisfactory a certain percentage of the profits of our business for 1886 in addition to regular wages heretofore paid. The sum to be thus divided we have agreed shall be not less than $10,000 for the year, provided our business is not interrupted, and as much more as the result of the year's work will permit. As each one of our hands has thus a pecuniary interest in the success of the business he is anxious to turn out as much profitable work as possible, and will work eight, nine, or ten hours if orders enough to keep them all employed can be obtained. At present we are working ten hours. This plan we have pursued for several years with a large number of employes in positions of responsibility with such success that we decided to extend it to the whole force. This share of the profits will be divided among employes in proportion to the amount earned by each during the year. Our proposition when presented to the men was received with hearty cheers and expressions of confidence in the firm very gratifying to us."

Police headquarters and Harrison street station presented an unwonted and lively appearance during the entire day and long into the night. Several hundred fully armed policemen rested on arms awaiting the word to repair to points of trouble. At 11 o'clock a squad of fifty men under the leadership of Lieut. Hubbard and Sergt. Fitzgerald hastened to the Michigan Southern freight-houses, where they had been informed a body of strikers was proceeding from Eighteenth street. Arriving there it was discovered that the strikers had passed over the river en route to the St. Paul yards. Officer Ross and fifteen men were, however, ordered to remain at the Michigan Southern yards.

As soon as one detail of police was called out of their quarters another was put in its place. At the Harrison street station the large squad-room was filled with sturdy young police fully equipped for immediate action. The morning hours were spent in cracking jokes, playing checkers, spitting at a mark, and wondering how it would all end. Coffee and a snack were served at noon and the tired fellows stretched themselves out for a nap on the rough wooden benches. At about 3:30 o'clock the sleepers were hastily aroused, bundled into several patrol-wagons, which were in waiting, and hurried out to McCormick's works under command of Lieut. Laughlin. Another relay of men, those who had been on duty all the night before, were summoned down-stairs and held in readiness for further calls.

THE RAILROADS.

Word was quietly passed around yesterday morning among the managers of the railroads centering at Chicago to meet at the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy general office between 1 and 2 o'clock in the afternoon, it being understood that the disturbed condition of affairs and the strike among the freight-handlers would furnish a sufficiently interesting subject for consideration. At the time indicated there assembled in the room 68--top floor and out of the way of possible interruption--President R. R. Cable, of the Rock Island; Vice President Marvin Hughitt and Gen. Supt. C. C. Wheeler, of the Chicago and Northwestern; General Manager W. J. Spicer, of the Grand Trunk, and Traffic Manager G. B. Reeve, of the Chicago and Grand Trunk; Vice President J. C. McMullin, of the Chicago and Alton; E. T. Jeffries, general manager of the Illinois Central; T. J. Potter, vice president, and H. B. Stone, general manager of the Burlington; H. B. Ledyard, president, and E. A. Brown, general superintendent of the Michigan Central; P. B. Wright, general superintendent of the Lake Shore; W. A. Baldwin, general manager, and J. D. Law, general superintendent of the Pennsylvania; O. L. Lyford, general superintendent of the Eastern Illinois; J. T. Clark, general superintendent of the Milwaukee and St. Paul; F. T. Woodward, general superintendent of the Louisville, New Albany and Chicago; L. Williams, general manager of the Nickel-Plate, and other high officials of the various roads.

A general talk regarding the demands made by the freight-handlers and other disaffected railroad employes, the turbulent condition of trade and traffic outside of railroad circles, the causeless basis of the strike, and a general review of the situation occupied their time for two hours and a half. The gravity of the occasion was fully recognized, and the policy to be pursued was the subject of active debate. There was a unanimity of opinion in regard to the course to be pursued from the beginning. Representatives of two or three eastern roads intimated that there might be some small grievances that they should in justice to the men, if presented, be called upon to regulate, but they were not in the line of eight hours' work and ten hours' pay. Outside of this there was no disposition to yield in any particular. The point most prominently brought out was the report of the several superintendents to the effect that the greater body of the men had

JOINED IN THE MOVEMENT

unwillingly, forced out by the jeers and intimidations of a very small number of the freight-handlers. There had been no complaints of ill treatment, low wages, or long hours until the Burlington men walked out. The majority of the superintendents were of the opinion that, if left free from outside influence, the men would return to work.

The whole thing was spoken of as a craze, senseless in inception, without justification or excuse. To treat with it at the present time, when the men were under the influence of a temporary delirium, would be unwise, even if there was anything to concede. Such a course would only bring on more trouble. In fact, the meeting, after listening to the reports of the superintendents, resolved itself into an informal interchange of ideas relative to the situation, and this finally culminated in the adoption of a resolution to the effect that the present condition of business did not warrant any advance in the wages now paid to employes; that the roads pledge themselves to act as a unit in the matter, and to resist all demands for shorter hours or advance in wages, agreeing not to treat individually or make concessions not approved of by all. The roads and the managers owed a duty to the public to move whatever freight was offered to the several roads, and they would carry out this duty to the best of their ability, calling upon the civil authorities to protect them in the performance of it, if interfered with by mobs or a lawless element.

All of those present heartily subscribed to this, and agreed that all of the freight houses should be opened this morning, the old men be given a chance to work, and if they decline, then to put on such force of laborers as the superintendents might engage. All of this was said and agreed upon without the betrayal of any feeling of hostility or anger. The managers feel the weight of the burden imposed upon them, and the serious aspect of the crisis that has come. They are also persuaded that it has not been by any act of oppression on their part that it has been precipitated. To dally with the strikers, to submit to demands made in the heat of passion, and without foundation in justice or right, would simply encourage lawlessnes, and put the roads at the mercy of a turbulent element. As one corporation, they will strive to conduct their busines without dictation, and perform their obligations as common carriers, without reference to the wild petitions or actions of a body of men, unable to produce or formulate any grievance beyond a general discontent at a condition of things the railroads are powerless to improve.

A telegram was published in the Chicago papers Saturday last, emanating from the Associated Press, and purporting to give expression to the views and opinions of

VICE PRESIDENT SYKES,

of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway company. It represented him as saying, after making a calculation as to the cost to the corporation in making an advance to its employes, that it would be the better policy of the western roads to make concessions to the labor element rather than resist their demands.

Dispatches received from Mr. Sykes yesterday deny that he on any occasion expressed such sentiments or used the language attributed to him. He says that he never talked to a reporter on the subject, and that it was totally contrary to his views on the question. He had no sympathy with the strike movement in its present form, and did not believe in a policy of concession or yielding. As much capital has been made by the strikers over Mr. Sykes' supposed attitude, his denial is entitled to publicity.

The officials at the freight-houses of the Chicago, Milwau­kee and St. Paul road made strong efforts throughout the whole of yesterday to handle the freight coming and going at their depot, but the effort did not avail much. Early in the afternoon four wagons, heavily loaded, from the establishment of Marshall Field & Co. were obliged to

TURN AWAY UNLOADED,

an act that was enthusiastically applauded by the idle freight-handlers, to the number of one thousand, who witnessed it. Agent P.E. Wilson and Mr. Clinton were on hand at an early hour in the morning, when the freight-houses were manned with special police belonging to the road. A number were also placed along the track at the Union street crossing and in the freight-yards on both sides of the street-crossing. There were in all about seventy of the special force, wearing badges on the authority of Mr. Wood, the superintendent of the special railway force, and in addition there were stationed in and around the freight-yards about fifty or sixty regular policemen.

At 7 o'clock in the morning a train came in with about 100 men and boys, brought from the sections along the line to take the places of the strikers. They were for the most part Swedes and Germans, but there was a considerable sprinkling of English-speaking persons among them. As these recruits poured forth from the cars, a few of the strikers stood near and remonstrated with them, beseeching them not to take the bread from the mouths of their wives and children; but in the space of five minutes the new-comers were all within the principal freight-house on the north side of Union street, the doors were shut and guarded, and the strikers were left to consult among themselves. They retired, formed into a procession, and marched past the freight building twice, in order to show the recruits that there was a strike on, and that their presence was not wanted. The last time the strikers passed was just as about one hundred recruits, after being enrolled at Mr. Eurling's office, were marching across to the freight-house. About half of them broke away and joined the strikers, who cheered for all they were worth at this

INDICATION OF SYMPATHY.

Soon after the reporter saw one of the striking recruits, who said: "My name is William Mullen. I live in Mount Carroll, Ill. I came in on the train this morning with about one hundred others who had been gathered up between here and Savanna. They commenced by taking two men from each section, but the number was increased as we came nearer to the city, until at last the agents took all they could get from the road or from farms or from anywhere else. When we arrived we saw Mr. Clinton and were enrolled. Then we were taken into one of the freight-sheds and confronted with fifty or sixty policemen. We were told that the police force was not strong enough, and that some of us must act as policemen. At this about fifty of us left, and the rest went to work. We applied for transportation to return home, but were refused. I then went with some of the men to the police station, but the captain there told us to go to the poor-house agent, so here we are on the street."

