From the Richmond Dispatch, 12/12/1866, p. 1, c. 6

THE BELLE ISLE STRIKE still continues, and originated not in the employment of men who were not members of the Workingmen’s Society, as has been reported, but in the assumption of authority on the part of the employés to make the selection themselves of such men as the superintendent might employ. He had no objection to all of his men being members of the Society, but claimed the right to make his own selection. The company determined that if they were not permitted to manage their own business they would suspend operations, and thus things remain at present. We hope, however, for the sake of all concerned, that the difficulty will be settled at once to the satisfaction of both parties, and that work will be resumed, and proceed with accustomed activity.

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