When it was nearly finished word was passed round among the men that
those who wished to keep their job must move into Rico's new
boarding-house, no matter whether they had to give up their own little
homes to do so. It was said that Rico would get the men discharged if
they did not board with him, and would engage others in their place, as
he meant to have his house filled.
This was more than the men would stand. They determined to go on strike,
and, leaving their work, made riotous demonstrations, threatening to
burn Rico's house about his ears if he did not leave the place at once.
Thinking that the contractors were in league with Rico, they threatened
all sorts of damage to the works if any further attempt was made to
interfere with their right to live where they pleased.
So fierce were the men that they hurled rocks down into the pit that had
been dug for the foundations of the wall, and began to fill up the hole
that had taken so much time and money to make. Then the soldiers were
sent for.
When matters had arrived at this stage the Italian consul-general in New
York determined to go to Croton Landing and see if he could not arrange
matters.
On his arrival he called his countrymen together and learned their
grievances.
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