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.