Others in the crowd who revolted on reaching the depot said that they had received no knowledge of the strike in Chicago or they would not have come in. They were wandering about the streets on the West side most of the afternoon, complaining to all they met of the ill-treatment which they said they had received at the hands of the agents of the company. The striking freight-workers retired after their procession to the hall at No. 120 West Lake street, where they began the work of organization. A union was at once formed, and the question as to what organization they should connect themselves with was discussed. Communication was exchanged between themselves

AND THE SWITCHMEN,

and the latter sent the strikers word that as soon as their union was formed they would not allow the cars loaded by the recruits from the country to be moved until the strike was settled.

But little work was accomplished at the freight-houses by the new hands. No attempt was made to load cars, but an attempt was made to take care of the outgoing freight by receiving it. This was successfully carried out until the middle of the afternoon, when the four loads from Marshall Field and two from Sprague, Warner & Co. were turned away amid the shouts of the strikers. The strikers claim that the switchmen will stand by them, and that the company will be compelled to yield to their demands. Mr. Clinton told the reported that he too had heard of the intention of the switchmen, but had not investigated it, and could not say what was in it. The men had gone out, and they were doing all they could to accommodate shippers, but so far the progress was very slow.

At the Alton freight-houses there was but little or nothing doing. About twelve men, including three or four old hands and seven or eight recruits, were handling some freight in the sheds, but the strikers were lounging about in a war-like attitude, and no attempt was made to increase the force or to receive or dispatch freight. A consultation was going on during a greater part of the afternoon between a committee of the strikers and the superintendent of the freight department, but, although the strikers claimed to believe their demands were about to be conceded, nothing was done, and night closed in with no more prospect of a settlement then there was when

THE STRIKE COMMENCED.

At the Fort Wayne freight-houses all was serenely quiet. The agent told the reporter that they would ask for police protection and make an effort to start up this morning with new hands. The position at the Galena and Wisconsin division freight-houses was precisely the same as that at the Fort Wayne sheds. No effort was made to accomplish anything except to fill out and sign time checks for the retiring men. The freight-workers were more confident last evening than at any time during the day. This was owing to their having received official assurances from the Switchmen's union that the members of the latter had resolved to refuse to handle any freight loaded by the recruits.

The freight-workers, after their procession, met yesterday in the hall at No. 54 West Lake street, and organized themselves in the Freight-Workers' union. As soon as that was accomplished they received a communication from the executive of the Switchmen's union, expressing a determination to handle no freight loaded by non-unionists. The freighters were cheered by this, and took up the question as to whether they would go into the Central Labor union or the Knights of Labor, which they will not be able to decide until they further study their position. They expressed themselves much displeased at their own tardiness in not being organized before, but wish now to act as slowly as possible in order to act wisely.

THE FLAGMEN

on the Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne road yesterday sent in a petition for either less hours or a raise in pay to $36 a month. They are at present working thirteen and a half hours per diem at the rate of $32.50 a month.

At the freight office of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, on Canal street, the report was: "All quiet. We have got along swimmingly, and will do the same to-morrow."

In the Grand Trunk freight-sheds very little was going on yesterday. None of the old men returned to work, and the only freight moved was handled by the foreman and a few clerks. No freight whatever was received, and a very little delivered, most of it being perishable stuff. The sheds have not a special police protection , and yet the managers feel secure on account of the proximity of this building to that of the Wabash, which is under the protection of United States marshals. The Lake Shore men on the whole seemed to have been very well satisfied, and there probably would not have been any trouble at all if the crowd of strikers from the other roads had not interfered with them. As it was, on Saturday, when the crowd went through the place, the men, instead of going with them, merely followed a short distance and then returned to work again. Yesterday morning shortly before 7 o'clock the different men commenced to gather in the vicinity. At the usual hour for going to work only forty men went into the in-freight depot while the remainder

LOUNGED ABOUT

in the yards and seemed undetermined what to do. None of the men in the out-freight, however, seemed inclined to go to work, but about 8 o'clock the foreman went among them and, after a friendly talk, persuaded them to go to work. In speaking of the matter the men stated that they did not wish to strike, but were afraid to return to work, and unless a sufficient police protection was provided it would not be safe to do so. However, they were assured that every effort would be made to protect them, and after some further argument they returned almost to a man. After working a short time a conference was held, and the men decided to withdraw the previous petition, and substitute a new one asking for an increase in pay in its stead. The increase asked for is about 20 per cent, which would make the freight-handlers' pay about $1.75 a day and the gang bosses $60 a month. Wednesday is the time set for the answer, and unless the strikers from other roads interfere with them they will work till that time. The road, having a full force of men, was able to do most of the regular work. Several times during the day committees from the strikers came into the sheds and held conferences with the men, and did everything in their power to make them stop. Upon being refused the last time they stated that the men must appoint a committee to be present at the meeting of the freight-handlers to be held in the evening. They then went away, and the men were allowed to work till night, and all promised to be back to-day.

While the men belonging to the Lake Shore road were loitering in the yards, near at hand the men employed in the Chicago and Rock Island shed were hard at work delivering freight. The

MANAGERS WERE HAPPY,

and could not help making rather ludicrous remarks about idle men and the empty depot across the way. However, about noon things took a change. The idle men in the neighboring depot went to work, while their own men, upon being refused an increase in wages as demanded, dropped their hooks and trucks and marched out in a body. Nearly all the work had been done, and only a few boxes were yet to be delivered. The foreman, the agent, and a few clerks in a short time disposed of these, and then the doors were all locked and the place deserted.

At the Chicago and Alton and Chicago and Eastern Illinois sheds very little was being done. One or two doors were open in each place, and half a dozen clerks might have been seen wearily pushing large trucks loaded with boxes and bales. These were finally loaded on the waiting wagons, and by night the sheds were quite empty. No freight whatever was received, the roads not knowing what may happen. The men belonging to the Louisville and New Albany shed went out Saturday, but none of them returned to work yesterday, although a committee was left to watch the place. The men were orderly and claimed they were satisfied with their old pay but were compelled to strike. In case they are allowed to go back they will do so at the earliest time possible. Before leaving all the freight had been cared for and the men left the shed in the best possible order. Saturday night the managers of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad sheds made the boast that their road was the only one on which the freight-handlers

HAD NOT STRUCK

or demanded more pay. Yesterday morning the men were all on hand at the usual hour, and until noon everything passed off without any trouble. However, about that time a committee invaded the premises and the result was a petition for more wages. The advance demanded is about the same as that asked for on other roads: Freight-handlers $1.75, callers $1.90, delivery clerks $2, and checkers $60 a month, while 25 cents an hour for extra time is asked for by the freight-handlers. Tuesday night was the time for an answer, but upon the freight agent telling them that it would be impossible to send the petition to Baltimore and get an answer by that time, the men then had another meeting and the time extended till Friday night at 6 o'clock, and in the meantime they will do their work as usual.

The Michigan Central sheds opened up bright and early yesterday morning with a full force of men. A petition had been signed by all the employes in the place and an answer was expected at noon. Promptly at 12 o'clock Freight Agent Nicholas handed the following answer to the committee:

To the Employes of the Freight Department of the Michigan Central Railroad Company at Chicago: In answer to the petition signed by a considerable number of the freight-handlers presented on Saturday, May 1, 1886, requesting first an advance in pay of 25 cents a day for ten hours work; second, 25 cents per hour for overtime; third, a guaranty of a full day's pay if work be begun on any morning; fourth, an answer by noon of to-day.

I desire to say that this company was surprised to receive this petition. It has come suddenly and at a time when it was thought that a full and fair day's wages was being paid.

