As soon as he had throughly posted himself on the subject he
went off to the contractors, and had a long interview with them.
They on their side stated that they had built the house because they
thought it would be pleasanter for the men to live nearer their work,
but they denied having given orders that the men must live in it.
On hearing this the consul went back to the strikers and soon returned
with about thirty of the leaders. These men talked matters over with the
contractors, and on learning that for the future they could buy their
food where they pleased and live where they pleased, the men decided to
go back to work, the contractors promising not to discharge any of them
so long as they did their duty faithfully and well.
The Italians were very grateful to their consul for the work he had
done, and in a short while the soldiers were told that they were not
wanted, the sheriffs sent home, and peace once more reigned in Croton
Landing.
* * * * *
There seems a possibility of the engineers' strike being brought to a
close.
The employers have agreed to meet the representatives of the strikers
and talk matters over with them, provided they will promise that the
subject of the eight-hour working day shall not be brought into the
discussion.
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