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.

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