The time in which you desire an answer is so short and the condition of business is such that the officers of this company are not prepared to say what can be done. The matter of your petition, however, will receive the most careful consideration, and I am authorized to say that the company will be ready at all times to deal justly with its men and pay the same rates of wages to you that men doing the same work receive from other roads leading from Chicago to the east. A meeting of the railroads interested will be held promptly and the petition will be fairly submitted and a definite reply given as soon as practicable. We will endeavor to make our reply by Thursday morning at the latest. In the meantime we suggest that you remain at work in order that the business of the city can be accommodated, and that the confidential and pleasant relations which have heretofore existed between you and this company many continue, and, in addition to our assurance of a careful and prompt consideration of the petition, this company will undertake to protect its men from violence. Yours, truly,

F. C. Nicholas, Agent.

As soon as the answer had been read the men held another meeting and resolved not to go on a strike, but to

EXTEND THE TIME

till Wednesday night at 6 o'clock. In the meantime the men are at work, and all freight is being properly cared for. A squad of ten policemen have been on guard all day. Several committees from the strikers came into the place during the day to try and get the men to leave, but the police immediately spotted them, and they were ordered out before causing any trouble. Across the way, in the Illinois depot the men were working with a right good will. They had sent in a petition Saturday and were expecting an answer at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The advance asked for was about 20 per cent. At first a demand was made for ten hours' pay with eight hours' work, but that has been recalled and an increase in wages substituted in its stead. About 4 o'clock the men commenced to inquire for an answer to their petition, but were told to wait a short time, and them Mr. Jeffery, the general manager, would be there in person. In the meantime it was understood that the heads of the various roads were to meet together and there decide upon some united plan. It was given out that Mr. Jeffery was present at the meeting, and hence the answer that what he would give to the men on the Illinois Central would probably apply to all roads. At half-past four the general manager put in an appearance, and with two or three other gentlemen went into the freight-shed. The men climbed on top of cars, boxes, and every conceivable place from which

A GOOD VIEW

of the manager could be obtained. He then made a long speech, and ended by saying that it would be impossible to make any change at present on account of the dull times. The men listened patiently till he had finished, and then, after a feeble cheer, marched out of the house, stating that they would not come back till the road granted their request. It is said that there s quite a quantity of perishable freight on hand, and that it will have to be taken care of. The work for to-day has already been planned out, but in a very unsatisfactory manner for certain employes. The clerks have received orders to be on hand at 7 o'clock, and it is understood that they will go through a course of gymnastics with two-wheeled trucks, loading and unloading boxes and bales. When the order was given out there was considerable growling to be heard.

When the Wabash freight sheds opened up yesterday morning almost all the men could be seen in the vicinity, some near the building, while others were in the yards scattered in small groups, talking earnestly together. The doors of the depots were thrown open, but none of the men seemed inclined to go in, and it soon became apparent that they had merely come to watch the place and prevent anyone from working, instead of going to work themselves. About a dozen policemen were in front of the building, while a number of

UNITED STATES MARSHALS,

brought here from St. Louis to protect property, could be seen scattered about the building and the immediate vicinity. The managers of the road seemed glad to have police protection, but did not seem to place too much confidence in it. Their strong point, however, was in the Unitd States marshal, and they had vainly hoped that with such a protection all their old men would have gone back to work as usual. The company, however, fearing trouble, brought about fifty men from along the line of the road and had them in readiness for work. When they were ordered to "pick up the trucks and walk away," a large part of them refused to do so, and left the premises. The few that staid, with the aid of the foreman and certain clerks, then went to work and during the day managed to deliver a little perishable property. It was very slow work, and at night the result of the day's endeavors was not at all flattering. The officials of the road say that they will probably run full force to-day, although a great many are curious to know where the men are coming from. The old men certainly will not go back with matters standing as at present, and the experiment made yesterday seems to show that men brought from other places can not be relied upon.

ALL THE SECTION MEN

of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railway, on the eight sections within the city limits, struck yesterday and came into the city. They demanded an increase of 25 cents a day on their present wages, which are $1.25. This includes track-repairers and men who work at crossings. They were waited upon by a member of the committee of the Knights of Labor, who advised them to go back to work until the case could be considered. That gentleman told the reporter that the men had struck from misrepresentations made to them, and that they would all return to work to-day, but inquiry among the men failed to confirm the statement.

The customs inspectors are doing all in their power to prevent an accumulation of bonded merchandise in cars, but are necessarily falling behind with the work. No trouble has thus far been experienced in the unloading of all such cars arriving by the Lake Shore road, while those on the Fort Wayne road have been successfully unloaded by the inspectors themselves, assisted by the clerical force in the freight-houses. No bonded goods arriving by other roads than these have been handled since Friday, and it is expected that even if the blockade should be raised within a few days the accumulation will be greater than the appraiser's store can accommodate.

The striking freight-handlers held a meeting at No. 54 West Lake street, last evening, and organized a union. Nearly all the roads going out of the city were represented. Patrick Conners, of the St. Paul road, was elected president, and J. J. Burke, of the Pan-Handle, vice president. Committees representing each road were appointed to visit the freight-yards in the morning, and persuade the imported men not to take their places. These committees will begin work at 6:45 A. M. to-day. The St. Paul road seemed to be the one the men most feared, as it was reported the company would make a determined effort to-day to move freight. The visiting committee was instructed to particularly watch this road. One of the Northwestern freight men reported that that company would bring one hundred men to the city this morning to handle the freight, and a special committee was appointed to look after them. An effort will be made to raise funds in order to pay the return fare of those imported men who refuse to go to work. Someone suggested that the switchmen, if they did not consent to go out with the freight men, be forced to join them. This was not received with favor, however, and it was laid aside to be used against the companies in the future if they do not yield.

AN APPEAL TO CAESAR.

The Wabash receivers, through their lawyers Messre. Sleeper & Hilton, applied to Judge Gresham yesterday morning for protection from the strikers. A long petition was filed, in which the grievances of the company were set forth in detail, and the appointment of deputy marshals to protect the property of the road was desired in order that its patrons might be enabled to receive and ship freight over its lines. When Mr. Sleeper went to the United States circuit court he was accompanied by Freight Agent Winans and Supt. Wade, and when they filed the petition the following was attached, it being a placard which has been posted up promiscuously on the Wabash property:

To all Whom it May Concern: The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway company, its shops, tracks, cars, engines, tools, implements, and machinery, and all its affairs, are in the hands of receivers duly appointed by the circuit court of the United States for the Eastern district of Missouri and the Northern district of Illinois. Any or all persons who commit any trespass on said property, or in any way interfere with it, or do or cause any damage to it, or interfere with the receivers' conduct or management of the property or business or affairs of said company will be in contempt of the courts that have appointed the receivers, and will be proceeded against in some of said courts, and all persons are warned not to commit any trespass on or do any damage thereto or interfere therewith.

A. A. Talmage,

General Manager.

K. H. Wade,

Superintendent of Transportation.

The petition represented that it was filed in the case of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway company v. the Central Trust company of New York and others, and it then proceeded as follows:

Solon W. Humphreys and Thomas E. Tutt, receivers of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway company, appointed by the court in the above entitled cause, respectfully show unto the court here, that as such receivers they are and since their appointment have been in possession of the railroad, freight-houses, depots, offices, and other property of the said company in the state of Illinois, and are and have been operating the said railroad, and carrying on and doing the business of toe said company with said property, from the city of Chicago to East St. Louis and other places in the state of Illinois and elsewhere; that in operating said business they have in their employ in the city of Chicago and other points, places, and stations along the lines of railway of said company a large number of engineers, conductors, brakemen, switchmen, freight-handlers, and workmen in the depots, freight-houses, and offices of the said company, and which are necessary for the proper and successful conduct of the said business; that at the freight-houses and depots of and stations of said company, and on and about the railway in the county of Cook and city of Chicago, they have such persons who hitherto have been at work and doing service required of them and necessary to be done there, and who as your petitioners believe are willing and ready to and perform all the labor and service which they are and have been and are employed to do if they are allowed and permitted to do so. And they further show that on this day a large number of disorderly persons to the number of three hundred or thereabouts who are not, and have not been in petitioners' employ came in a body to the freight-houses and offices of the said company at or near Twelfth street in the city of Chicago and entered into said premises and on the property of the said company there and interfered with the workmen and employes of your petitioners in the said warehouses there and effectually and in fact did prevent the said employes from doing and performing the work and labor in which they were lawfully, peaceably, and willingly engaged in performing in handling the property delivered to and in the possession of your petitioners as such receivers, as freight to be transported and delivered to the owners and consignees thereof, and which your petitioners, on, with, and by said railway and property of said company, were receiving for that purpose in the conduct and carrying on and doing the business of the said railway; inasmuch that the said workmen and employes of your petitioners were by the very force of such interference of said disorderly, persons compelled to and did desist from doing their accustomed work, and did stop and cease work there; and the agents and foremen and overseers of your petitioners there, having the charge and direction under your petitioners of the freight-house there and of the employes and business there, were compelled and obliged to allow said disorderly persons to close said freight-houses, which they then and there did, against the will and wish of persons in charge thereof.

And they further show that they then had posted up at various points at and about said freight-houses and the offices of said Twelfth street, notices printed in large type and in full view and sight of all persons, one of which is hereto affixed:

That the agents and foremen of your petitioners there pointed out said notices to the crowd of men so unlawfully on the premises there and so unlawfully interfering with the workmen of your petitioners there, and warned them of the matters contained in said notices, but such persons refused to respect said notices or demand of said agents and foremen that they should desist from their unlawful interference there with your petitioners, said workmen, and with said property and the business of your petitioners then and there being done, and they there avowed and declared it to be their purpose to prevent said workmen and employes from doing and performing their accustomed work and labor there for your petitioners.

