Subsequently, on January 24, 1900, the workmen again went on strike, alleging that there had been a failure to redress the grievances complained of in November, and because they apprehended a lockout. The Board again interposed, and through its mediation the men returned to work; several conferences have been held, and, although at the time of making up this report the differences are not fully adjusted, many of them have been adjusted, and all seem in a fair way of settlement by agree

ment.

C. W. VARNEY & CO. — LYNN.

On November 1 the hand lasters employed by C. W. Varney & Co., of Lynn, struck for an increase of wages. A committee called upon the firm and submitted their demands. An offer of an increase of a fourth of a cent a pair was declined by them.

The Board sought and obtained separate interviews with the parties, and found the firm undecided as to what course to pursue. Further attempts at a settlement were made, and on November 6 the workmen agreed to the modification of their demands suggested by the firm, and all hands were reinstated.

A controversy which arose about the same time in the factory of Walter & Logan, of Lynn, involving questions practically the same and threatening to result in a strike, was adjusted at the same time in accordance with the terms of settlement agreed to in the Varney

case.

Two days after the settlement in the Varney case a new difficulty arose in the same factory, caused by complaint about the system of tagging the work. A conference was had which resulted in a settlement.

PETER J. MULLIGAN ET AL. - BROCKTON.

On December 18 an application, signed by Peter J. Mulligan, Joseph M. Horton and Michael F. Saunders, was presented to the Board alleging that they were the "authorized agents" of employees of R. B. Grover & Co., of Brockton, "in the department in question." The grievances set forth were as follows:

That under and by virtue of a contract dated June 7th, 1899 (a copy whereof is herewith filed) entered into by said R. B. Grover & Co. and the Boot & Shoe Workers' Union (the general body representing all local unions) said R. B. Grover & Co. agreed to employ union men only; that at the time of the execution of said agreement all said twenty-six employees were and as they claimed still are in fact and in law members in good standing of Cutters' Union (local) No. 35 of Brockton; that said general body claims that because of the proceedings of a certain convention held in June last at Rochester, New York, which said proceedings we claim were unlawful, invalid and in violation of the constitution of said Boot & Shoe Workers' Union said twenty-six employees are no longer members in good standing of said union

and is by threatening to deprive said firm of the union stamp obtained and now held under said contract and thereby to boycott the manufactured goods of said firm, if said firm shall retain in their employ said 26 employees and because thereof said firm has already discharged and locked out some and is threatening to discharge and lock out all others of said employees, notwithstanding that under the terms of said contract said Boot & Shoe Workers' Union, said Cutters' Union and said firm are all bound in terms to submit all matters in dispute to this State Board and have no lock out.

Agreement entered into this 7th day of June A.D. 1899 by and between R. B. Grover & Co., of Brockton, Massachusetts, shoe manufacturer, party of the first part, and the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union, party of the second part, witnesseth:

First. The party of the first part agrees that it will employ as boot and shoe workers in its factory in Brockton none but members of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union in good standing.

Second. That it will not employ any member of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union or any other person as a boot and shoe worker who is objectionable to said union, either on account of being in arrears for dues or from any other cause, after receiving notice of the objection by some authorized agent of the Boot and Shoe Workers' Union or local union or unions.

Third. That it will not hinder or obstruct the collectors of said union working in its factory in the per