A short while ago the company put up a large addition to Rico's boarding-house, large enough to accommodate two hundred men.
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. 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.