And they further show unto the court here that the stoppage of said work and business there is a great and serious injury to your petitioners and to the patrons of your petitioners who have and are delivering property to your petitioners to be transported as freight to deliver to the owners or consignees thereof; that without adequate protection to the workmen and employees there your petitioners are unable to carry on and [perpetuate] their business, and their workmen and employes durst not persist and continue in doing their accustomed work [therein] that your petitioners fear the violence of said disorderly crowd of men, but if they can have the protection of the power of this honorable court your petitioners are confident that their men will at once resume their duties and thereby enable your petitioners to do the business and discharge the duties and obligations to the court and to the public which are imposed upon them.

Your petitioners therefore pray that your honors will order and direct the appointment of a sufficient number of deputy marshals, and that they be detailed and placed at such point and points in, about, and upon the said railway, offices, freight-houses, depots, and yards, and in the county of Cook, Illinois, as shall be necessary or requisite to protect said property and give full and adequate protection to the workmen and employes of your petitioners from interference or violence of all persons unlawfully interfering with said property and workmen and employes to enable your petitioners to prosecute their said business and make it safe for such workmen and employes to return to and resume work for your petitioners, and your petitioners here suggest that fifteen deputy marshals will afford said adequate protection; that your honors will, by order of this court, direct and empower such deputy marshals to arrest and bring before this honorable court all persons who shall go and be upon said railway premises, and after being warned and commanded not to enter upon said premises or interfere with the workmen or employes of your petitioners, shall go upon said premises or interfere with your petitioners' workmen and employes and business, to be dealt with according to law, and that your honors will make such orders as shall seem meet and proper, the premises considered, and they will ever pray.

In addition to this John G. Tuohey, the assistant foreman of the freight-house, files an affidavit corroborating the petition.

Mr. Sleeper made a few remarks maintaining the jurisdiction of the court, and then Judge Gresham replied briefly. He said: "Ten days ago you made a statement here during the foreclosure proceedings to the effect that this court had no jurisdiction over the affairs of the Wabash road. You seem to have changed your mind since then. If I take this step I will have to follow it up with further measures for the protection of the road. I do not wish to do this until I am fully assured that I have jurisdiction. If you can prove to me that the road is in the charge of this court and not in that of the Missouri court, as you previously argued, this court will protect your property. Jay Gould should not deny the jurisdiction of this court and afterward appeal to it for protection. At the same time, I do not wish to refuse protection to any corporation simply because of the inconsistent statements of its attorneys."

Mr. Sleeper promised to satisfy the court, and the matter went over until to-day.

PACKING HOUSES.

Trouble commenced early yesterday morning at the stock-yards, and the outlook was anything but pleasing to the packers and such of their employes as were satisfied to continue at work until the eight-hour question was settled by the packers themselves. Long before the usual hour for commencing it was discovered that there were disturbing elements among the men, in the shape of members of committees from the city, who were stirring up strife and discord among the laborers, and urging them to refuse to enter the packing-houses until the whole question should be settled. While these agitators were at work it was discovered that there was a Bohemian society in existence, which had been secretly organized, and that the agitators had no trouble in getting their ears and securing aid and comfort for the strike. Among the greatest number of men there was a disposition shown to go to work, and many of them so declared. But the socialistic, communistic, anarchistic element became so urgent that many of the quiet employes feared to refuse to do their bidding. At Swift & Co.'s the butchers went to work, and had about fifty cattle knocked down when the leaders of the disturbing element succeeded in preventing about fifteen hundred laborers from going to work. They then organized a mob and rushed into the packing-house for the purpose of driving the butchers out. They were allowed to finish dressing the cattle that had been killed, and were then taken out with the mob. They then went to Supt. Foster and demanded a settlement of the question in the shape of ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. Mr. Foster, as a means of pacifying them, offered to give them nine hours' pay for eight hours' work, which the leaders indignantly refused, and all left the packing-house. They then went to the butterine factory and stopped the work there, taking everybody out with them.

Up to this time there had been a

COMPARATIVELY QUIET TIME.

But, finished with what they deemed to be a victory over the superintendent, in taking out at least 1,800 employes from one packing-house, the crowd became a little noisy and started out for a meeting at Frederick's hall. A very large delegation followed the leaders, but many of the employes remained near the packing-house, gathering in little groups and discussing the situation in a very earnest manner. Those who went to the hall were accompanied by the anarchistic element, which seemed ready to do anything to make trouble. One of these earnest advocates of devastation and destruction concluded he had struck the right time to make a grand demonstration. In this he was ably seconded by more of the same sort, and suddenly the air was made blue with profane shouts, while these hoodlum anarchists yelled and raised a red flag. But their effort was a weak one and did not receive that hearty approval which the bloodthirsty anarchists expected. The better element seemed to assert itself among the men at once. Some of them became so incensed at the open insult that they made grave threats of violence upon the leaders in the red-flag movement. The rag was hooted down, and those who had a hand in its elevation were warned to not again attempt such a movement.

At Frederick's hall a meeting was held, which was composed almost exclusively of laborers from Swift's packing-house. It was, however, engineered by outside influence, said to have been made up of experienced "laborers" from Chicago, whose most earnest work is generally done on committees. The session was of brief duration, resulting in the appointment of a committee to wait upon Supt. Foster. The members of the committee were William Kelly, John O'Malley, W. Beilius, John Walsh, Daniel Troy, John Ewing, and J. Penucker. The committee waited on Mr. Foster and presented a written request, in which they asked to have the hours of labor reduced from ten to eight, work to commence at 8 in the morning and end at 4:30 in the afternoon, with half an hour at noon; no

REDUCTION OF PAY

for laborers who were getting less than $2 a day, and full pay for all who were getting more than $2 a day. Every member of the committee seemed to be chairman, for all wanted to talk at once. After they all got through Mr. Foster replied that the packers were then holding a meeting to determine the question, and that his house would do the same that other firms would do. He could not give them an answer immediately, but if they chose to go to work they would be treated just the same as the employes of other packing-houses. He advised them to not act too hastily, and to behave like men. Also, that the stoppage of the house would occasion the firm but little trouble, as they could much better afford to be idle than the men could. He told them he would give them an answer as soon as he was authorized to do so. Shortly after noon Supt. Foster notified the men that for the present, at least, Swift & Co. would allow them ten hours' pay for eight hours' work, and nearly all of them resumed work at once. A few of the loudest of the leaders, who had been celebrating the event by an overindulgence in beer and cheap whiskey, did not show up at the works, but some of them were discovered later in charge of the police department, cooling off in a place where the red flag is rarely waved.

While the laborers of Swift & Co. were playing on the outside the employes of Nelse Morris, twelve hundred strong, were engaged in an attempt to run the establishment by remaining on the outside. All of the men reported for duty at the usual hour, got their checks, and pretended that they were going to work. Instead they staid on the outside, but were very orderly. They did not resort to any red-flag business, and were not disposed to be loud in their manner of demonstration. They called a meeting and appointed three representatives from each department, who were instructed to wait on Mr. Morris and demand ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. The committee went to the office, where they had a consultation with Nelse Morris, "Buck" McCarthy, Sigel Hess, and Louis Vogel. The confab lasted an hour, and part of the time

WAS SOMEWHAT EXCITING

because of the peculiar attitude of a fantastic Bohemian, who wanted the packing house all to himself. He was finally saturated with taffy to such an extent that he quieted down and allowed the other members of the committee to do some of the talking. Mr. Morris tried to make the men understand that it would be a calamity to all of them to close up the house, and that the employes would be the greatest sufferers. An agreement was reached by which all men who received less than $2 a day should receive ten hours' pay for eight hours' work, and all employes who received $2 or more a day should be given nine hours' pay for eight hours' work. The committee was satisfied, and went out and reported to the men. Some of that same disturbing element had gotten in amongst them in the meantime, and the report of the committee was not favorably received. There were but few, in comparison to the great number of employes, who objected to the report, but as they were the ones that did the talking, they carried their point, and sent the committee back. Word had been received of the action of Swift & Co., and Mr. Morris told the committee he would do the same. This being announced to the men, they went to work.

At Armour's there was considerable loud talk, but it all seemed to emanate from a few of that class that idolizes the red flag. Of the four thousand employes in the Armour packing-house all were satisfied with eight hours' work and nine hours' pay, with the exception of twenty-five Bohemian sausage-makers. They were bent on ten hours' pay for eight hours' pay, going the whole hog or none, and, with characteristic stubbornness, refused to do any work until their demands were at once met. They, in common with all others in Armour's employ, had been advised that they should have whatever sum and hours that were agreed upon. The other 3,975 had confidence in the word of Messrs. Armour and Cudahy, and remained at work. The sausage-making strikers went out, and were permitted to stay out.

