Muscatine County, Iowa COMMUNITY NEWS

Source: West Branch Times, West Branch, Iowa
Submitted by Sharon Elijah, May 10, 2018

Muscatine Under Military Rule
April 27, 1911

    The city of Muscatine is now under military rule, Maj. G. W. Ball, Co. I., of Iowa City, being in command. The militia called to the city of disturbance some weeks ago and later dispersed on the strength of the supposed agreement between the strikers and mill owners, were sent back on the renewal of hostilities, and are now encamped at Reservoir Park and the city is being constantly patrolled by the soldiers.

    An order has been issued by Maj. Ball forbidding all crowds or congregations, night meetings of any kind, and after the hour of 8 p.m. all persons found on the streets must give a good account of themselves under penalty of arrest. The Major’s orders are of the strictest and three companies of militia are on hand to enforce them.

Muscatine Strike Settled
May 4, 1911

    The button strike at Muscatine is settled at last and things are just about the same as they were before. The strikers had become deadly tired of the conditions and voted almost unanimously for settlement. It is said that the factories resumed work yesterday, all the strikers being taken back without question and the troops are being removed from the scene of trouble. The long drawn out strike has been a severe one to the Muscatine merchants, who estimate their loss of trade at many thousands of dollars, and then they say they don’t like military rule. Through the office of Gov. Carroll this strike was brought to a settlement. The governor has conferred a great favor to the state, as well as to the people of Muscatine.