The prospect of a bad strike on the Croton Valley reservoir has just been averted.
This strike appeared to be of such a threatening nature that the works were guarded by sheriffs, and the militia were called out to protect the property.
The work which is being done is the building of an enormous wall which is to act as a dam, and collect the waters of the Croton and its tributaries into one monster reservoir, for the supply of New York city.
The work has been in progress for five years, and it promises to be another four before it is accomplished.
The majority of the workmen employed are Italians, many of whom have bought little plots of land and built homes for themselves near their work.
Nearly five hundred workmen are employed, and for the convenience of these men and their families the company put up a large general store where they could get their provisions; and a boarding-house for the single men. Both of these were leased to an Italian named Joseph Rico.
It was an understood thing that the company should protect Rico from loss, and agreed between the masters and the men that any bills owing at Rico's store should be deducted from their wages.
All went well for Rico. He charged enormous prices for everything he sold, and there being no other store, the people were obliged to buy from him.