The boys who went out at Armour's tin-shop Saturday were around yesterday, peeping in to see how things were going. Many of them appeared to regret their hasty action, and wished they were

BACK AT WORK.

At Morell's there was not a man at work. This was not because the men had gone out. They had been notified that they should receive nine hours' pay for eight hours' work, and were willing to work for this until there was a settlement of the trouble. They were to go to work this morning on this basis.

At Hately's there were no men at work, the house being closed pending a settlement of the labor question.

At Silberhorn & Co.'s there were five hundred men out, but they were quietly waiting to see how the question would be settled. There appeared to be an understanding between them and their employes, as there was with Morell and Hately.

Fowler Brothers, employing about two thousand men, had shut down to await a decision.

Among the packers there was a very general feeling of insecurity. They had little to say to anybody touching the situation. Their faces were long and wore an expression of uncertainty. They seemed anxious to have the trouble suddenly brought to an end. At the same time the employes looked upon everything as temporary. The irresponsible element did not seem to care what the result should be. They acted as if they had nothing to lose and everything to gain. But there was another element there which seemed to worry more over the situation than did the owners of the great plants. These were men of families, who had grown up with the great packing interests; whose homes were there; who had wives and children dependent upon the operation of the packing houses. These men realized that they had something to lose, and wore countenances full of anxious expression while they gravely discussed the situation. They were ready to go to work, full of confidence that their employers would treat them fairly, but realized that they and theirs were in danger if they refused to follow the "movement."

While the trouble was on hand at the yards, there was a

MEETING OF THE PACKERS

at the Palmer house, where the situation was discussed by the representatives of every packing-house in the city. There was not that unity of feeling which might have been expected, but the meeting reached a conclusion. Some who had on Saturday been in favor of refusing every demand, and who favored closing their houses rather than concede a single point, had changed their minds, and were satisfied that some arrangement should be made to relieve the present pressure upon the business interests which were being threatened with destruction. They were ready to reach a conclusion that there was an immediate demand for relief, and had modified their views. They saw that one firm had made concessions and that others would probably do so or close up; or, still worse, brave the dangers of destruction. For these, among other reasons, the meeting decided to allow every packer to do as he pleased with reference to the employment and pay of his laborers in every department. After the meeting adjourned Mr. Armour and Mr. Michael Cudahy were seen, and to a representative of The Times they said they had given instruction to their foremen to notify all of their employes that they should receive ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. It was also learned that all other packing-houses would adopt the same rule at once. The arrangement is temporary, but how long it will operate no one can tell, and no one seemed inclined to even suggest. All of the packers have received this notice, and it is expected the houses which have been running will be in operation to-day provided no new complications are discovered.

Mr. Levi B. Doud said, yesterday, his house was not being operated, because he preferred to wait until the end was reached. They had intended to start at once, and employ 150 men, but could well afford to wait. Referring to the question of hours of labor and pay therefor, he said it made but little difference to the packer how much he paid for his labor provided

THE SCALE WAS GENERAL

throughout the country. If the packer had to pay 20 per cent more for producing his goods he could not afford to lose that amount or give it away. He would get it at one end or the other. He would either buy the hog or the beef for 20 per cent less money or the consumer would have to pay that amount extra for the production when he purchased it. Most likely the consumer would pay it, as the cattle and hog raisers would hardly reduce their price sufficiently to accommodate the extra cost for help.

About 246 men walked out of Armour & Co.'s glue factory at Bridgeport yesterday at noon. Their demand amounted to nearly twelve hours' pay for eight hours' work, which was refused. Mr. Holman, the superintendent, said that the business did not warrant any raise at all, to begin with, and, in the second place, they could not possibly work only eight hours.

About forty men employed in Turner & Co.'s meat-packing establishment, on Archer avenue, struck work yesterday for ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. The firm expresses its intention of holding the fort.

The firm of Libby, McNeil & Libby, packers, say that their men have not as yet made any demand upon them for a change in their working hours or an increase of wages, and that they seemed to be well satisfied with their situation.

A monster meeting of packing-house laborers was held last night at No. 3,109 South Halsted street, the building being crowded to the doors, many of them being compelled to remain outside and catch the drift of what was going on as best they could. John Shehan, the chairman, briefly stated that the object of the gathering was to canvass the result of the strike among themselves, and return thanks and good-will to the men who had acted justly by them. After all the committees had returned their reports

THE RESULT

was learned to be as follows: Armour, Fowler, Swift, Moran & Healey, Morrill, Ferguson, Silberhorn, Washington Butcher's Sons, Botsford, Libby, McNiell & Libby, Jones & Stiles, and Atchison will hereafter allow ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. Nelson Morris will allow nine hours' pay for all employes getting over $2 per day and will not reduce the $2 men. Hately Brothers agreed to allow nine hours' pay for eight hours' work for skilled labor, but wanted to reduce the unskilled workmen. This was objected to by the committee waiting on them and as yet the matter is undecided. It is expected, however, that this firm will fall into line with the others during to-day. Those of the employes of the above firm, who attended last night's meeting, unanimously agreed to return to their work to-day and clean up the perishable material which was left on the day of the strike. This they will do even though their request for eight hours without reduction in wages be denied them. Underwood's packing-house will allow nine hours' pay for eight hours' work. Fairbanks' refinery will allow ten and nine hours' pay for eight hours' work. Kent's house allows nine and ten hours' pay for eight hours' work, with no men reduced.

LUMBER INTERESTS.

About one thousand men employed in the lumber-yards along the North branch quit work yesterday morning, all the lumbermen being firm in their resolve not to grant the demands of their employes. Many of these men, however, were willing to work, but were prevented by the leaders, who determined that there should be a strike.

About 8 o'clock in the morning the employes in Robinson & Prettyman's yard, to the number of fifty, gathered in the yard and informed the proprietors that they were not going to work any longer. Then forming in a body, they marched out onto the street. They heard that the men in the other yards were still at work, and, after a short consultation, they came to the conclusion that they must also stop and join in the general holiday. Then in the next two hours they visited nearly every lumberyard in the district, and compelled the men to quit. Before starting out on their march they armed themselves with sticks and piece of lumber, and with a loud cheer they began their march. The first place called on was that of O. B. Jacobs, where twenty-five men were at work. Marching into the yard, they talked to the men for a few moments and then they marched out again with these men, many of whom also armed themselves. With their ranks thus increased, they proceeded to the planing-mill of Hoff & Kiltz, where they took about fifty men with them. Many of these men at first refused to leave work, but when they saw the threatening attitude of the strikers they thought that discretion was the better part of valor. Then the procession crossed over to Chicago avenue, to the yards of Henry Curtis & Co., and Lyman & De Pincier, where they increased their number by over forty.

Charnley & Lovdall, on Carpenter street, had about fifty men at work in the morning. These men had said nothing about a change of the hours of labor, and

SEEMED PERFECTLY SATISFIED

to continue as they were. At 10 o'clock, however, the two hundred strikers arrived on the scene, and they were compelled to join the ranks. The procession proceeded north, visiting several yards, each time meeting with the same result--the men always going out with them. Waldo Schillo & Chandler, on North avenue, had thirty men at work taking care of a cargo of lumber that arrived Saturday afternoon. These men shared the same fate as the others, and by this time the strikers numbered nearly 350 men, nearly half of whom brandished sticks and clubs. Forming on North avenue the mob headed east toward the extensive yards of Nathan, C. H. Mears & Co., where about thirty men were employed. These men also quit without a struggle, and a few minutes later the strikers, who by this time had become riotous and noisy, were under way for the yards of Loomis, Martin & Co., a block further east on North avenue. Mr. Loomis saw them coming, and made up his mind that the twelve men at work for him should not be disturbed. The mob halted in front of the office and about fifty of them went into the yard to guy the man at work. Mr. Loomis ordered them out, but the leader refused to leave until he took the men with him.

In the meantime Mr. Loomis' son went to the North avenue police station and brought back with him the patrol-wagon and a squad of police. When matters were assuming a very serious aspect in Mr. Loomis' yard, the police put in an appearance and ordered the rioters out. They left very quietly, throwing away their sticks, and after a few minutes' deliberation on the street dispersed in all directions.

"If all the lumbermen had done as I did," said Mr. Loomis afterward, "there would not have been half the trouble. I

BROKE UP THE RIOT,

and the strikers did not visit another yard after they left here. We can not afford to pay [their] demands, and they know it. I expect they will try to make trouble for me to-morrow, but I am reddy for them, and they will [get] more than they bargain for. I've seen worse times than these, and I'm not going to be imposed upon by a lot of socialists who have not been in the country more than three months. They took six of my men with them, but the others remained at work all the afternoon."

In many cases, after the strikers had gone away some of the men returned to work, very few of the yards being entirely deserted. In all, about fifteen yards were visited, but no disturbance of a serious character occurred. During the afternoon many of the strikers went over to the South side to attend a meeting and the others gathered in knots on the street corners and talked over the situation.

