hile 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.

As this was one of the great objects of the strike, it seemed at first
as if it would be impossible for the masters and men to come to an
understanding.

It has been reported, however, that the strikers have agreed to withdraw
their demand for an eight-hour day and that the meeting will take place.

One of the great societies of engineers is, however, holding out for the
eight-hour day, and as this society includes the master-workmen of the
trade, the end of the strike may still be far off.

* * * * *

While we are on the subject of strikes it may interest you to hear of a
decision that has just been given in a lawsuit between a laborer and a
labor union.

The workingman, who was an engineer, did not belong to any union, and
did not wish to join one. The union, however, wished him to become one
of its members, and great efforts were made to induce him to join. The
man, however, remained firm.

When the union found that he was really determined not to join, it began
to persecute him, and sending its walking delegates to follow him
wherever he obtained employment, threatened his master to call all the
rest of his workmen out on strike if the offending engineer was not
discharged.

This happened time after time; all of his employers declared that he was
a competent workman, and that they were very sorry to discharge him, but
they dared not take the risk of a strike and so were obliged to let him
go.

In 1896 this man tried to join the union but they refused to have him,
though at the same time they continued to persecute him so that he could
not obtain work anywhere. Then he sued the Labor Union for damages.

The judge before whom the case was brought gave a decision in the
workingman's favor, declaring that if labor unions were allowed to do
any such wicked things as this, no laborer who was not a union man could
be able to earn his living.

* * * * *

Preparations are being made in