Everything was very quiet in the lower end of the lumber district yesterday, nearly all the strikers being otherwise engaged on Blue Island avenue. A barge loaded with lumber lies at the dock consigned to Johnson Brothers, but, although they offered fabulous wages to have her unloaded, they could find no one to undertake the job.

Including the laborers in the planing-mills and hardwood yards, and the twenty five hundred sailors engaged upon vessels in the lumber carrying trade, there are 17,500 men involved in the strike of the lumbermen. The committee from the strikers met the committee from the Lumber Dealers' association yesterday afternoon. Beyond an informal talk nothing was done. A meeting will be held at the lumber-exchange at 3 o'clock this afternoon, when the dealers and planing-mill men will make a formal reply to the strikers. It will absolutely refuse to concede any one, or part of any one, of the strikers' demands, and will in as decisive a manner, refuse to enter into any negotiations whatever looking toward any sort of a compromise. The reply will be signed by every lumber dealer in the city. As the strikers appear to be equally determined it is certain that they will be locked out for from sixty to ninety days. The dealers' association has received positive assurances from nearly every competing market that they will be given the most faithful support.

STRIKING GIRLS

Not content with their own voluntary idleness some thirty socialists started out yesterday morning for the purpose of inducing the work-

ing girls in that section of the city surrounding the intersection of Division and Sedgwick streets to strike. Headed by a brass band and under the leadership of two men, one carrying a huge ax and the other bearing aloft a mammoth mallet, they began with a few converts from among the needle-pliers in the tailor-shops of Nelson, Johnston & Lindsten, and others. Forming the girls into files of two they began their march. Whenever a tailor-shop was reached, they marched in and called upon the girls to leave their work and join in the procession. The cry was, "Work only Eight Hours a Day," "Demand and Get More Pay." The girls became nearly frenzied in their excitement, and threatened to smash sewing machines, tear out hair, scratch faces, and used other forms of forcible feminine argument and coercion. Several flags and banners were brought out by fresh delegations, and the procession had assumed respectable proportions when it invaded the shops of a man named Nicholson. He was able to hold his forces in a struggle lasting nearly fifteen minutes, and the procession was obliged to move along without having its numbers augmented. They left dire threats of vengeance behind. They marched on to a large building at the corner of Wesson and Hobble streets. Here are the shops of Mssrs. Lincross, Petersen, Olson, Johnson, Lungerist, and Liebech.

OVER ONE HUNDRED GIRLS

were at work in these shops. As soon as they heard the music of the band their heads popped out of windows. The sight of their parading sisters was enough. Down on the floor went overalls, cheap hand-me-down clothes, etc.; on went hats, bonnets, and shawls, and in a moment a patter of footfalls upon the staircases, and shouts shrill and merry were the farewells which fell into the ears of the astonished employers. Frantic cries, mingled with the choicest expletives known to the Scandavian tongue, and earnest appeals to return, all alike were unavailing. Reinforced, the girls proceeded to Elm and Larrabee streets, and recruits were gained from the tailor shops of Jungrine & Nelson and an adjoining laundry. At No. 81 and No. 83 the employés of Frank Lindsten and Frank Zougstas, over sixty in number, left their work and joined the procession. At Blomgren Brothers' shop, on Sedgwick, nearly seventy girls were guiding the destinies of cheap garments when the procession came to a halt and called upon the girls to come out. With blanched faces the boss told his workers that they had better go until the labor troubles should end. In a moment the machines stopped their whirring, and the girls were scampering out to swell the Amazonian throng. By this time the procession had grown to such a size that the "bosses" recognized how futile would be any attempt to restrain their girls from marching to the song of the eight day shirt, and it was not long before the girls in more than thirty shops were added to the throng. When there were no more shops to conquer the girls numbered

NEARLY A THOUSAND.

They ranged in age from 12 to 25 years. The blonde type predominated largely, as the majority of them were fair haired, blue-eyed Swedes and Norwegians. The close confinement in the dingy shops had served to still further whiten, if possible, their already fair faces, and the great majority possessed complexions that in themselves would be a rare treasure to their sisters who have faded under the rays of the sun of aristocratic society. The hard hands and needle-pricked thumbs and fingers were evidence of how they stitched the hours away and earned a livelihood. There were some gaudy feathers and apparel of fancy design, but the great majority wore the plain, worn clothes of poverty and toil. their work is on the cheapest sort of cheap-John clothing and their earnings are very small.

When the procession had within its ranks about all the girls working in that district it halted and its members were instructed by their leaders how to carry on a strike -- to recruit new members and prevent secession from their ranks. Committees were appointed to wait outside the shops and prevent any from going to work. The various committees then stood around on corners and discussed the situation in a manner which delighted their fellow-strikers of the sterner sex.

Shortly after noon the procession was reformed, and all the girls who were not serving upon committees fell in. They numbered about two hundred. Followed by about 150, and led by a brass band, they marched over to the South side. They marched by twos, and their modest demeanor and poor attire, coupled with the knowledge of the spectators of the class of work at which they were engaged, won for them

GENUINE SYMPATHY,

and they were frequently greeted with cheers along the line of march.

The parade was the subject of discussion to the exclusion of nearly everything else upon the North side yesterday afternoon. When it returned from the south side the male strikers all greeted them with cheers and words of encouragement. It is said an attempt to have a turnout of the girls working in the shops on the South side will be made to-day.

BUILDING TRADES.

Among the contractors, builders, and producers of building materials there was a little trouble yesterday. The stone yards were sufferers from strikes among their laborers, who refused to work more than eight hours. This was the case at Singer & Talcott's, the Illinois Stone company, and the Excelsior Stone company's yards. The refusal of the laborers to work will throw out of employment a large number of stone cutters. However, the yards can be shut down now better than at any other time, as there is practically no demand for building material of any kind. The owners of the yards say there is nothing to encourage them to go ahead. They prefer to close the yards during the excitement, at least.

Joseph Downey, who has a contract with the Chicago and Great Western Railway company to erect depots and warehouses at Halsted and Canal streets and at Centre and Blue Island avenues, and for changing viaducts at Halsted and Canal streets and Centre avenue, had 108 laborers employed. They all struck yesterday. Mr. Downey had been paying them $1.50 a day for ten hours' work. When they told him they were going to quit he told them he would pay them the same wages for eight hours' work. This they refused. Being in a hurry he offered them $1.60 for eight hours, which they also refused, demanding $2 a day. This Mr. Downey refused to pay, and called them in, settled with them, and discharged the whole lot. This throws out of employment nearly a hundred mechanics, who can not proceed with their work because of the strike of the laborers.

At the corner of Blue Island avenue and Fourteenth street yesterday Mr. John Dunphy had seventy-five laborers at work. They struck and quit.

Early yesterday morning a dozen laborers who were employed on the building at the northeast corner of State and South Water streets made a demand for an increase of pay and a decrease of time. They were discharged. The other men employed on the building remained at work.

Among the builders there seems to be a disposition manifested to not accede to any demands which seem unreasonable. The result will probably be to stop every building that the contract does not require to be completed within a given time without regard to labor troubles.

The men employed on the contract for building the new gas works on the site of the old "salt" dock still remain out. They had been offered $1.50 for eight hours' work, which was the old scale of pay for ten hours. Before the eight-hour strike began, however, they struck for a raise of 25 cents. This they received, and now demand $1.75 for eight hours' work. The men in the regular employ of the gas company are also idle, being prevented from working by the threats of the contractor's men.

METAL TRADE.

About one hundred men employed in the Union Steel company's works at Bridgeport as laborers yesterday demanded ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. As it is perfectly impossible for a foundry to work only eight hours, this demand was refused, but the manager offered to raise the pay of the men from $1.25 to $1.40 for ten hours. This offer was refused, and the men at once walked out of the works. Mr. Forsythe, the manager, in conversation with a reporter, said that the company could manage to scrape along without them, but it would be impossible to run the business and give in to the men. They could not work eight hours, so there was no use talking about it.

The North-side rolling mills shut down yesterday morning for an indefinite period, and about one thousand men are out of employment. The superintendent said that in all probability the mills would not start up again until the labor troubles were at an end. The company could not give ten hours' pay for eight hours' work, and to shut down was the only course open.

The situation at the Chicago Screw company's works is unchanged. The men went out on Saturday at 3 o'clock, and have not been heard from since.

The establishment of Crane Brothers was as quiet yesterday as a country churchyard. Not a wheel was turning, and the proprietors did not seem to be in a very great hurry

TO START UP.

Fraser & Chalmers' machinery establishment is running with five hundred hands as if no strikes were on. Eight hours' work and eight hours' pay is their motto, and it seems to suit the men.

David Bradley's manufactory, on Desplaines street, was running with 150 men yesterday. The hands had taken a holiday on Saturday, but turned up for work yesterday in good order.

Sixty men working in the brass-works of the Adams & Westlake company struck for eight hours yesterday.

The employes of the Richardson-Kelly Manufacturing company, on Stewart avenue, returne to work yesterday morning on the conditions of eight hours' pay for eight hours' work. This arrangement is to hold good for one week only in order to see how it works.

The South Branch foundry, on Archer avenue, shut down yesterday morning, the company having refused the demands of the men for eight hours' work.

Yesterday morning the machinists employed in the foundry of the Vierling McDowell company, on the corner of Twenty-third street and Stewart avenue, returned to the shops, but the men employed in the foundry failed to put in an appearance. The company at once began extensive repairs on its foundry, so that even if the men should now return it will be unable to employ them for

SOME TIME TO COME.

All the nickel-plating works on the North side were closed down yesterday, throwing some two hundred men out of employment.

At Adams & Westlake's the men were paid off yesterday, and the employes of the Union Brass Manufacturing company will be paid off to-day. Mr. J. McGregor Adams expressed the greatest possible sympathy for the four hundred locked-out employes in the Adams & Westlake establishment. They are willing to return to work, but he is unwilling to subject them to the violence threatened by the strikers from the Union brass works. For the same reasons the Chicago Nickel-Plating works, under the same management, was compelled to close its doors against its fifty employes, who all reported to go to work yesterday morning.

Fifty men employed at G. M. Clark & Co.'s vapor stove and lamp factory struck for the ten-for-eight system. The firm proposed eight hours' pay for eight hours' work, and the men will return to-day.

THINGS REMAINED UNCHANGED

at the works of the Dearborn Foundry company, corner of Sixteenth and Dearborn streets. The company closed the foundry Friday evening because of dissatisfaction among the men, some of whom wanted to get ten hours' pay for eight hours' work; others wanted to ask for eight hours only, and others did not want to strike at all. During yesterday morning some of the older employes, principally men of families, lingered about the foundry and anxiously inquired when they would probably have a chance to resume work. The foreman told them that the company would willingly let the men return to work as soon as they had agreed among themselves as to what they wanted to demand. The men informed the foreman that the majority of the hands would be willing to return to work at once; but there seemed to be a striking element in their number that wields a very potent influence. It is more than probable that the foundrymen will hold a meeting to-day or to-morrow and agree upon some overtures toward the company. The secretary of the company says that if the men make any reasonable request it will be granted, but that allowing ten hours' pay for eight hours' work is out of the question.

The men employed in the Malleable iron-works, to the number of seven hundred, held a secret meeting yesterday and appointed a committee of five to call upon President Head with the following propositions: First, ten hours' pay for eight hours' work, and if not accepted to offer to work for nine hours' pay. Piece-work to be raised 10 per cent in every instance. The company flatly refused to concede any one of the proposals, and the committee retired in high dudgeon.

MILITARY PROTECTION.

"If the anarchist element among the strikers should make an attempt to capture any of the armories in the city they'll get a decidedly warm reception," said a young man who belongs to a company in the 2d regiment, "for the boys are ready for them, and will make quick work of them in no matter what shape they show up." A little before 11 o'clock last night a reporter started out to see what was going on in militia circles. He called first at the armory of the 2d regiment, but as he pushed open the storm door a glistening bayonet was suddenly thrust across the doorway and a command to halt given. The gun was held by a young man in full fatigue uniform, overcoat, cape, and all. After some formalities the reporter was allowed to enter. "You see" said the officer in charge, "we are not going to be surprised if we know ourselves."

There was in the large drill-room at the time the full force of company D, that company having been detailed to guard the armory for the night. The boys had just finished drilling and were recreating themselves. Around the hall, just under the gun-shelves, were piled knapsacks, blankets, canteens, and other paraphernalia, all strapped in single kits with the straps ready to throw over the shoulders of each soldier. There were tents, bugles, drums, etc., also piled about and ready for transportation at any moment. To the right of the entrance was the Gatling gun, covered, but ready for adjustment and bloody work at any time. The men were provided with quarters in the company rooms and changed watches twice during the night.

"How long would it take to have you under arms in case of a surprise?" a sergeant was asked.

"Twenty men would be under arms instantly, and the rest of the company in two minutes. Twenty men would hold back any mob for two minutes anyhow when they have anything of the advantage in the situation."

"How long would it take to have the rest of the regiment on hand in case affairs looked very serious?"

"Well, we could have four or five companies here in half an hour. You see, each non-commissioned officer has his own squad of men, and they generally live in the same neighborhood. Word is telephoned to the nearest drug-store in the officer's vicinity, and he quickly passes the word to his squad to report at the armory. All this has, of course, been arranged beforehand. But with that Gatling gun I could come pretty near cleaning out a good-sized mob myself, provided, of course, that there was some protection to the rear and sides of the building."

Col. Knox does not anticipate that there will be any practical use for the militia in the present state of affairs, but he thought it well to be prepared for emergencies.

A special guard was also detailed to look after batteries B and D, so that, as Col. Jacobs said last evening, "the parties who attempt to give us a surprise will be welcome to all they can take away."

FURNITURE PEOPLE.

At the Brunswick-Balke-Collender company everything remained at a stand-still, and no communications were exchanged between the managers and the strikers. At Rothschild's Sons' establishment no change occurred. The men held a meeting at Zepf's hall yesterday morning, and were met there by Manager Robert Kauffman. The meeting resulted in a better understanding upon the part of the men of the true position they occupied, and it is believed that the compromise proposed by Mr. Kauffman will be accepted at a meeting to be held this morning. The men are holding out for the consent of the union, and if it is not granted it is threatened by a very many of them that they will withdraw in a body from the union.

The furniture-workers were in session at No. 120 West Lake street yesterday afternoon considering shop reports, and getting their house in order. They say that their position can not be changed until they get into communication with a committee of the Furniture Manufacturers association. This they think will be done some time to-day or to-morrow, but they have no hope of ending their strike before the close of the present week. They expect to accomplish at least ten hours' pay for nine hours' work.

An informal meeting of the Furniture Manufacturers' association was held at the Leland hotel yesterday afternoon for the purpose of laying out work for the executive committee to-day, and otherwise aid the committee in its business.

On last Friday evening Mr. Z. S. Holbrook, treasurer of the A. H. Andrews Furniture company, held a conference with the striking employes of the concern and compromised with them by advancing their wages 10 per cent. The men continued work on Saturday, but the following day the union men made such a forcible appeal to them to violate their pledge that they did so. Yesterday morning steam was up and everything ready for them to resume work as usual, but none of them appeared. Later they sent word that they had been compelled to again demand ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. The demand was refused, and the matter will be left to the disposal of the executive committee of the Manufacturers' association.

THE BREWERIES.

Mr. J. H. McAvoy, in reply to a question by a reporter for The Times as to the result of the meeting of the representatives of the various city brewing companies yesterday, said that the meeting was a very protracted one, and all the requests made by the committee of the Brewers' and Maltsters' union were carefully discussed. All the men knew that the brewing business could not be carried on with less than 10 hours' work daily, and the reduction to ten hours every working day had already been conceded. After a long discussion upon the injury sure to result to the brewing interest by a general strike, and with a desire to be as liberal with the men as they possibly could be, the brewers resolved to grant the extra pay asked by the men--viz., $60 a month in the wash-house, $65 in the kettle, fermenting-room, and cellar, the foremen $10 to $15 more monthly, and the foremen of the wash-house $5 more. All men employed are to be union men and no discharges to be made upon the representations of non-union men, saloon-keepers, or other outside persons. The meeting refused to allow the interference with the men while at work by the central labor committee of any other persons, or to permit the visits of the committee to the men while at the breweries, claiming that it was absolutely necessary that they should be able to control their places of business from disturbing influences. The beer allowed the men was limited to fifteen glasses a day, not to exceed three glasses at any one time, beer time to be at 6, 9, 11, 2, and 4 o'clock.

These arrangements were communicated to the committee representing the men, who accepted them.

Mr. McAvoy adds that the brewers regard the whole matter as settled, and although the concessions made will cost the trade a very large amount of money, it was generally considered that this loss was to be preferred to the complete disorganization that a general strike would bring about.

LABOR NOTES.

THE TANNERS.

No serious strike occurred among the tanneries on the West side. There are about fifteen of them between Milwaukee avenue and the North branch, employing about three hundred hands. Early in the morning the employes called on their various employers and wanted to know what was to be done. In most cases the bosses compromised with the men, and in many others they asked for more time to see what the other firms would do. C. Lambeau Sons, on Elston avenue, granted eight hours' work and nine hours' pay. A committee from the Tanners' union waited on Mattson & Aeppli, who employ about one hundred men and girls, and asked if they were going to give their hands shorter hours. Mr. Mattson said he would do what the other concerns did, and requested more time, telling the employes to go to work and everything would be all right. The hands returned to work, saying they would trust him. At C. Casselman's place five pullers quit work until the proprietor should make up his mind what he was going to do. He was willing to give the pullers ten hours' pay for nine hours' work, but would not consent to eight hours on Saturday. Walker, Oakley & Co. consented to nine hours' work and ten hours' pay and eight hours on Saturday, and the hands did not leave the establishment. Sharpe, Clarke & Co. also made the same terms with their employes. At Clark & Gray's the proprietors could not smake any arrangements, and their hands went out. W. N. Eisendrath & Co. employ about 150 men and girls. They told their employes early in the morning that they were willing to give them the same terms as any other house, but they must wait before coming to any decision. The girls in the glove department said they wanted nine hours' work with ten hours' pay. Mr. Eisendrath told them that if they did not like the present arrangement they could go out. After thinking it over they went back to work. The men in the other departments said they would take a holiday while the bosses were making up their minds, and they all marched out, with the exception of ten. They returned later in the day for their pay, and most of them said they would return to work in the morning. No disturbance occurred among the tanners, and the probability is that the difficulty will be amicably arranged in a day or two.

PRINTERS.

Mr. John B. Jaffery was asked yesterday what the publishers and printers were going to do about the demands set forth in the circular of the Typographical union. He said: "I hardly know what to say about the matter just yet, as I haven't consulted with any of the other large printing concerns. I think, however, that everything will be amicably arranged. I think that the union should give us some timely notice, though, of their increase of wages in order that we might be able to get the contracts we had engaged for off our hands. Another thing, I think that if the union wants to enforce the eight-hour system its members ought to be willing to concede something to the employers, for the two hours less work means an additional expense to us, for the rent goes on, the use of the machinery is lost just that much, and the producing capacity of a concern is certainly curtailed--all of which means in plain English a dead loss to the employer." Messrs. J. M. W. Jones and the firm of Rand & McNally still insist that they will not entertain any such proposition as that submitted by the union, and that they will certainly lock up their composing-rooms if the union insists upon the adoption of its proposition. A representative of the firm of Knight & Leonard said that a committee of employers would probably be gotten together to-day for the purpose of conferring with the committee of the union.

A committee of the Typographical union, No. 16, German, waited upon Mr. Eugene A. Sittig, publisher of Der Brauer and Maetzer, Der Holzarbeiter, and The German-American Miller, and asked a raise from 40 to 43 cents a thousand ems, in accordance with a resolution passed by them. Mr. Sittig readily agreed to pay them. Work goes on as usual.

PLUMBERS.

Mr. Edward Baggott, of No. 132 Fifth avenue, who employes a force of 220 journeyman plumbers and helpers, when asked as to the situation pointed with a smile to a large placard posted in front of the cashier's desk announcing that employes of the firm would hereafter receive nine hours' pay for eight hours' work. In conversation Mr. Baggott stated that the new arrangement would entail a probable loss of $75,000 to the firm on contracts already in hand, and that the general effect would be to diminish the volume of builders and plumbers' work 25 per cent below what it would have been but for the strikes. He was uncertain as to whether the present rates would continue, but did not think the change would have a permanent bad effect on business. Underworkers were kept on a ten hours' pay for eight hours' work. The average of plumbers daily wages before the strike was $3.50 to $4. Workmen who received $4 would now get $3.50 and the others $3.15. Mr. Baggott said that he would have felt that all was fair if the men had given reasonable notice of their intentions, and contented themselves with eight hours' work for eight hours' pay. The new deal cut the employers both ways, for the price of plumbers' supplies had risen in the market recently. He was disposed, however, to view the situation hopefully, and thought time would effect an adjustment satisfactory alike to employer and employed.

Matthews and Holt, of No. 85 Jackson street, employ a considerable force, and yesterday morning acceded to the demands of their men made on Saturday for eight hours' work and nine hours' pay. A representative of the firm was of the opinion that the change in hours and pay would not materially effect business profits in the long run.

Eight hours' work for nine hours' pay is the rule at Hugh Watt's plumbing establishment, No. 101 Van Buren street, since May 1. Mr. Watt did not think that, so far as the plumbers were concerned, the change from ten to eight hours would have a damaging effect on business, or occasion any loss. The men could do about the same work in eight as had been exacted from them in ten hours. The building interest would only be temporarily hurt and start up again in a short time as brisk as ever.

Mr. J. O. Norton, a member of the firm of T. W. Wilmarth & Co., No. 225 State street, said to a reporter: "We knew what was coming, and made an agreement with our employes some time since that should the majority of employers accede to the present demand we would give nine hours' pay for eight hours work. We are going on now at that, and have had no trouble."

When asked what he thought of the situation, and the result of the strikes, Mr. Norton replied:

"Oh, I don't know. I don't think anyone can foresee the result of a thing so far-reaching and general. It will retard business in our line hereafter, beyond a doubt. Both sides will have to give some, or building can't go on as it has, that's certain." A number of other firms in the plumbing and gas-fitting lines in different parts of the city were questioned, and without exception admitted conceding the demands of their men for nine hours' pay in return for eight hours' labor.

LABOR'S KINGS.

The joint committee of the Eight-Hour association and trades-assembly, composed of Charles W. Rowan, George A. Schilling, William Hollister, A. C. Cameron, W. C. Tomson, Thomas McGilligan, Thomas Elligot, T. A. Hogan, Felix Finn, Robert Nelson, and James F. Quinn, met yesterday afternoon in Plasterers' Hall and organized by electing the first-named gentleman as chairman. No business was transacted owing to the excitement in the lumber and packing-house districts, but it was decided that the headquarters should remain open so that those who desired might send in reports. Mr. Schilling evinced considerable enthusiasm over the outlook among the packing-house employes, and he expressed his confidence in their final victory. He had spent the forenoon among them and he was sanguine that the packing-houses of Messrs. Swift, Headley, Morrill, and Morris must succumb to the men on strike. "Morrill," said he, "has already adjusted his difficulties by agreeing to give his men nine hours' pay for eight hours' work--that is, for those receiving over $2 a day, and there will be no reduction in the wages of those who are getting less than $2 a day. Swift has consented to give his men ten hours pay for eight hours' work. Morris will, no doubt, treat his men fairly, and eventually the others will fall into line."

The committee of the Central Labor union was in session all day yesterday at No. 54 West Lake street, adjudicating upon shop reports submitted to them. They succeeded in making peace between employers and employes in several instances, and seemed to be doing a large amount of executive work.

ITEMS.

At a meeting of the employes in the mechanical department of the South side street railroad company a vote of thanks was unanimously tendered to Supt. C. B. Holmes for his courteous treatment of the committee sent to ask for the adoption of eight hours for a day's work and for having granted the request. A vote of thanks was also extended to Mr. J. B. Wright, the master mechanic, for his courteous treatment of the men.

The makers of the seductive caramel and toothsome creams at John Berry's candy factory, No. 241 West Madison street, laid down their rollers and hung up their paddles during the forenoon yesterday and struck for eight hours. In all they numbered fifteen persons, men and girls. The proprietor refused the request and the help marched out in a small body. Other candy-makers are asked to keep away by the strikers.

Mr. Holtz, of the Schuttler Wagon Manufacturing company, stated that it was a mistake as to any difference having existed between his company and its employes. They were given, he said, a day off on Tuesday, and were to have resumed work Saturday; but owing to some misunderstanding among the men themselves, did not do so. He admitted the men would return to work on the eight-hour plan, but declined to say whether there would be any reduction in wages.

The revenue officers report that all the distilleries are running full time with no indications of impending trouble or dissatisfaction among the employes. Very little skilled labor is employed at distilleries, and no talk of strikes has been heard among the men thus far.

The millers and laborers in Douglas & Stuart's mills and elevator, who made a half-way demand for eight hours' work and ten hours' pay Saturday, are still at work, but Mr. Stuart said yesterday that he did not know whether they would come out with another demand or not. "However," he said, "I think the men are too sensible to insist upon their demand, for it is simply out of the question to grant it, and, as I said before, we would close up at five minutes' notice before we would concede, and I think every concern like ours in the city would follow suit."

The coopers at the shops of D. W. Ryan & Co., at No. 29 Rawson street, made a demand for eight hours' work and ten hours' pay. It was promptly granted, and work was immediately resumed to the intense gratification of the men.

On Monday next the barbers of Chicago will strike for eleven hours' work instead of sixteen, as heretofore, and for $15 a week wages. It is understood that the Barbers' union will notify all members at the proper hour.

The finishers and workmen in the employ of A. H. Revell & Co. were yesterday granted nine hours' pay for eight hours' work.

Fifty men employed by J. J. Murray, butterine manufacturer, Fulton street, went out yesterday for eight hours.